On Sept. 30, 2025, the City of Cambridge opened applications for its Community Grants Program, which provides funding to local organizations offering health, lifestyle and well-being services. Applications are open until Nov. 28, 2025.
The program offers financial support to volunteer and non-profit organizations that deliver services benefiting Cambridge residents. The approved 2025 budget provides up to $389,800 in funding. As of now, there are 63 applications asking for a total of $1,144,615. After applications close on Nov. 28, the city will review the submissions and applicants will receive updates on their application status in winter 2026.
“We hope all successful grant recipients thrive and are positively impacted through the support of this grant program, no matter the size of the grant received,” Lisa Whelan, the supervisor of recreation for older adult services at the City of Cambridge, said.
Whelan said the grants are offered on an annual basis and are a consistent opportunity for non-profit organizations to access funding for support in start-up projects, training and development projects, special projects and capital projects.
“Our grant program is like neighbouring municipal programs, like the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo,” Whelan said.
Groups applying for the grant must also be in good standing with the City of Cambridge and comply with all applicable legislation, regulations, and bylaws from all levels of government. Whelan said the program has a significant impact by helping local organizations improve the lives of Cambridge residents.
Some of the winners from last year’s cohort of applicants include the purchase and distribution of free bike helmets to children and youth, art installations in public spaces and education and awareness on environmental issues. One of the organizations that received a grant this year was Nutrition for Learning.
“Having support from the municipality is incredibly meaningful to us,” Elaine Kapogines, Manager of Development and Communications at Nutrition for Learning, said. “It helps ensure every student in Cambridge has access to food during the school day.”
She is delighted with the strong relationship the organization has with the city of Cambridge and found the funding process to be no different from other grant funders. She also expressed how meaningful it is to see the genuine interest from the mayor and the city council in the growth and expansion of their programs in Cambridge. Their interest made an authentic and ongoing impact over the last two years.
She also shares that Nutrition for Learning is providing equitable access to food for every school in Cambridge, from kindergarten to grade 12.
“This ongoing partnership with the city of Cambridge demonstrates their investment in the health, well-being, and thriving opportunity for the next generation of Cambridge residents,” Kapogines said. “When every student has the nourishment they need to fully participate in the school day, we know that students are better positioned for present-day and long-term success,” she said.
Whelan expressed her relief that the grants program wasn’t directly impacted by the ongoing trade wars or inflation. The program provides funds to volunteer or not-for-profit organizations in Cambridge to improve the lives of residents. Funds are to be used for training and development, startup funding or special projects.
“We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership with community organizations and supporting programs that make a lasting difference,” Whelan said.
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