As Dave Harvey retires from his co-leadership position at Park People, he reflects on the incredible journey since founding the organization in 2011.
Why are events in parks important? How do grants fit into Park People’s larger goals for creating change in city parks?
We know we benefit when we get outside and connect with others when winter makes us feel isolated. Here are some ideas for how your group can animate parks in winter.
Here are some valuable tips to create a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for participants of all abilities, backgrounds, ages, and gender identities!
Explore reports, articles, toolkits, and webinars on racism and inequality in public spaces, with insights to address systemic barriers in parks and urban settings.
Explore inspiring community-led events funded by our microgrants program, from land-based learning to nature walks and skill-sharing workshops.
Come together with community members, park professionals, and municipal staff at the 2025 Park People Toronto Summit!
By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
Park People
Jun 17, 2022 Canada-wide
Fundraising is a great way to build the capacity of your community park group. Below are some key national grants that could help fund your next awesome park project.
At the bottom of the resource are options for more specific provincial and municipal grants.
Catherine Donnelly FoundationFunds projects that increase public support for fast and deep-reaching climate change solutions. Learn more
Climate Action and Awareness FundSupports Canadian-made projects that help to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more
Community Tree Grants CanadaOffers grants and technical support to community greening initiatives on publicly-accessible properties. Learn more
TD Park People GrantsSupports local leaders organize events focused on environmental education, sustainability, or stewardship. Learn more
EcoAction Community Funding ProgramProvides financial support to non-profit and non-government organizations for Canadian communities to take on local action-based projects that produce measurable, positive effects on the environment and to build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities in the future. Learn more
Patagonia Corporate GrantsSupports local groups that work to preserve the environment and protect local habitats and frontline communities. Learn more
Richardson FoundationOffers to fund charitable organizations that support youth initiatives and environmental issues. Learn more
Scotts Canada Gro For Good GrantsSupports community groups to develop sustainable gardens and green spaces in their communities. Learn more
TD Friends of the Environment FoundationFunds community work and park improvement projects through operating and capital grants. Learn more
Honda Canada Foundation (HCF)Funds educational institutions, charitable non-profit organizations or any national institution in the fields of family, environment, engineering and education. Learn more
Meridian Good Neighbour ProgramForges partnerships with local charities, not-for-profits, and public organizations so they can work together to meet each community’s needs. Learn more
TakingItGlobal Rising YouthSupports youth to participate in and becoming key stakeholders in strengthening global and local social movements. Learn more
Telus Community GrantFunds initiatives from Canadian registered charities that focus on local, grassroots community-based health and education programs that help youth reach their full potential. Learn more
Canadian Arts CouncilSupports professional art groups and non-profit organizations working in community parks and public spaces. Learn moreHeritage Canada – Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and HeritageFunds local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Learn more
Richardson FoundationFunds registered Canadian charitable organizations that support visual and performing arts, education, youth initiatives. Learn more
Canada Post Community FoundationSupports organizations and groups in delivering and expanding child and youth programming, including sports and healthy living initiatives. Learn more
Canadian Tire Jumpstart/Bon départ Community Development GrantThe operational stream assists organizations with operational and administrative costs. The programming stream helps organizations develop or sustain sports and recreational programming for kids in financial need and youth with disabilities. Learn more
ParticipACTION Community Better ChallengeEncourages Canadians to get active in search of Canada’s Most Active Community. Learn more
Medavie Active Living GrantEncourages access to physical activity with a focus on supporting increased participation across a population. Learn more
Indigenous Youth Roots Creation Grants Supports youth-led projects seeking to create impactful community change and increase the wellness, resiliency and engagement of Indigenous youth. Learn more
CRRF’s National Anti-Racism Fund
Strengthens the capacity of racialized communities, religious minority groups and Indigenous people to carry out their own work to combat racism and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue, learning and sharing with the broader public. Learn more
Heritage Canada – Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives ProgramProvides funding to community-based events that promote intercultural or interfaith understanding, promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination, or celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament. Learn more
Hydro Flask Parks for AllSupports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and providing more equitable access to parks. Learn more
National Healing Forest Initiative
Supports groups or organizations to develop a healing forest in their community – a dedicated forest, garden, or green space – as a place for healing, learning, sharing, and reflection about Canada’s history and the legacy of Indian residential schools. Learn more
Enabling Accessibility Fund
Provides funding to eligible capital projects that creates opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community activities or access employment opportunities. Learn more
Communities For Gender Equality
Supports women, girl, gender-diverse and Two-Spirit-led and serving organizations to advance gender equality across the country. Learn more
Community Foundation FundsInvests in local initiatives that help to make Canadian communities better places to live, work and play. Click here to find your local Foundation.
British Columbia Grants & FundingExplore the different grants and funding dedicated to groups and organizations located in B.C. Learn more
Ontario Grants & FundingExplore the different grants and funding available for groups and organizations located in Ontario. Learn more
Grants & Funding in other ProvincesAlberta:
Nova Scotia:
New Brunswick:
Prince Edward Island:
Manitoba:
Atlantic Canada:
Funding, Grants
Fundraising is a great way to build the capacity of your community park group. Here’s a list of the grants and funding options for park groups located in BC.
Fundraising is a great way to build the capacity of your community park group. Here’s a list of the grants and funding options for park groups located in Ontario.