Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Ontario Community Changemakers Program is a leadership and micro-grant initiative supporting Ontario residents who create community-driven projects that strengthen public spaces, civic participation, and social inclusion. Selected participants receive $5,000 in seed funding to implement projects that address local needs, encourage collaboration, and create positive community impact.
The programme welcomes diverse community leaders, including activists, artists, educators, designers, entrepreneurs, and individuals from underrepresented communities.
Overview of the Ontario Community Changemakers Program
The Ontario Community Changemakers Program is designed to support local leaders who develop innovative projects that create positive change across communities in Ontario.
The programme combines:
- Leadership development
- Community project support
- Micro-grant funding
- Civic engagement opportunities
- Public space improvement initiatives
The goal is to help residents transform ideas into practical projects that strengthen neighbourhoods and build more inclusive communities.
Programme Objectives
The initiative focuses on three main areas:
1. Public Space Activation
The programme supports projects that improve and energize shared community spaces.
Examples include:
- Creating welcoming public areas
- Revitalizing neighbourhood spaces
- Organizing community activities
- Encouraging creative use of public spaces
- Supporting local cultural expression
Projects should help communities feel more connected to the places they live.
2. Civic Engagement
The programme encourages stronger participation in community decision-making.
Supported projects may:
- Increase community involvement
- Encourage local collaboration
- Improve awareness of civic processes
- Help residents participate in solving local challenges
The aim is to strengthen relationships between residents and their communities.
3. Social Inclusion
The programme supports initiatives that reduce barriers and create opportunities for diverse communities.
Projects may focus on:
- Inclusion of marginalized groups
- Removing barriers to participation
- Supporting accessibility
- Celebrating cultural diversity
- Creating spaces where people feel welcome
Micro-Grant Funding Support
Selected Ontario Community Changemakers will receive:
$5,000 in seed funding
The funding supports the implementation of one community project over a period of:
One year
The grant helps participants turn community ideas into real-world initiatives.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Eligible projects should:
- Respond to community needs
- Build on existing local strengths
- Encourage collaboration
- Create measurable community benefits
Examples of potential projects include:
- Community events
- Neighbourhood improvement activities
- Cultural programmes
- Inclusive public space initiatives
- Civic participation campaigns
- Community-led design projects
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applicants from different backgrounds and professional experiences.
Eligible community leaders may include:
- Activists
- Tactical urbanists
- Designers
- Artists
- Educators
- Entrepreneurs
- Community organizers
- Local leaders
The programme especially encourages applications from groups underrepresented in placemaking and community development sectors.
These include:
- Indigenous communities
- Black communities
- People of Colour
- People with disabilities
- 2SLGBTQI+ communities
- Individuals with diverse lived experiences
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
- At least 19 years old at the time of application
Location Requirement
Applicants must:
- Live in Ontario during project implementation, or
- Live in a First Nations Territory located within Ontario’s provincial boundaries
Project Location Requirement
The proposed project must take place:
- Within Ontario, or
- Within a First Nations Territory inside Ontario’s provincial boundaries
Project Focus Requirement
Projects must support at least one of the following areas:
- Public space activation
- Civic engagement
- Social inclusion
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Submit an Application
Applicants propose a community project that explains:
- The local challenge being addressed
- The planned activities
- The expected community impact
- How the project supports inclusion and participation
Step 2: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Community impact
- Project relevance
- Feasibility
- Collaboration potential
- Alignment with programme goals
Step 3: Leadership Activities
Selected changemakers participate in programme activities designed to strengthen leadership skills.
Activities include:
- Online orientation sessions
- Community learning opportunities
- In-person Toronto Studio sessions
Step 4: Implement the Project
Successful participants use the $5,000 grant to deliver their project over one year.
Participants are expected to:
- Engage community members
- Build partnerships
- Create lasting local impact
- Share learning from their work
Programme Participation Expectations
Preference is given to applicants who can attend all three programme activities:
- Online orientation
- In-person Toronto Studio
- Additional programme sessions
Full participation helps changemakers gain skills, connect with peers, and strengthen project outcomes.
Why the Ontario Community Changemakers Program Matters
Many communities face challenges related to:
- Limited public participation
- Social isolation
- Barriers to accessing community spaces
- Lack of inclusive opportunities
This programme helps residents become active contributors to community improvement.
By supporting local ideas and grassroots leadership, the initiative strengthens:
- Community connections
- Civic participation
- Inclusive neighbourhood development
- Local problem-solving
Tips for Strong Applications
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Clearly explaining the community need
- Showing how residents will participate
- Highlighting collaboration with local groups
- Demonstrating long-term impact
- Creating realistic project plans
Projects should focus on practical solutions rather than only identifying problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Ontario Community Changemakers Program?
It is a leadership and micro-grant programme that supports Ontario residents in creating community projects focused on public spaces, civic engagement, and social inclusion.
How much funding do selected changemakers receive?
Selected participants receive $5,000 in seed funding to implement one community project over one year.
Who can apply?
Ontario residents aged 19 or older who propose a qualifying community project can apply.
Where must projects take place?
Projects must be implemented in Ontario or in First Nations Territories located within Ontario’s provincial boundaries.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that activate public spaces, increase civic participation, or promote social inclusion are eligible.
Are underrepresented communities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The programme encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour communities, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and others with diverse lived experiences.
Is attending programme activities required?
Preference is given to applicants who can attend all three activities, including the online orientation and in-person Toronto Studio.
Conclusion
The Ontario Community Changemakers Program supports residents who want to create meaningful local change through community-led projects.
By providing leadership support and $5,000 in seed funding, the programme helps changemakers improve public spaces, strengthen civic participation, and build more inclusive communities across Ontario.
For more information, visit OCC.