Community Resilience Grants
Overview
The Ward 3 Community & Resilience Grant program is managed by the Ward 3 Councillor’s Office.
The goal of Ward 3 Community & Resilience Grant program is to support residents, community groups and organizations in Ward 3 - with a focus on programs and initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, resilience, and community-building work in our neighbourhoods. While organizations are welcome to apply, preference will be given to initiatives that are resident-led and can demonstrate outcomes which are community-focused and that will be delivered in Ward 3 neighbourhoods.
Grant funds come from the former Bell Cell Tower Funds (Non-Property Tax Revenue) allocated to Ward 3 and are replenished annually. Cell Tower revenues were deposited to City revenue and transferred to reserves that were established for Ward-Specific purposes. These funds are discretionary, meaning Councillor Nann can put forward motions to direct staff on how to allocate the funds.
In an effort to help manage the intake and selection process, we have moved to an online application process. Successful applications will be approved through a motion passed at City Council. There are two annual application periods - one in the spring and one in the fall. Spring 2025 applications will be due by March 30, 2025.
(Please note, there is $36,000 total that can be dispersed in this application period. The maximum amount that any applicant can request is $2500.)
If you need help filling out the application form, please reach out to the Ward 3 Team at ward3@hamilton.ca.
Application Criteria, Conditions, and Instructions
You can find the application form here. Only fully completed applications that are submitted will be considered for eligibility.
While the granting criteria are relatively flexible, please note that salaries or wages are not eligible for this grant.
There are some examples at the bottom of this page that should assist you in determining whether or not your application meets this criteria.
All completed applications must meet the criteria and conditions in the bulleted list below.
Public Accounting
As grants are awarded, information about them will be posted annually. Successful applicants consent, upon submitting an application, to having their organization or group’s name and the grant amount posted on this website once it has been awarded.
Scoring
The Ward 3 Team will evaluate your application using a scoring rubric. Scores will not be made public or provided to applicants. The Ward 3 Team will happily review applications with unsuccessful applicants to help them improve if they wish to apply again.
Criteria
The grant must be used to support a group operating or delivering a community-focused initiative within the physical boundaries of Ward 3
The group must be incorporated as or have a fiscal sponsor that is a not-for-profit corporation, a registered charity, or must have a demonstrable non-profit status (you must submit supporting documentation to this effect). If this poses a barrier to your initiative, organization or group, please explain it in the comments section at the bottom of the application form and we’ll reach out after the deadline.
Requests cannot total more than $5,000 per organization in a calendar year.
Applications must demonstrate how your initiative, organization or group will make an improvement or continue to provide a benefit to the community.
Applications must demonstrate how your initiative, organization or group has a financial need for the grant. You may submit documentation to support this, like financial or other statements.
Organizations must provide receipts, invoices, or other financial documentation before a cheque requisition will be completed and issued. If you are an individual or resident-led group and this is an impediment, we can discuss alternative arrangements.
All applications will require at least some supporting documentation to substantiate financial need.
If your application is successful, the decision of the Ward 3 Office must then be ratified by Council. The decisions of the Ward 3 Office are not final until approved by Council. You will also be required to complete a disclosure form that outlines any other City grants you have received or will receive in this calendar year.
If the requested amount of the grant is not available, you may be awarded a lesser amount.
Examples of ideal reasons to apply for a grant:
Your neighbours decide to organize a neighbourhood clean up together and need financial assistance in covering the cost for volunteer appreciation, refreshments or supplies.
Your neighbours decide to help revitalize an under-utilized garden in your local park and need financial assistance covering the costs for city-approved plants.
Your organization or group is holding an event or running a program and needs financial support to purchase or rent equipment; rent space; pay artists or facilitators; print or advertise; or create digital content or hosting capabilities.
Your organization or group has identified a place-making opportunity in Ward 3 that will engage and invigorate our neighbourhoods.
Your organization or group has identified a community building and/or resilience project that will have a lasting and positive impact on our community.
Your organization or group needs financial support to complete a study; retain a consultant; or hire a professional in order to carry out its mandate (e.g. not-for-profit incorporation by a lawyer; engineering or architectural plans toward the completion of a project; a feasibility study for a project).