The Foundation accepts funding requests submitted through our online form (see below) year-round from registered charities or other qualified donees (as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency) that are aligned with its mission. Please be aware that, due to recent multiyear commitments, our funding for 2023 is limited.
Before applying, read our Granting FAQs (and, in particular, our what we don’t fund question).
If you have any questions, contact Ben Liadsky at 416-923-8953 ext. 121 or ben[at]counselling.net.
The Foundation has a two-stage funding request process:
1. Letter of Intent (LOI)
The LOI outlines your intended project and should be completed through the online link above. You may also upload a short supporting document with your LOI. You will be able to save your progress if you need to. In addition, you may download and complete our Letter of Intent Template first and then copy and paste to our online form. Upon completion, you will receive a copy of your submission. For some LOIs, we may ask external reviewers to confidentially provide feedback to Foundation staff. If staff see alignment between your project/program and the Foundation’s goals, you may be invited to submit a formal Grant Application.
Estimated completion time: 45–60 minutes.
2. Grant Application
If you have been invited to submit a formal Grant Application, staff will reach out and provide you with a template and a due date for submission (typically due one month before the next Meeting of the Board of Directors). Staff will review the completed application and may ask further questions or require changes before taking it to the Board. We may also seek confidential feedback from external reviewers. In addition to the written application, you will also be asked to submit a cover letter, a budget, and a copy of your organization’s audited financial statements. You will also have the option of submitting up to three letters of support.
Estimated completion time: 2–3 hours
A few reminders to consider as you prepare your LOI:
- Submit your LOI online through the link provided above.
- Consider what someone reading your LOI for the first time will think. Is the point you are trying to make clear?
- Avoid repeating the same content in different sections.
- Use plain language and avoid jargon.
- If you use acronyms, identify them at first usage.
- Staff will follow up with you directly if you have been invited to submit a full grant application.
- Staff will review your LOI and decide whether to invite you to complete a full grant application. The Foundation’s Board of Directors reviews grant applications and decide whether to approve grants.