​​​​​​​​​​​​The Application window for ​2026 Community​ Grants is now open!

Submit your grant application by 5pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026. 

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Application Information and General Description

The Ward 12 Community Grants program has been developed to support groups, projects, or events in the ward that add to the vibrancy, energy, and enthusiasm in the community by investing in its people, public spaces, or natural environment. Grants are funded exclusively by revenues the City receives from cellphone towers operating in Ward 12. 

 

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to organizations that are registered not-for-profits, registered charities, or have other demonstrable non-profit status. There is $50,000 available for grants in 2026. The application deadline is 5 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

 

Applications should be submitted using the application form linked below. If you require assistance in completing an application, please contact the Ward 12 team at ward12@hamilton.ca or via telephone at 905-546-2704.

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Organizations that received funding in 2025 are eligible to apply again in 2026; however, first consideration will be given to organizations that have not previously received funding from the Ward 12 grant program.

 

This grants program conforms to the criteria outlined in Appendix “A” to Report FCS18014(a) under the section entitled “Scenario 3: Grants.”

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Grant Application Criteria & Instructions

Please read these criteria carefully before submitting an application:

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• The grant must be used to support the work of an organization or group operating within the physical boundaries of Ward 12.

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• The grant should provide a tangible benefit to the community by investing in its people, public spaces, or the natural environment.

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• The organization or group applying must be an incorporated not-for-profit organization, registered charity, or otherwise have a demonstrable non-profit status (e.g. a neighbourhood association).

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• Demonstrated ability to impact a broad segment of residents in the Ward or support an equity-deserving group.

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• Funds may not be issued to support a profit-making organization. If you do not have a non-profit organization number or a registered charity number, you will need to explain your group's financial situation and provide supporting documentation to demonstrate that you are not a profit-making entity.

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• Applications must demonstrate that your organization/group has a financial need.

 

Successful applicants must provide receipts, invoices, or other financial documentation to the Ward 12 office before funds will be issued. If this will pose an insurmountable barrier for your organization, please indicate it on the application form, and we can discuss an alternative path.

 

This program is intended to support organizations and community groups within Ward 12 with one-time funding for specific projects or events. While the criteria are relatively flexible, staff salaries, wages, or other regular operating expenses, such as rent, are not eligible for this grant.

 

Applications will be evaluated by the Ward 12 team using a scoring rubric attached below. Scores will not be made public.

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If an application is submitted by April 17, 2026, we are happy to provide feedback on improving the application should an applicant make that request. Applications submitted after that date will be assessed as submitted. We will also be happy to review applications with unsuccessful applicants to provide feedback on how to improve if they wish to reapply in the future.  No single entity (non-profit organization, neighbourhood group, service club, faith community, etc.) will be eligible for more than $5,000 in total funding in one calendar year.

 

SCORING RUBRIC

Merit 30%

• Description of how the requested funds will be spent and what goals the funding will assist your organization or group to achieve

 

Impact 50%

• Funding will make an improvement or continue to provide a benefit to the community - 25%

• Funding will be used to support or provide services to members of equity-seeking groups in the community - 15%

• Funding will be used to implement an innovative solution to an ongoing issue, OR help make an existing program or service more sustainable - 10%

 

Need 20%

• Demonstrated financial need