Investing in local ideas that strengthen Centre Wellington

Community Investment Fund

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

Through this fund, the Township supports initiatives that build community connection, increase participation, reduce barriers, celebrate local culture, and respond to local needs.

Applications opening soon

Community Investment Fund applications open July 15, 2026

Use the application guide to review eligibility, prepare your project details, and get ready to submit a clear application when the intake opens.

📅 Opens July 15, 2026

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Get ready: Review the guide now so your project details, budget, and community benefit are ready when applications open.

Explore the Four Funding Streams

Choose the stream that best reflects the main purpose of your project. Select a card to learn what each stream is intended to support and what a strong application should explain.

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

responds to a community need, gap, issue, or opportunity;
supports wellbeing, safety, connection, or participation;
helps residents access programs, resources, services, or supports;
reduces isolation or barriers to community involvement;
creates practical benefits for Centre Wellington residents.

In your application: explain why the project is needed, who benefits, and what positive change the project will create.

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

supports local arts, creativity, culture, or heritage;
creates opportunities for residents to gather, participate, or celebrate;
supports local artists, performers, vendors, volunteers, or cultural workers;
contributes to community identity, local vibrancy, or tourism;
activates public spaces, facilities, parks, downtowns, or community venues.

In your application: explain what the event or project includes, who will participate, and how it contributes to cultural or community life in Centre Wellington.

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

responds to a need, barrier, or opportunity identified by an equity-deserving community;
supports access, belonging, participation, safety, or representation;
is informed by community voices, leadership, lived experience, feedback, or partnerships;
creates more welcoming or accessible community spaces;
supports residents who may experience exclusion or underrepresentation.

In your application: explain why the project belongs in this stream and how equity-deserving community voices helped shape it.

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

is a recurring annual initiative, event, or program;
has a demonstrated history of community value;
is recognized or used by Centre Wellington residents;
contributes to local tradition, identity, service, or community life;
continues to serve a meaningful purpose each year.

In your application: explain how long the initiative has existed, who benefits each year, why it continues to matter, and how Township support helps sustain it.

Learn more about the Community Investment Fund

Application Status

Applications are currently closed. Future intake dates will be posted on this page once confirmed.

All Community Investment Fund recipients are required to submit a Post-Project Report within two months of completing their initiative.

What the Fund Supports

The Community Investment Fund provides financial and practical support for local initiatives that:

Benefit Centre Wellington residents
Are well-planned, realistic, and feasible
Have clear community outcomes
Support participation, inclusion, learning, wellbeing, culture, or community connection

Applicants may request up to $5,000 per project, depending on the funding stream and available budget.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

Registered not-for-profit organizations
Registered charities
Community groups partnered with an eligible Township-based non-profit organization

Applicants must generally:

Be in operation for at least one year
Be governed by a volunteer board of directors
Serve residents of Centre Wellington
Be in good standing with the Township

Organizations must either be based in the Township of Centre Wellington, with programs that are open to and primarily benefit Township residents, or meet the eligibility requirements for Indigenous-led organizations identified in the Community Investment Fund policy.

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose the Right Stream

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

If you are unsure which stream is the best fit, contact Township staff before applying.

Step 2: Prepare Your Materials

Before applying, gather the following materials:

A completed application form
A simple project budget
A short project plan

Your project plan should explain:

What you plan to do
Who will benefit
When and where the initiative will happen
How the project will be delivered
How you will measure success

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

Applications must be submitted by the posted deadline.

Once submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation email.

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Post-Project Reporting

All Community Investment Fund recipients must submit a Post-Project Report within two months of completing their initiative.

The report helps the Township understand:

How the funding was used
What outcomes were achieved
Who benefited from the project
What was learned
How the project supported community wellbeing in Centre Wellington

Future eligibility may be affected if a required report is not submitted.

Who Cannot Apply

The following applicants are not eligible:

Individuals
For-profit businesses
Fundraising events where fundraising is the main purpose
Groups not in good standing with the Township
Groups with overdue reports, missed payments, or unresolved issues from previous funding

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for project expenses that are directly connected to the approved initiative.

Eligible expenses may include:
Program supplies
Venue or event rentals
Artist, speaker, or facilitator fees
Educational materials
Transportation for participants
Meals for participants
Short-term support services, such as youth outreach or trauma-informed support

Initiatives requesting funds for items already available through the Township’s Cultural Resource Centre may receive a lower evaluation score.

Ineligible Expenses

Funding cannot be used for:

Salaries or staff payroll
Debt repayment
Long-term rent or utilities
Travel or lodging for staff, organizers, or team members
Office furniture or long-term operating costs
Expenses from previous years
Expenses that primarily benefit for-profit businesses
Capital projects

Fundraising expenses are only eligible when fundraising is a secondary purpose of the initiative.

Partnership Pathway

New or informal groups that do not meet all eligibility requirements may apply through a partnership with an eligible Township-based non-profit organization.

In this case, the Township-based organization must act as the lead applicant and take responsibility for the application, funding, reporting, and project oversight.

This pathway helps make the fund more accessible to grassroots groups while ensuring public funds are managed through an eligible organization.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Provincial & Regional Grants:

Grants Ontario – Access a wide range of provincial grant programs.
Experience Ontario 2026 – Support for festivals, events, and tourism initiatives.

Local Supports:

Centre Wellington Community Foundation – Community grants for local projects.
Waterloo Wellington Community Futures – Business and community development funding.
Business Centre Guelph-Wellington – Support for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Fergus Elora Rotary Club Grants – Local project and community support.

Other Local/Regional Opportunities:

Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) – Funding for nonprofits focused on community well-being.
Guelph Community Foundation – Grants for charitable initiatives in Guelph and area.
Arts Council of Guelph – Micro-grants and resources for artists and creative projects.
Elora Centre for the Arts – Occasionally offers artist calls and funding opportunities.
Wellington-Waterloo Cultural Portal – Listings of grants and artist opportunities.

National & Broader Supports:

Canada Council for the Arts – Grants for individual artists and arts organizations.
Community Foundations of Canada – National support networks for local philanthropy.
Canadian Women’s Foundation – Grants for gender equity, community leadership, and violence prevention.

Before You Apply

Check Your Eligibility

Answer a few quick questions to see whether the Community Investment Fund may be a good fit for your initiative.

Need help preparing your application?

2025 Pride Day Celebration

The project was the inaugural Pride Day Celebration for the Township of Centre Wellington. We advertised the event through print and online newspapers, radio, posters and social media. The event was held at the barn and nearby grounds of the Wellington County Museum and Archives on June 14th from 1-4:30 pm. This free event was particularly geared to everyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as well as their allies and friends. We created and fostered a queer-positive space that highlighted the care, joy and capacities of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Funding Stream: Inclusive Community
Project Year: 2025
Community Benefit: Belonging, access, equity and barrier reduction

Learn more

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Fund applications open July 15, 2026

Explore the Four Funding Streams

Community Impact Stream

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

Arts, Culture, Festivals and Events Stream

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

Inclusive Community Stream

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

Annual Specific Stream

This stream may be a strong fit if your project:

Check Your Eligibility

Past Grant Recipients

Centre Wellington Black Committee

Elora Centre for the Arts

Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Fergus & District Horticultural Society

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington

Centre Wellington Pride