Seed Grant
Announcement: Pause of the Seed Grant Stream
United Way Halton & Hamilton is committed to strengthening our community by investing in programs and initiatives that create lasting impact.
Our Seed Grant Stream was developed to support this mission by encouraging innovation and building capacity within the social sector. It has provided short-term funding to help organizations explore new ideas and approaches, while also contributing to overall stability for our agency partners.
However, in response to a significant increase in needs across our other core funding streams, United Way Halton & Hamilton has made the decision to temporarily pause the Seed Grant Stream. This pause will allow us to prioritize the allocation of our limited resources where they are most urgently needed, ensuring continued support for vital services across our region.
We recognize the important role the Seed Grant Stream has played in fostering innovation and growth, and we remain committed to revisiting and re-evaluating this funding model in the future.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to meet the most pressing needs in our community.
Application and Resources
United Way Halton and Hamilton’s Seed Grant Stream aims to cultivate new ideas and growth in the social sector. Funding supports capacity building and innovation processes focused on amplifying impact and transformation.
This grant involves a funding pool of $500,000; limited grants will be available. The application process embeds diversity, equity and inclusion considerations throughout. Organizations led by equity-deserving populations are encouraged to apply. To support any team in deciding whether or not their initiative is a good fit, we are offering application coaching. To book a coaching call with a member of our investment team, click here. (Coaching calls are now closed)
Registration is now CLOSED. (Next date for open call - TBD)
- Open to registered charities, but can represent non-profits, partnerships or networks.
- Funding up to $75,000 for projects scoped for one year.
- Applicant’s mission aligns with one or more of our focus areas, and benefits Halton and/or Hamilton communities.
- Supports diverse pathways for capacity building and transformation based on where an applicant is at, and the relative degree of change and impact they’re pursuing.
- Offers supportive granting features including application feedback, submission options (e.g. videos), learning-based reporting, and grant advisory sessions.
- Flexibility to adapt budgets, outcomes and timelines alongside emerging needs.
Resources
Information about processes for application coaching will be provided at that time.
Seed Grant Overview
Seed Grant Application Guide
Seed Grant Application Sample
Seed Grant Webinar Slides
Seed Grant Webinar
The Seed Grant is part of United Way Halton & Hamilton investment framework. Its short-term funding complements our other longer-term grants. For more information about our investment streams, click here.
