Community groups and non-profits in Whitby, Ontario, have until March 31, 2026, to apply for local funding through the Mayor’s Community Development Fund. Because 2026 is a municipal election year, the Town of Whitby is closing the application window early and will not accept new requests after this month until the election cycle ends.
Organizations can apply for Lead Grants of up to $25,000 for major initiatives or Community Grants of up to $5,000 for smaller projects. Last year, the town provided over $235,000 to 57 different groups, including the Lakeridge Health Foundation and Feed the Need in Durham.
Money for these grants comes from the Mayor’s Gala and the Mayor and Council’s Golf Tournament held throughout the year. A committee made up of five citizens, Mayor Elizabeth Roy, and a staff advisor reviews every application to decide who receives the funds based on community needs.
To be eligible, a group must be a non-profit or community organization that serves local residents, though the fund does not support political parties or businesses. Interested groups must submit their paperwork through the online application portal before the end of the day on March 31, 2026.
