Overview
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.
Emergency Funding – ongoing
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.
Snow Go programs – closed
Need help clearing your driveway and/or walkway during the winter?
- The Snow Go program provides a matching service for older adults and people with disabilities to hire an individual or contractor to clear snow from private driveways and walkways at an affordable rate.
- The Snow Go Assist program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income older adults or persons with disabilities to help with their snow removal costs.
Capital Funding – closed
Capital Funding is intended for capital improvements to City owned, agency owned or long-term leased properties. Funding will be provided in collaboration with social service agencies on a cost-sharing basis.
Sustainability Funding – closed
Sustainability Funding is closed. Information on how to apply for the next round of Sustainability Funding will appear on this page in 2026 for the 2027-2031 funding term.
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:
- Community Hubs
- Poverty Reduction
- Food Security
- Mental Well-Being
- Social Inclusion
- Equitable Systems and Structures
- Corporate Initiatives
- Community Development Framework
- Community Garden Allocation Fund
- Ottawa Youth Engagement Committee / Youth Engagement with City of Ottawa
- Snow Go Program
Organizations can apply for both core operations and program funding under these priority service areas.
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