Niagara Knowledge Exchange

Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail
2025-12-18 16:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Downtown St. Catharines
Join us downtown for the Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail on Thursday, December 4 and Thursday, December 18 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy two Late Night Shopping dates, plus free hot chocolate, gift wrapping, kids crafts, photo booth, community caroling, and 30+ retail shops open late. Complete the Holiday Trail Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $500 Downtown Gift Card + a Harlem Globetrotters Family Prize Pack! To see everything happening for the holidays – including promotions, events, and the Holiday Trail map – visit MyDowntown.ca/Holidays

Neighbourhood Micro Grants - City of St. Catharines Deadline
2026-01-01 - 2026-03-31
The Neighbourhood Micro Grants pilot project seeks to support grassroots initiatives within the City of St. Catharines that aim to improve the social, economic, and cultural well-being of local neighbourhoods.
All projects supported through this program must be free and accessible, hosted at a city-owned park or facility, and be either a one-time event or a series of events taking place within a maximum of a one-month period.
Approved applicants may be awarded between $500 and $1,500 per project. The grant awarded to each applicant is at the discretion of the Special Event Fee Reduction Task Force.
How to Apply
Applications for projects taking place between June 1, 2026, and Nov. 30, 2026, will be accepted from Jan. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026
Apply beginning Jan. 1, 2026: https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/applications-licences-and-permits/neighbourhood-micro-grants.aspx

BCM Insurance Community Grants Program Deadline
2026-01-12 - 2026-02-02
Each year, BCM Insurance allocates funds to give back to the local community, aiming to create positive social, environmental, and economic impacts. Our goal is to help build sustainable, livable, and thriving communities throughout Niagara.
140+ years in the Niagara Region.
With over 140 years operating in the Niagara Region, BCM has a strong understanding of the territory. We are committed to supporting deserving projects and organizations, helping them achieve their missions, and continuing to do great work for the region’s future.
For the 2026 grant year, BCM Insurance is offering $50,000 in total funding. BCM will offer $5,000 to ten (10) organizations who meet the eligibility requirements. Applications Close February 2. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 PM.
For grant application information, please visit: https://bcminsurance.com/community-grants-program/application-form/

Niagara Community Foundation: 2026 Environmental Grant Application
2026-01-19 12:00
We are pleased to share with you that our 2026 Environmental Grant applications are now OPEN for submission. NCF’s Environmental Grant program is a flexible and responsive grant focusing on bringing partners together in our community to create a collaborative approach to meeting the environmental challenges we are facing.
This grant program supports rural and urban environment projects and we invite charities, municipalities, environmental stewardship groups, volunteer groups and youth led initiatives that meet the eligibility requirements to apply.
Applications are due Monday, January 19, 2026 at noon.
All applicants are required to have a grant consult with our Director of Grants & Community Initiatives, JoAnne Krick, a minimum of seven days before the application deadline. Please email JoAnne at your earliest convenience to set up a time to chat.

What's Your Story- Nonprofit Communications
2026-01-20 08:30 - 11:00 | Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
In partnership with Armstrong Strategy Group, Niagara Community Foundation is excited to announce our next Professional Development Opportunity.
Join us on Wednesday, January 21st for a Seminar in Nonprofit Communications with Jocelyn Titone, Development Officer with Brock University.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY??
This event will be exploring the fundamentals of storytelling, what mediums to use, the importance of audience and key messaging and best practices for nonprofit communications. Registration is now open! Don’t miss it.

Brock Cares Volunteer Fair
2026-01-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Calling all community organizations! Join us on Thursday January 22, 2026 from 11am to 2pm in Market Hall for our Brock Cares Volunteer Fair. This is the best opportunity to connect with students and promote volunteer opportunities with your organization!
Registration is $25 per table. Please complete and submit the registration form by end of day on Tuesday January 20th, 2025
We look forward to hosting you on campus!

Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) 2026 David S. Howes Fund Grant Application Deadline
2026-02-06 12:00
We are pleased to open the 2026 David S. Howes Fund Grants! This is our largest and most robust granting stream, empowering charities in meaningful ways.
This grant stream has six priority areas:

Education
Facilities
Health-care Services
Humanitarian Issues
Post Secondary
Research

We invite all registered charities to visit our Grants page to find out more about this program and how to apply.
www.niagaracommunityfoundation.org/site/charities
Applications are NOW OPEN!
DUE: MONDAY, MARCH 30 | NOON

TCAG's 50/50 Raffle
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-31
Community shouldn’t come at a cost. You can take home half the pot while helping children and families in Niagara. Funds raised through this raffle will support sport and recreation programs that benefit children, youth and families, food security initiatives, subsidy for camp and childcare, and more. Thank you for your support – we couldn’t help our community without you!

Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant Deadline
2026-03-04 17:00
Improve physical spaces for community use
Programs and services that support the people of Ontario are delivered locally in a range of community buildings and physical spaces. These places provide opportunities for activity, recreation, and connection and play an important role in creating healthy and vibrant communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
In the Capital grant stream, OTF funds projects that update buildings, enhance physical spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive.
The grant application period is from February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Brunch, Bid & Bowl
2026-03-07 09:00 - 14:30 | Cataract Bowl, 7906 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, ON, L2H 1H1, Canada
Create a community of support for survivors of abuse by joining Birchway as you Brunch, Bid and Bowl this March 7. Every dollar you raise will provide critical services in our community such as safe shelter, a 24-hour support line and counselling to help break the cycle of abuse.
Visit http://www.BrunchBidandBowl.org to learn more!
Free for teams who meet $1000 fundraising minimum (“Brunch & Bid” tickets $60 adults | $40 Youth 9 and under)

Ontario Trillium Foundation Youth Opportunities Fund System Innovations Grant Deadline
2026-03-11 17:00
The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities.
YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.
Supporting grassroots groups and community-based collaboratives led by people who share identities, lived experiences and who face the same systemic barriers as those who will benefit from their projects is integral to YOF’s funding priorities. Projects led by and for communities play a key role in developing solutions that are tailored to the needs of communities and providing appropriate support for those with similar experiences.
Investments made through YOF extend beyond project funding. Grant recipients receive capacity building support to learn and grow through specialized coaching and mentorship.
Whether your group wants to pilot a new project or expand an existing one, YOF offers a range of grants that may be the right fit for your group.

Performance Pendulum: Leadership Program
2026-03-25 19:00 - 2026-05-13 19:00 | Online
This leadership program is designed to support skill development and capability across the eight requirements outlined in the Performance Pendulum™ framework.
Ideal for:

Current and emerging CEOs and Executive Directors
High-potential social profit leaders looking to grow

This online program delivers:

Sector-specific insight
Actionable tools
Opportunities for individual prioritization, reflection and group discussion

Upcoming Program Schedule:

Wednesday evenings at 7pm EST from March 25 – May 13, 2026

Investment:

$1,600 CDN per person, plus HST
3-4 hours weekly time commitment including online sessions

Downtown Bunny Trail
2026-03-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Market Square, 91 King St, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Spring is almost here, and we’re getting ready to hop into the season in Downtown St. Catharines. Join us on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11am to 1 pm for the Downtown Bunny Trail. This free, family-friendly Easter event invites kids to explore Downtown, follow the Bunny Trail map, search for golden eggs, and collect treats along the way.
The fun starts at Market Square (91 King Street), where registered participants will check in and receive their trail map before heading out to visit participating businesses. This is a free event but registration is required. To learn more, visit mydowntown.ca/bunnytrail.

Niagara Community Foundation David S. Howes Fund Grant Deadline 2026
2026-03-30 12:00
The David S. Howes Fund Grants Program is the Niagara Community Foundation’s largest grant program, honouring the legacy of the late David S. Howes.
Grant Making Priorities:

Post Secondary
Facilities
Research
Health-care Services
Education
Humanitarian Issues

Applications for the David S. Howes Fund must have a minimum ask of $25,000.

CAA Niagara Community Boost 2026 Application Deadline
2026-04-02
Each year, two local non-profit organizations are selected to receive one-time donations of $10,000, as well as various forms of volunteerism, marketing support, and fundraising assistance for the duration of 12 months. Additionally, the recipients’ branding are decaled on two new fleet vehicles to increase awareness in communities across Niagara.

Who Should Apply?

Registered non-profit or charitable organization serving the Niagara Region
Demonstrated community impact and measurable outcomes
Commitment to partnership and collaboration

Please note: support is limited to charitable and non-profit organizations only; Community Boost does not sponsor teams, individual pursuits, political groups, or organizations operating outside Niagara.
Applications for the 2026 Community Boost program will be accepted until April 2. Organizations can learn more and access the application form at caaniagara.ca/communityboost.

THE NON-PROFIT BLUEPRINT, HR and Hiring: Building Capacity for Stronger Impact
2026-04-08 09:00 - 2026-05-08 11:00 | Four Points by Sheraton, 3530 Schmon Pkwy, Thorold, Ontario, l2v 4y6, Canada
You’re doing meaningful work — but non-profits across Canada are experiencing unprecedented workforce instability driven by high turnover, chronic staffing shortages, reduced volunteer engagement, rising burnout, and increasing mental health concerns. These pressures directly impact organizational capacity, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.
This four-part series is designed to help non-profit leaders strengthen their organizations with practical, usable strategies. Each 90-minute session focuses on a key area of resilience and growth: creative HR and hiring solutions, donor communication for trust and retention, using digitization and technology to secure funding, and improving grant writing and reporting.

