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Community Investment Fund

Investing in local ideas that strengthen Centre Wellington.

The Community Investment Fund (CIF) supports local non-profit and charitable organizations and local community groups partnered with non-profit organizations to deliver projects, programs, events, and services that improve quality of life for Centre Wellington residents.

2025 Application Window: August 15 to September 30, 2025.

Important Reminder:
All 2025 Community Investment Fund recipients must submit their Post-Project Report within 2 months of completing their initiative.

CIF provides financial and practical support for local initiatives that:

  • Benefit Centre Wellington residents

  • Are well-planned, realistic, and feasible

  • Have clear community outcomes (e.g., inclusion, participation, learning, wellbeing and more)

We also offer applicant support (see “Need help?”).

Learn More ⤵️

 

Eligible Applicants:

  • Registered non-profit or charitable organization

  • In operation for at least 1 year

  • Governed by a volunteer board of directors

  • Serving residents of Centre Wellington

New or informal groups that don't meet above requirements can still apply by partnering with a local non-profit organization, that meets above requirements.

Ineligible Applicants:

  • Individuals
  • For-profit businesses

  • Fundraising events

  • Groups not in good standing with the Township. (such as, overdue payments missed reports, or unresolved issues from previous funding).


Eligible Expenses:

  • Program supplies

  • Venue or event rentals

  • Artist or speaker fees
  • Educational materials

  • Transportation for participants & meals for participants
  • Short-term support services, such as youth outreach or trauma-informed care.

Important Note:

Initiatives requesting funds for items available through the Township’s Cultural Resource Centre will receive a lower evaluation score. To view available items, visit: www.centrewellington.ca/culture.

Ineligible Expenses

  • Salaries or staff payroll
  • Debt repayment

  • Long term rent or utilities

  • Travel or lodging for your team or staff

  • Fundraising expenses (Permitted only if fundraising is a secondary goal of the initiative)

  • Office furniture or long-term cost

  • Any expenses from previous years

  • Expenses that benefit for-profit businesses
  • Capital projects.

The Community Investment Fund offers four distinct grant streams to support a wide range of local initiatives, with the funding of up to $5,000 per project.

1.  Community Impact Stream

  • This stream supports projects that directly tackle local challenges, and improve local wellbeing.

  • Examples are youth programming, food security initiatives, environmental care, seniors outreach and more.

2.  Arts & Culture, Festivals & Events Stream

  • This stream celebrates everything that makes Centre Wellington culturally unique.
  • It invests in festivals, art shows, concerts, and cultural events that bring people together and build pride. 

3.  Inclusive Community Stream (NEW)

  • This stream supports initiatives led by and for equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer, and disability-led groups.

  • It prioritizes grassroots leadership, reduces barriers, and promotes equity and belonging in Centre Wellington.

    ⬇️Learn more about Inclusive Community Stream:

     

4.  Annual Specific Stream

  • This stream provides ongoing funding to long-standing organizations and events, like horticultural work, trail maintenance, and annual parades.
  • Please note this stream is currently paused for new applicants.

Step 1: Choose the Right Stream

Review the funding stream descriptions above and select the one that best matches your initiative.

If you’re unsure, start with Check My Eligibility button below.

Step 2: Prepare Your Materials 

You’ll need:

  • A completed application form
  • A simple project budget (use the CIF Budget Template or your own)

  • A short project plan (what you’ll do, who benefits, when/where it happens, how you’ll measure success)

Step 3: Submit your Application Online

Apply by September 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m.).
You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting.

  • Need help?
    • We offer:

      • Application prep support

      • Accessibility/translation/interpretation assistance

Grants - General Inquiry (We’re happy to help you bring your idea to life).
10 East Mill St, Elora
Ontario, Canada, N0B 1S0
Phone: 519.846.9691 x322
Email Us

Provincial & Regional Grants:

Local Supports:

Other Local/Regional Opportunities:

National & Broader Supports:

CIF Eligibility Advisor

Answer 4 quick questions to see which Community Investment Fund stream may be right for your organization.


❓ Still unsure?
If you’re not satisfied with the result or want to confirm your eligibility, please reach out directly:

Community Investment Fund – General Inquiry
10 East Mill Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
📞 519-846-9691 x322
📧 Email Us

Grants - General Inquiry
10 East Mill St, Elora
Ontario, Canada, N0B 1S0
Phone: 519.846.9691 x322
Email Us

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