Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026 ($5,000 Grant)

The 2025 program will run from October 2025 to September 2026, and successful applicants will have 12 months to implement their ideas. OCC will feature an in-person studio in Toronto in the Fall, with presentations and storytelling workshops by inspiring community leaders and skills-building workshops on project planning, community engagement, communication, and tactical urbanism. Changemakers will also benefit from ongoing virtual coaching and capacity-building from the team at 8 80 Cities through monthly meetups, as well as access to a network of local and international public space experts.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: August 25, 2025
2. Category: Grants Training
3. Opportunity Locations: Canada
4. Eligible Locations: Canada
5. Sponsor Organisation: 8 80 Cities

Eligibility Criteria for Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026 ($5,000 Grant)

1. Must be 19 years or older at the time of application.
2. Preference will be given to those who can attend all three days of the Studio.
3. Applicants must reside in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within the provincial boundary of Ontario during the time of project implementation.
4. Project must take place in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within the provincial boundary of Ontario.
5. Applicants must propose a community project that activates public space, enhances civic engagement, and/or fosters social inclusion.

The deadline is 5:00 PM (EDT) on August 25, 2025. No application will be received after this deadline.

Benefits of Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026 ($5,000 Grant)

Successful applicants will receive a combination of funding, leadership training, and valuable networking opportunities to help bring their projects to life. Thirty (30) selected changemakers will benefit from:

1. $5,000 Grant: Each selected applicant will receive exactly $5,000 grant to fund their community project.
2. Leadership Training: Gain access to training in leadership, community engagement, and tactical urbanism, facilitated by 880 Cities.
3. Ongoing Mentorship: Enjoy virtual coaching and peer-to-peer networking throughout the program to support your project's growth and development.
4. In-Person Studio in Toronto: Participate in an inspiring studio experience, featuring storytelling workshops, project planning sessions, and presentations by experts in the field of public space and community building.
5. Access to Experts: Connect with a global network of public space experts and changemakers, who can provide guidance, feedback, and inspiration as you implement your project.

You'll have 12 months to execute your project, from October 2025 to September 2026, with continuous support from 8 80 Cities throughout the duration.

How to Apply

View details of Ontario Community Changemakers Program

Apply for Ontario Community Changemakers Program

Application Deadline

25 August, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026 ($5,000 Grant)