HR and Hiring: Building Capacity for Stronger Impact
Presenters: Marina Glencross and Sandra Stokes, S&G HR Consulting

Discover practical HR strategies tailored for nonprofit organizations. Learn how to improve hiring, retain great people, and build stronger, more resilient teams. Participants will leave with actionable ideas they can apply right away to better support their staff and mission.

Sessions take place at the Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines, 3530 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
Registration:
Non-profit organizations: $40/session plus tax
For more information and to register click here.

Niagara Community Foundation 2026 Summer Camp Grants Application Deadline
2026-04-13 12:00
The Niagara Community Foundation Summer Camp program helps Niagara children in financial need to participate in a variety of camping and recreation experiences.
Summer Camp Grants support organizations that help children in financial need participate in a variety of Niagara Summer Camp experiences. This grant program is open to all registered charities or qualified donees.

THE NON-PROFIT BLUEPRINT, From Ask to Impact: Communicating for Donor Trust and Retention
2026-04-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Four Points by Sheraton, 3530 Schmon Pkwy, Thorold, Ontario, l2v 4y6, Canada
You’re doing meaningful work — but non-profits across Canada are experiencing unprecedented workforce instability driven by high turnover, chronic staffing shortages, reduced volunteer engagement, rising burnout, and increasing mental health concerns. These pressures directly impact organizational capacity, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.
This four-part series is designed to help non-profit leaders strengthen their organizations with practical, usable strategies. Each 90-minute session focuses on a key area of resilience and growth: creative HR and hiring solutions, donor communication for trust and retention, using digitization and technology to secure funding, and improving grant writing and reporting.
April 22
From Ask to Impact: Communicating for Donor Trust and Retention
Presenter: Allie Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer, Delta4Digital
Registration:
Non-profit organizations: $40/session plus tax
For more information and to register click here.

THE NON-PROFIT BLUEPRINT, Digitization and Technology for Securing Funding
2026-05-06 09:00 - 23:00
You’re doing meaningful work — but non-profits across Canada are experiencing unprecedented workforce instability driven by high turnover, chronic staffing shortages, reduced volunteer engagement, rising burnout, and increasing mental health concerns. These pressures directly impact organizational capacity, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.
This four-part series is designed to help non-profit leaders strengthen their organizations with practical, usable strategies. Each 90-minute session focuses on a key area of resilience and growth: creative HR and hiring solutions, donor communication for trust and retention, using digitization and technology to secure funding, and improving grant writing and reporting.
May 6
Presenter: Doris Fiander, AI Strategy Advisor and Speaker, Gowest.ai and Quantum Growth AI
Registration:
Non-profit organizations: $40/session plus tax
For more information and to register click here.

THE NON-PROFIT BLUEPRINT, Grant Writing and Reporting
2026-05-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Four Points by Sheraton, 3530 Schmon Pkwy, Thorold, Ontario, l2v 4y6, Canada
You’re doing meaningful work — but non-profits across Canada are experiencing unprecedented workforce instability driven by high turnover, chronic staffing shortages, reduced volunteer engagement, rising burnout, and increasing mental health concerns. These pressures directly impact organizational capacity, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.
This four-part series is designed to help non-profit leaders strengthen their organizations with practical, usable strategies. Each 90-minute session focuses on a key area of resilience and growth: creative HR and hiring solutions, donor communication for trust and retention, using digitization and technology to secure funding, and improving grant writing and reporting.

May 20
Grant Writing and Reporting
Presenters: Diana Cihak, President and Senior Grant Writer, and Julie Yates, Executive Assistant, Upper Edge Consulting, LLC

Registration:
Non-profit organizations: $40/session plus tax
For more information and to register click here.

Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant Deadline
2026-08-19 17:00
Build capacity and prepare for future programming
Seed grants help organizations, municipalities, and First Nations improve how they deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. Applicants can apply for funding to carry out projects focused on:

organizational planning
piloting a new program
building their capacity to plan for future programs and services

The grant application period is from July 22, 2026 to August 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant Deadline
2026-11-04 17:00
Scale up a program and service to benefit your community
Grow grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2 or 3 years. Grants support established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Applicants can apply for funding to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.
The grant application period is from October 7, 2026 to November 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
