Community funding

Ottawa has a strong and sustainable non-profit social services sector working collaboratively to ensure an equitable and socially inclusive city for all residents.

Community Funding improves community well-being by investing financial and capacity building resources in the non-profit social services sector.  This helps address the root causes of poverty and increase equitable access to services for residents facing the greatest needs and barriers in our community.

Community Funding invests in a sustainable social infrastructure of community non-profit social services that:

• Provides equitable access to programs and services
• Responds to community needs
• Demonstrates measurable outcomes and financial accountability
• Collaborates to build community capacity and development
• Aligns with City of Ottawa strategic priorities

Consult our Community Funding Framework Policy Statements [ 290 KB ] for more information.

The Emergency Fund addresses one-time unexpected, essential expenses that cannot be covered by an organization’s existing financial resources. The emergency expense must relate to services and activities that align with the Community Funding Framework priorities. The fund is currently open only to agencies in receipt of Sustainability Funding. For more information or to apply for Emergency Funding, contact your Community Funding consultant or email communityfunding@ottawa.ca.

Emerging Community Need Funding provides one-time funding of up to $10,000 for initiatives or activities that address a specific emerging need in a community (local priority neighbourhood or community of common bond) and contribute to community capacity building, well-being and resiliency.

Capital funding is intended for capital improvements to City owned, agency owned or long-term leased properties. Funding is provided on a cost sharing basis with social service agencies.

Purpose

The purpose of Sustainability Funding is to maintain a strong social infrastructure and a sustainable community non-profit social services sector that ensures equitable provision of services for residents facing the greatest barriers and challenges. Both core operational and program expenses are eligible for funding.

Funding term

• 5 years (renewable)

Description

Sustainability Funding has 7 priority service areas for funding:

1. Community Hubs
2. Poverty Reduction
3. Food Security
4. Mental Well-Being
5. Social Inclusion
6. Equitable Systems and Structures
7. Corporate Initiatives
   1. Community Development Framework
   2. Community Garden Allocation Fund
   3. Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee / Youth Engagement with City of Ottawa
   4. Snow Go Program

Organizations can apply for both core operations and program funding under these priority service areas.

• 2022 Sustainability Fund Recipients [ 192 KB ]
• 2021 Renewable Funding [ 78.2 KB ]

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding Sustainability Funding, please contact:

Community Development & Funding Branch
Community and Social Service Department
communityfunding@ottawa.ca 
613-580-2424, est. 24377