Open Call for Catherine Donnelly Foundation Grant Program (Canada)

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation provides grants to support community-driven initiatives in civic engagement and climate justice. Projects using participatory learning, popular education, and equity-focused approaches are prioritized, with special emphasis on underrepresented and Indigenous communities.

Program Overview

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation funds initiatives that strengthen civic participation, promote social justice, and foster climate resilience. It emphasizes adult education through participatory and popular learning methods, enabling communities to analyze root causes of systemic inequities and take collective action.

Key objectives include:

• Promoting civic engagement and collective empowerment

• Supporting equity-seeking communities and historically excluded groups

• Building leadership, communication, and organizational capacity

• Amplifying community voice in systemic change

• Advancing climate justice through inclusive, community-led approaches

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organizations, community groups, or coalitions

• Initiatives that work with adult participants (18+)

• Projects that actively engage equity-seeking and underrepresented communities, including racialized, low-income, Indigenous, and youth groups

• Multi-faith or faith-informed initiatives promoting peace, equity, and social justice

Note: This funding does not support:

• Basic literacy education

• Job training or counseling services

• One-time events or activities unrelated to civic engagement or climate justice

Focus Areas

1. Civic Engagement for Social Change

Projects should:

• Use participatory learning and popular education methods

• Engage communities in analyzing root causes of systemic issues such as racism, poverty, and violence

• Develop leadership, communication skills, and organizational capacity

• Encourage collective action and long-term systemic change

• Amplify the voice of communities in decision-making processes

2. Climate Justice and Environmental Action

Projects should:

• Address climate change through community knowledge, civic engagement, policy, legal reform, and ecosystem health

• Build collective power and inspire public demand for climate action

• Highlight equity-focused and Indigenous-led solutions

• Collaborate with labor or social movements where relevant

• Use communications and advocacy to shape positive narratives about climate solutions

How to Apply

1. Review Guidelines: Ensure the initiative aligns with either Civic Engagement or Climate Justice streams.

2. Develop Proposal: Clearly define:

   • Goals, objectives, and expected outcomes

   • Participatory methods or approaches

   • Target communities and beneficiaries

   • Activities, timeline, and implementation plan

   • Budget and resource requirements

3. Submit Application: Follow the Foundation’s submission process for the relevant funding stream.

4. Assessment: Applications are evaluated based on:

   • Alignment with Foundation priorities

   • Engagement of underrepresented or Indigenous communities

   • Potential for systemic impact and community empowerment

   • Clarity, feasibility, and sustainability of the proposed approach

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate community-driven design and participatory approaches

• Highlight equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Show potential for long-term systemic change rather than short-term activities

• If relevant, include Indigenous or faith-based leadership perspectives

• Emphasize climate justice projects that connect environmental and social justice

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Nonprofits, community groups, or coalitions working with adult participants in civic engagement or climate justice initiatives.

2. Are youth-focused projects eligible? Yes, if they actively engage adult participants and underrepresented communities in the learning or leadership process.

3. Can basic education or job training be funded? No, these activities are not eligible.

4. Are faith-based projects considered? Yes, both multi-faith and faith-informed initiatives promoting social justice are eligible.

5. Is Indigenous-led work prioritized? Yes, particularly in climate justice and environmental initiatives.

6. Can one-time events receive funding? No, the Foundation supports ongoing, participatory, and systemic initiatives.

7. What outcomes are expected? Increased civic participation, empowerment of marginalized communities, systemic change, and progress toward climate justice.

Why It Matters

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation empowers communities to drive social change and address systemic inequities through participatory education and civic engagement. Its climate justice funding ensures that underrepresented groups, especially Indigenous communities, play a leading role in shaping sustainable, equitable solutions for a resilient future.