Call for Applications: South Markham Community Action Grants (Canada)

The South Markham Community Action Grants 2026 provide funding for resident-led, grassroots, and agency-led projects that address community priorities and improve neighbourhood well-being in South Markham, Ontario. With up to CAD 400,000 available across two funding streams, the program supports initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, promote equity, and encourage collaborative community action.

South Markham Community Action Grants 2026

The South Markham Community Action Grants support neighbourhood-based initiatives that respond to locally identified needs and priorities. The program empowers residents, grassroots organizations, community agencies, and local partners to develop projects that improve quality of life and create stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities.

Projects must take place within the designated South Markham neighbourhood boundaries and align with priorities identified through the South Markham Community Action Plan and the York Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

Support community-led neighbourhood initiatives.
Address priorities identified through local planning.
Strengthen community relationships and partnerships.
Promote equity and inclusion.
Increase social cohesion.
Empower residents to lead local change.
Mobilize community resources for long-term impact.
Build stronger and safer neighbourhoods.

Priority Areas

Eligible projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:

Community-Led Action

Resident-led neighbourhood projects
Grassroots initiatives
Community engagement
Local leadership development

Equity and Inclusion

Support for Black communities
Support for Indigenous communities
Youth engagement
Inclusive participation
Reducing barriers to community involvement

Community Collaboration

Partnerships among agencies
Resident-government collaboration
Multi-sector partnerships
Community capacity building
Shared decision-making

Community Well-Being

Neighbourhood safety
Social connectedness
Community resilience
Local problem-solving
Improved quality of life

Funding Information

A total of up to CAD 400,000 is available through two funding streams.

Resident / Grassroots Group Stream

Grant amount: CAD 5,000–20,000
Project duration: 1–6 months
Project completion deadline: 31 August 2027

Agency / Collaborative Stream

Single Agency Projects

Grant amount: CAD 25,000–75,000

Collaborative Agency Projects

Grant amount: CAD 50,000–100,000

Project completion deadline:

31 May 2028

Who is Eligible?

Resident and Grassroots Stream

Applicants must:

Operate within the South Markham boundaries.
Form a group of at least five resident leaders.
Identify two primary project leads.
Ensure all resident applicants live at different addresses.
Ensure applicants are not related.
Complete projects within six months.
Focus entirely on South Markham.

Grassroots groups do not need registered charitable status to apply.

Agency and Collaborative Stream

Eligible applicants include:

Community agencies
Non-profit organizations
Collaborative partnerships involving multiple agencies
Local organizations serving South Markham

Geographic Eligibility

Eligible projects must take place within South Markham, generally bounded by:

Woodbine Avenue
Highway 7
Steeles Avenue
McCowan Road
Markham Road

Why This Grant Matters

The South Markham Community Action Grants help transform community priorities into practical local action.

The program supports:

Resident leadership
Community empowerment
Inclusive neighbourhood development
Stronger partnerships
Safer communities
Increased civic participation
Long-term community resilience
Equity-focused community solutions

Eligible Activities

Examples of eligible initiatives include:

Community engagement projects
Youth leadership activities
Neighbourhood events
Local safety initiatives
Equity and inclusion programs
Community networking events
Resident education workshops
Collaborative neighbourhood improvement projects
Community partnership initiatives
Activities supporting the Community Action Plan

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your group, agency, or collaborative partnership meets all eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Funding Stream

Apply under either:

Resident/Grassroots Group Stream
Agency/Collaborative Stream

Step 3: Develop Your Project

Prepare a project that:

Addresses identified community priorities.
Benefits South Markham residents.
Has measurable outcomes.
Fits within the funding timeline.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Information

Include:

Project description
Objectives
Budget
Timeline
Resident or partner information
Community impact
Required declarations

Step 5: Work with the Trustee Organization

Applicants must agree to work with ACSA Community Services, which serves as the trustee organization responsible for:

Fund administration
Applicant training
Reporting requirements
Distribution of grant funds

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application before the published deadline with all required documentation.

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly demonstrate community need.
Align the project with South Markham priorities.
Show meaningful resident involvement.
Build partnerships where appropriate.
Present realistic timelines.
Develop a detailed and justified budget.
Explain how the project will create lasting community benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying outside the eligible geographic boundaries.
Submitting incomplete applications.
Proposing projects unrelated to community priorities.
Missing required resident participation requirements.
Providing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Failing to disclose conflicts of interest or organizational affiliations.
Ignoring reporting and trustee requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Resident Stream?

Groups of at least five South Markham residents, including two primary project leads. Grassroots groups without charitable status are also eligible.

How much funding is available?

Resident projects can receive CAD 5,000–20,000, while agency projects can receive CAD 25,000–75,000 and collaborative agency projects CAD 50,000–100,000.

Do applicants need to be registered charities?

No. Grassroots groups may apply under the Resident Stream without registered charitable status.

Where must projects take place?

All funded activities must occur entirely within the designated South Markham neighbourhood boundaries.

Can local agency employees apply?

Yes, provided they live in South Markham, the proposed project is unrelated to their employment, and any organizational affiliations are disclosed.

Who manages the grant funds?

ACSA Community Services serves as the trustee organization and manages fund administration, applicant training, reporting, and grant distribution.

What types of projects are encouraged?

Projects that strengthen neighbourhoods, improve social cohesion, promote equity, build partnerships, engage residents, and address priorities identified in the South Markham Community Action Plan and the York Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

Conclusion

The South Markham Community Action Grants 2026 provide valuable funding for residents, grassroots groups, and community organizations working to strengthen neighbourhoods across South Markham. By supporting locally driven solutions, collaborative partnerships, and equity-focused initiatives, the program helps create safer, more connected, and more resilient communities while empowering residents to lead meaningful and lasting local change.