Open Call: Lanark County Community Grants Program (Canada)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The Lanark County Community Grants Program provides funding to non-profit organizations and community initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents and support Lanark County’s strategic priorities. Grants of up to CAD 50,000 are available through Project Grants and Program Grants for initiatives that deliver social, economic, or environmental benefits across the county.

About the Community Grants Program

The Lanark County Community Grants Program supports community-led projects and programs that create positive and lasting impacts for residents.

The program helps non-profit organizations deliver initiatives that address community needs, strengthen partnerships, improve community wellbeing, and contribute to the County’s strategic priorities. Funding is awarded through a competitive process to projects that demonstrate strong community value, effective planning, and sustainable outcomes.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support projects that improve the quality of life for Lanark County residents.
• Promote social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.
• Encourage collaboration among community organizations.
• Strengthen local non-profit organizations and community initiatives.
• Support innovative projects that address identified community needs.
• Advance the strategic goals and priorities of Lanark County.
• Build sustainable community programs with long-term benefits.

Grant Streams

Project Grants

Project Grants provide funding for short-term initiatives that can be completed within one year.

Eligible projects should:

• Address a demonstrated community need.
• Align with Lanark County priorities.
• Deliver measurable community benefits.
• Be completed within 12 months.

Funding Available

• Up to CAD 10,000 per project.

Program Grants

Program Grants support longer-term initiatives that require additional resources to build sustainability and expand community impact.

Programs should:

• Demonstrate ongoing community value.
• Support long-term sustainability.
• Align with Council priorities.
• Deliver measurable outcomes.

Funding Available

• Up to CAD 50,000 per program.

Funding Information

• Project Grants: Up to CAD 10,000
• Program Grants: Up to CAD 50,000
• Total Funding Available for 2027: Up to CAD 90,000 for combined annual Project Grants and multi-year Program Grants.

Salaries and employee benefits are generally ineligible. However, startup projects or programs may allocate up to 50% of the total project budget toward salaries and benefits where justified.

Eligible Activities

Projects and programs may include initiatives that:

• Improve community wellbeing.
• Strengthen local communities.
• Promote social inclusion.
• Support environmental sustainability.
• Encourage economic development.
• Build partnerships between organizations.
• Respond to identified community needs.
• Deliver innovative community services.
• Support volunteer engagement.
• Enhance local quality of life.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit organizations.
• Community agencies.
• Community organizations serving Lanark County residents.

Applicants must:

• Deliver services or programs benefiting Lanark County residents.
• Have operated for at least one year if incorporated.
• Submit only one application per year unless applying through an eligible partnership.
• Complete all previous grant reporting requirements before submitting a new application.

Unincorporated organizations may apply through an incorporated organization that agrees to:

• Act as the funding administrator.
• Share responsibility for project delivery.
• Manage grant funds.

Who is Not Eligible?

The program does not support:

• Individual applicants.
• For-profit businesses.
• Deficit reduction or debt repayment.
• Existing operational funding for established programs.
• Endowment funds.
• Political activities.
• Religious activities.
• Fundraising initiatives.
• Completed projects.
• Recurring operating expenses for established organizations.
• Requests seeking 100% of a project’s budget.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Community benefit.
• Alignment with Lanark County priorities.
• Demonstrated community need.
• Collaboration and partnerships.
• Avoidance of duplication with existing services.
• Organizational capacity.
• Experience delivering similar projects.
• Ability to leverage additional funding.
• Financial management.
• Financial need.
• Clear and realistic use of grant funds.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong community organizations play a vital role in improving social wellbeing, supporting economic development, protecting the environment, and strengthening local communities.

The Lanark County Community Grants Program provides financial support that enables organizations to deliver innovative projects, build partnerships, respond to emerging community needs, and create sustainable programs that benefit residents throughout the county.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Determine whether their initiative fits the Project Grant or Program Grant stream.
2. Review all eligibility requirements.
3. Develop a detailed project or program plan.
4. Demonstrate community need and expected outcomes.
5. Prepare a realistic project budget.
6. Include evidence of partnerships and community support where applicable.
7. Submit the completed application before the application deadline.

Application Tips

• Clearly explain how the project benefits Lanark County residents.
• Demonstrate alignment with Council priorities.
• Provide evidence of community need.
• Include measurable outcomes and evaluation methods.
• Develop a realistic and balanced budget.
• Highlight partnerships and additional funding sources.
• Ensure previous grant reporting obligations have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Community Grants Program?

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and community agencies that provide services or programs benefiting residents of Lanark County.

What funding streams are available?

The program offers Project Grants of up to CAD 10,000 and Program Grants of up to CAD 50,000.

Can unincorporated groups apply?

Yes. Unincorporated organizations may apply through an incorporated organization that agrees to administer the grant and share responsibility for the project.

Can salaries be included in the budget?

Generally, salaries and benefits are not eligible. Startup projects or programs may allocate up to 50% of the total budget toward salaries where appropriate.

Can for-profit businesses apply?

No. Funding is available only to eligible non-profit organizations and community agencies.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are evaluated based on community benefit, alignment with Council priorities, community need, partnerships, organizational capacity, financial management, and project sustainability.

What are the reporting requirements?

Successful recipients must submit a final report within two months of project completion, including the required reporting form and supporting materials such as evaluation reports, photographs, promotional materials, or media coverage.

Conclusion

The Lanark County Community Grants Program provides valuable funding to help non-profit organizations deliver projects and programs that strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and address local priorities. Through Project Grants and Program Grants, the program supports innovative, collaborative, and sustainable initiatives that generate lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for residents across Lanark County.

For more information, visit Lanark County.