The Region of Durham has opened applications for the 2026 Thriving Communities Fund to support non-profit organizations across the region, including those in Whitby, working to reduce poverty. Organizations can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help with operational costs or building their internal capacity to provide services.
This funding is intended to help charities and community groups strengthen their long-term planning, upgrade technology, or train staff. These improvements are meant to help organizations better serve the approximately 5.2 per cent of residents in the region who live in poverty. According to the Social Services Department, the goal of these grants is to move toward lasting solutions for poverty reduction by ensuring the long-term sustainability of the non-profit sector.
The deadline to apply for this round of funding is March 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. All applications must be submitted through the Community Social Investment Program (CSIP) portal, the region’s official online platform for social investment programs.
Groups that focus specifically on food security should wait for a separate funding opportunity coming later this spring. The Sustainable Food Security Fund is expected to open for applications on May 4, 2026, to address food-related needs in the community.
Regional Chair John Henry has previously highlighted the importance of regional investment to build community strength. Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, the Region’s Commissioner of Social Services, noted that the non-profit sector plays a vital role in strengthening communities by offering critical programs that support residents of all ages and stages.
