You can find the application form here.

Only fully completed applications that are submitted will be considered eligible.

While meeting grant criteria is somewhat flexible, please note that salaries or wages are not eligible for this grant. 

All completed applications must meet the criteria listed in the section below.

There are some examples at the bottom of the criteria list that should assist you in determining whether or not your application meets the intended purpose of this grant. 

• The grant must be used to support a group operating or delivering a community-focused initiative within the physical boundaries of Ward 3

• The group must be incorporated as or have a fiscal sponsor that is 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 initiative, 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 how your initiative, organization or group will make an improvement or continue to provide a benefit to the community.

• Applications must demonstrate how your initiative, organization or group has a financial need for the grant. You may submit documentation to support this, like financial or other statements.

• Organizations must provide receipts, invoices, or other financial documentation before a cheque requisition will be completed and issued. If you are an individual or resident-led group and this is an impediment, we can discuss alternative arrangements.

• All applications will require at least some supporting documentation to substantiate financial need.

• If your application is successful, the decision of the Ward 3 Office must then be ratified by Council. The decisions of the Ward 3 Office are not final until approved by Council.

• 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.

Examples of ideal reasons to apply for this grant:

1. Your neighbours decide to organize a neighbourhood clean up together and need financial assistance in covering the cost for volunteer appreciation, refreshments or supplies.

2. Your neighbours decide to help revitalize an under-utilized garden in your local park and need financial assistance covering the costs for city-approved plants.

3. Your organization or group is holding an event or running a program and needs financial support to purchase or rent equipment; rent space; pay artists or facilitators; print or advertise; or create digital content or hosting capabilities.

4. Your organization or group has identified a place-making opportunity in Ward 3 that will engage and invigorate our neighbourhoods.

5. Your organization or group has identified a community building and/or resilience project that will have a lasting and positive impact on our community.

6. 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

As grants are awarded, information about them will be posted annually. 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.

Past Grant Allocations

2024

• Club 30: $2200 to support tenant engagement and activities at CityHousing Hamilton building located at 30 Sanford Ave

• Steel Town Athletic Club (STAC): $2200 for costs associated with supporting food security to program participants in Ward 3

• The Children’s Garden Project: $2200 for costs associated with the Annual Children’s Fall Harvest Festival which takes place at Gage Park

• SOPEN: $1750 for the Community Care Educational Series to take place at 541 Eatery & Exchange in Ward 3

• HAMSMART: $1750 for costs associated with Food Services programming that targets vulnerable residents in Ward 3

• Ward 3 Yellow Pages: $1250 for costs associated with developing and implementing the Ward 3 "Yellow Pages"

• Eva Rothwell Centre: $1500 for costs associated to the QWEER Program

• Hamilton Chinese Association: $2200 for costs associated with Lunar New Year and May Asian Heritage Month

• Somali Community in Hamilton: $2200 for costs associated with youth sports programming in Ward 3

2023:

• 541 Eatery & Exchange

• ContributionBernie Morelli Berm

• Removal Birge Park Water Serv

• Gala Planning Committee - Birch Ave Greenspace

• Hamilton Festival Theatre - Frost Bites Festival

• Helping Hand Street Mission - Coldest Night Of The Year Fundraiser

• Helping Hands Street Mission

• Keith Neighbourhood Health Equity Initiative 

• Maple & Ottawa - New  Pedestrian Crossing

• Ottawa Street Pride Committee Public Art 

• Ward 3 Drinking Fountain Instal

2022:

• Art Gallery Of Hamilton - Breaking Through The Vault

• Roots To Justice

• Social Planning And Research Council Of Hamilton

The Ward 3 Team will evaluate your application using a scoring rubric. Scores will not be made public or provided to applicants. The Ward 3 Team will happily review applications with unsuccessful applicants to help them improve if they wish to apply again.