Individuals cannot apply directly to the Community Investment Fund. However, individuals with strong community project ideas are encouraged to connect with an eligible organization, community group, association, service club, or parent organization.

If the organization or group supports the idea, they may apply as the official applicant. The group listed on the application must be responsible for submitting the request, receiving any approved funding, supporting delivery of the project, and completing any required follow-up.

The Township wants to encourage meaningful community ideas and help applicants find appropriate ways to bring those ideas forward.

Applying through an organization or group helps ensure there is accountability for the funding and capacity to deliver the project. It also helps confirm who is responsible for managing the funds, coordinating the work, and reporting back if the project is approved.

This does not mean individual ideas are discouraged. In many cases, a strong idea can move forward with the support of a community group, association, service club, or parent organization.

No. Your project should clearly connect to at least one Township strategic goal or community priority. A clear connection to one goal is stronger than a vague connection to several.

Strategic goals may include:

• Economic Prosperity
• Activity, Health and Wellness
• Community Character and Quality of Life
• Environmental Stewardship
• Innovative and Sustainable Governance
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Access and Belonging

The application does not ask you to write a long explanation of every goal. Reviewers will consider how your project aligns with Township priorities based on your project description, funding stream, community benefit, and expected outcomes.

The Township wants public funding to support projects that residents can realistically access, understand, participate in, or benefit from.

Barriers can include cost, location, timing, transportation, communication, language, age, ability, safety, or other factors that may affect who can take part or who benefits.

Not every project will face the same barriers. The goal is not to create a perfect project. The goal is to show that you have thought about who the project is meant to serve and what reasonable steps can help reduce barriers where possible.

That is okay. Some projects may be public displays, gardens, community resources, equipment, beautification projects, awareness initiatives, or other activities that do not involve direct registration or participation.

In those cases, focus on who will benefit, how they will benefit, and whether anything could limit that benefit. For example, consider whether the project is visible, easy to access, clearly communicated, located in an appropriate place, or useful to the intended community.

No. You do not need every detail to be final before submitting an application. However, your application should be realistic enough for reviewers to understand what you plan to do, how the funding would be used, and whether the project can reasonably be delivered.

If details are still being confirmed, explain what is known, what is estimated, and what steps you have already taken to prepare.

Possibly. Township staff may contact applicants for clarification or additional information during the review process.

If an application is approved, applicants may also be asked for follow-up information such as payment details, supporting documents, final project information, or reporting on how the funding was used.

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, available funding, project fit, community benefit, readiness, budget, inclusion and access considerations, and expected outcomes.

If you are unsure whether your project is eligible, which stream to choose, or how to apply, please contact Township staff before submitting your application.

Email us with your Community Investment Fund question