Apply for Funding

Our communities have experienced hardship and isolation through a prolonged pandemic, an unignorable deepening of preexisting needs and inequities and a groundswell of interest from individuals and organizations who want to directly contribute to make a difference.  To support a radical recovery, we will approach our funding moving forward with the aim to reduce barriers to supports, increase connection, provide flexibility to respond to our communities’ needs and ultimately make lasting, positive change to build a stronger community.  Our support will be rooted in ‘local’ – solving local problems with local solutions and aim to empower those closest to the issues.  We are committed to facilitating and supporting a collaborative effort and a shared responsibility and will focus on solutions and supports to address current, deepened community challenges – together.

Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Funding

Focus: Dedicated investment for marginalized communities, because we know that real, tangible barriers to resources and belonging in our communities persist.

United Way is rooted in building strong and inclusive communities.  We strive to create opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential.  However, many of the issues United Way works to address have a disproportionate impact on black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ2+, people with disabilities and other marginalized communities.  We acknowledge that due to systemic factors, some members of our community experience barriers to accessing programs/services and funding to support those programs.  This stream will work to support organizations doing work to support marginalized groups and improve equity, diversity and inclusion across our community within United Way’s scope of impact.

Applications to this fund will be evaluated by a volunteer committee, made up of community members who self-identify as a member of a marginalized group or have lived experience.

Funding under this impact area will be for organizations led by or supporting marginalized communities. As original inhabitants of this land, United Way recognizes the unique status of Indigenous peoples as nations and that our relationship must be rooted in an approach recognizing this and the impact of colonialism.  As such, a portion of the funding available will specifically support First Nations, Metis & Inuit (FNMI) applications, reviewed by FNMI community members.

Applications Open: May 9, 2022 – May 30, 2022 @ 11:59 pm

Funding Term – Funding under this stream will be distributed between July 1, 2022 – March 31, 2024.

Maximum Funding Request (over the term): $100,000

For details on who can apply for this funding and eligible initiatives under the scope of United Way, please refer to the EDI Funding Applicant Guide

Online Application Link: Apply Here

If you require an alternate format to submit your application, please email colleen@unitedwayguelph.com

Important Resources For You

EDI Funding Applicant Guide

EDI Funding Budget Template

Fiscal Partner Information Package

United Way Funding Frequently Asked Questions

In order to be eligible to receive United Way funding under the EDI Funding stream, the applying organization should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• • Provide services to Guelph, and/or Wellington County, and/or Dufferin County (preference will be given to organizations located in Guelph, and/or Wellington County, and/or Dufferin County)
• Your organization fits one of the following categories:
  • You are a registered charitable organization or qualified donee*

• • You are a grassroots organization that is partnering with a registered charitable organization or qualified donee, to whom funding will be provided to on your behalf. If you plan to partner this way, this organization would be your organization’s “fiscal partner” for this funding. If you want more information about how this works, please contact us or you can find information about qualified donees, fiscal partners and/or download the fiscal partner form here

• • You are a grassroots organization that doesn’t have a fiscal partner. We know you are also doing important work and we are interested in seeing how we might support you.  Please complete the application and indicate that you do not have a fiscal partner. We will be in touch to learn more and to discuss how we might be able to work together.

• Maintain a volunteer Board of Directors or leadership group that meets regularly
• Maintain financial records
• Be non-partisan
• Have been in operation for at least one (1) year

• Adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code and not exclude anyone from service, accommodation or employment by reason of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability.
• Preference will be given to organizations who are led by a member of the marginalized community the organization seeks to serve, and who involve the community in the delivery of programming

United Way does NOT typically fund environmental, heritage, sports or arts organizations unless programming intentionally services vulnerable communities.  United Way will also not fund direct religious activities of religious groups or organizations.  For a complete list of organizations that are not eligible, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

*Examples of Qualified Donees include:

• Registered charities
• Registered Canadian Municipalities
• For more information, check the Canada Revenue Agency list of qualified donees here

Please note: At present, United Way is limited by the Income Tax Act to only fund registered charities and qualified donees as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency. We support amendments proposed via Bill S-222, “The Effective and Accountable Charities Act” which will enable us to create more equitable access to funding for grassroots organizations in the future.

For a list of what funding can be used for, as well as ineligible expenses, please review our Frequently Asked Questions document.