Smart and Caring Grants – Caring for Our Community
Now Accepting Applicants for the 2025 Smart & Caring Community Grants Program
Huronia is a stunningly beautiful and extremely caring community. The time and resources of so many donors and charities help make this the thriving, vibrant and beautiful place we call home. All of the programs we support enhance the lives of many individuals in our communities, and without the charities and caring donors, none of this would be available. Be part of caring for Huronia, give today and help forever.
About our Smart and Caring Community Grants
HCF’s Smart and Caring Community Grants were established by HCF’s Board of Directors and community minded donors to enable HCF to support the local charities and nonprofits across our region.
Areas Served
Our granting program shall be carried out primarily within the communities of the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, Beausoleil First Nation, and the Townships of Georgian Bay, Tay, and Tiny. Grants to geographic areas not listed will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval.
1. Application Process
- All grant applications must be received via the online form/web portal
- Application deadline: May 16th @ 5:00 pm
- Organizations must complete a separate application for each project/program
- Multiple projects on one application form are not accepted
2. Eligibility
- Our granting program primarily serves the communities of Midland, Penetanguishene, Beausoleil First Nation, and the Townships of Georgian Bay, Tay, and Tiny
- Grants to geographic areas not listed will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval
- The applicant must be registered as a charity or qualified donee with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- If the applicant is not a registered charity, they must have the sponsorship of a registered charity (a registered charity number MUST be provided)
3. Funding Priorities
- Priority will be given to projects that directly address needs identified in HCF’s latest Vital Signs Report
- Projects should align with one or more of HCF’s Strategic Plan pillars: Arts & Culture, Community Services, Environment, Healthcare &
- Mental Health, Seniors, Youth & Education, Sports & Recreation
- Collaborative projects involving multiple organizations are encouraged
4. Funding Restrictions
- Smart & Caring Grants are valued at $2,000 or less
- Funds must be used for the approved project or program
- If the project or program does not proceed, funds are to be returned to HCF
- Capital items and capital campaigns do not qualify; chattels are acceptable as they can be moved
- Sectarian causes are not supported; however, sectarian-led community-based projects/programs are supported
- Grants to support fundraising for a charitable organization are not supported
5. Evaluation Process
- All grants will be judged by an independent, community-based volunteer Grants Committee and approved by the HCF Board of Directors
- Evaluation criteria will include alignment with Vital Signs priorities, potential impact, organizational capacity, and project sustainability
- Applicants will be notified of decisions within 5 weeks of the application deadline
6. Reporting Requirements
- Successful applicants must submit an impact report to HCF upon completion of the project/program and prior to applying again
The impact report should include:- A 250-500 word impact statement/story
- At least one photo (where appropriate)
- Data demonstrating project outcomes
- Testimonials from participants/beneficiaries (if available)
- Successful applicants are encouraged to engage HCF on social media
- Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in the decline of any new application in subsequent years
7. Communication & Recognition
- All applicant impact statements/stories become the property of HCF to be used for publication through our website, social & print media channels
- Grant recipients must acknowledge HCF’s support in all project-related communications and via social media channels if applicable
- HCF may invite grant recipients to participate in community events or donor engagement activities to showcase their work
