This is the information page for Ward 2’s Community Grants program, which was first launched on July 4, 2023. Since the Community Grants program started in 2023, it has provided $464,073.23 to Ward 2 organizations and groups in need through 139 applications.
We’ve also launched a Major Capital Expenses program and will be rolling out more information about it in 2025 and updating the charts below with the expenses we have allocated for this so far during this term of Council.
This program was developed in consultation with City staff in both the finance department and the City Enrichment Fund. The criteria, instructions, and policies used by City staff were adapted to fit this granting model. This grants program conforms to the criteria outlined in Appendix “A” to Report FCS18014(a) under the section entitled “Scenario 3: Grants”.
This website is also home to a fund tracking page, for those interested in digging into more of the details. If you need help filling out the application form, please reach out to the Ward 2 Team at Ward2@hamilton.ca.
Application Criteria, CONDITIONS, and Instructions
Grants come from area rated reserves allocated to Ward 2 and are approved and granted by City Council.
The goal of this program is to support organizations or groups in Ward 2. While the granting criteria is relatively flexible, staff salaries or wages are not eligible for this grant. Staff salaries are not eligible because the Community Grants program is neither reliable nor sustainable enough for organizations or groups to rely on it to pay their employees. These grants are not meant to fund ongoing programming and are not intended to be relied on to make any individual program, event, or operation sustainable.
There are some examples at the bottom of this page that should assist you in determining whether or not your application meets this basic criteria. If we receive an application that, on a first glance, does not meet this criteria, we will reach out to you to discuss it before making a decision to disqualify it.
As grants are awarded, information about them will be posted below, by year and the quarter to which they are awarded (see the chart below). Successful applicants consent, upon submitting an application, to having their organization or group’s name and the grant amount posted on this website once it has been awarded.
The Ward 2 Team will evaluate your application using a scoring rubric. Scores will not be made public or provided to applicants. The Ward 2 Team will happily review applications with unsuccessful applicants to help them improve if they wish to apply again.
All applications must be submitted must meet the criteria and conditions in the bulleted list below.
The grant must be used to support an organization or group operating within the physical boundaries of Ward 2.
The organization or group must be incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, a registered charity, or must have a demonstrable non-profit status (you must submit supporting documentation to this effect). If this poses a barrier to your organization or group, please explain it in the comments section at the bottom of the application form and we’ll reach out after the deadline.
Requests cannot total more than $5,000 per organization in a calendar year.
Applications must demonstrate that your organization or group will make an improvement or continue to provide a benefit to the community.
Applications must demonstrate that your organization or group has a financial need for the grant. You may submit documentation to support this, like financial or other statements.
Receipts, invoices, or other financial documentation must be provided before a cheque requisition will be completed and issued. You will be contacted with an upload link to submit this documentation.
All applications will require at least some supporting documentation to substantiate financial need. You will be contacted with an upload link to submit this documentation.
If your application is successful, the decision of the Ward 2 Team must then be ratified by Council. The decisions of the Ward 2 office are not final until approved by Council for amounts more than $350. You will also be required to complete a disclosure form that outlines any other City grants you have received or will receive in this calendar year.
If the requested amount of the grant is not available, you may be awarded a lesser amount.
If you have previously received a Ward 2 Community Grant, any new application request must differ significantly from your previous request(s).
Examples of ideal reasons to apply for a grant –
Your organization or group is either holding an event or running a program and needs financial support to purchase or rent equipment; rent space; pay artists; print or advertise; or create or complete a website.
Your organization or group needs financial support to complete a study; retain a consultant; or hire a professional in order to carry out its mandate (e.g. not-for-profit incorporation by a lawyer; engineering or architectural plans toward the completion of a project; a feasibility study for a project).
Community Grants Awarded
The table below outlines the Community Grants that have been awarded, when they were awarded, and links the Motion to Council that approved the grants so that it’s clear what why the money was granted (click on the organization or group name to see the Motion).
