Community Grants

To be eligible for a Community Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a registered charity or qualified donee.
• Projects must primarily benefit the people of Winnipeg. For projects taking place outside of the City, applicants should demonstrate how the project will also benefit the people of Winnipeg.
• If applicable, have met the final report requirement for any past Community Grants. Organizations must complete the project and submit a satisfactory final report on their previous Community Grant before submitting a new Community Grant application. 
• Organization currently holding a Multi-Year Grant are not eligible to apply to the Community Grant program.  
• Adhere to the Manitoba Human Rights Code and not discriminate based on actual or perceived group characteristics identified in the Manitoba Human Rights Code. 

The Winnipeg Foundation does not fund organizations that violate the Manitoba Human Rights Code. This includes discrimination or unequal treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, disability, age, or religion. It also includes harassment, failure to provide reasonable accommodation, or taking negative action against someone for raising a human rights concern.

Eligible Projects

The following types of projects are eligible:

• Capital and renovations (up to $100,000 request)
• Hosting of conferences and events
• Equipment and infrastructure
• Program operating
• Reports and organizational planning
• Short-term operating support

For examples of recently approved projects, visit our Recent Grants page. 

What we do not support

• Individuals
• Project costs incurred before the grant decision
• Annual fundraising campaigns, fundraising positions, or annual fundraising events
• Paying down mortgages or reducing deficits
• Political activities
• Exclusively religious activities (defined as religious worship or instruction), or organizations that engage in proselytizing (defined as converting or recruiting people to a specific set of religious or other beliefs), particularly in the case of youth or other impressionable audiences
• Other grantmaking or scholarship/award programs

Collaborations

While an organization may receive only one Community Grant per calendar year, a second Community Grant may be accepted in the case of a collaboration. To ensure your application meets the eligibility criteria for a collaboration, please consult with a Program Officer before applying by contacting grants@wpgfdn.org.  

We define collaborations as two or more registered charities, or a registered charity and a non-profit organization, jointly planning and implementing a project. For-profit businesses are not considered collaborative partners.  

All collaborative partners must work toward a common goal to increase organizational or program efficiency/effectiveness or to tackle a community issue. 

As a requirement, applicants must include a signed letter of agreement that clearly outlines specific roles and responsibilities for each partner from start to finish.  

Log in here by Friday March 27, 2026 at 12:00 noon CST.  Applications must be submitted using our grant portal. Emailed applications and supporting documents will not be accepted. The deadline is firm – Late applications will not be accepted. 

Troubleshooting

If you need technical assistance, or require support while completing your application, please: 

1. Visit our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Section on the grant portal – (Found on the home page when logging into the grant portal.) It contains information to help navigate the grant portal.   

2. Send us an Email – grants@wpgfdn.org.

3. Register for an in-person or virtual Information Session – Visit our Community Grants page to register. 

Content Questions and Consults – Applicants can email with any application specific questions before the final week leading up to the deadline. During the last week, our team will be available exclusively for technical support.  

Support will be limited on the morning of March 27, 2026, due to the anticipated high volume of requests on the deadline day. We encourage organizations to start their application early to avoid issues with submission.

Before you apply:

For First-time Applicants:

• Register your organization on the grant portal and familiarize yourself with its features. 
  • Your organization must be a registered charity to register. If you are a qualified donee please contact grants@wpgfdn.org for assistance with your registration. 

For Returning Applicants :

• Check “Action Items” on your grant portal home page for any outstanding Community Grant final reports. 
• Submit any outstanding final report(s) from approved Community Grants before the grant intake deadline. Your previously funded project(s) must be finished before submitting your report. That is, you have completed the activities described in your proposal, used the funds provided by The Foundation, and demonstrated the outcomes of your project. 

For All Applicants:

• Add or update your organizational profile including your contact list to ensure the information is current. To help you navigate the grant portal, please review the FAQ section on the home page. 
• Gather the required documents that must be included with your application: 
  • Current list of Board of Directors 
  • Most recent audited financial statements 
  • Approved operating budget for the current fiscal year 
  • Quotes for renovations/equipment (if applicable) 
  • Signed letter of agreement (For collaboration projects only) 

• Optional: Gather additional documents related to your application, for example: 
  • Letters of support (from your Board or community members) 
  • Most recent annual report 
  • Safety policies and guidelines (e.g. from organizations serving children and youth) 
• Submit your application including the required documents before the grant deadline.