Community Grants are up to $10,000 and support projects that will have a broad community impact. We’re looking for initiatives that will benefit all of Richmond, and a lot of people.

Thanks for your interest in applying for a Richmond Community Foundation grant. Our intake period is now closed, but below, you can still review our eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and application procedures. It’s a great way to prepare for our next granting cycle, which opens in August 2026.

On this page, you’ll find more information on our Community Grant. If you’re still developing partnerships for your initiative, please consider our Exploring Collaboration Grant prior to submitting a Community Grant application.

We’re always happy to answer questions about our grant process, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can be contacted at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].

The two videos below – they’re just over 10 minutes combined – offer a succinct overview of the Foundation’s granting process. We encourage you to watch them both, to gain a better understanding of the types of projects we support, and what we look for in an application.

Community Foundation Grants – Purpose & Goals

Community Foundation Grants – Funding Streams & Application Process

In the non-profit sector, the reality of limited resources gives rise to abundant creativity. In order to carry out their mission, organizations must find increasingly innovative ways to deliver services and design programs. Our grants favour projects that involve multiple community partners.

This grant is issued in amounts between $1,000 and $10,000, and supports projects that will have a broad community impact. We give grants to initiatives that:

• Feature new ideas
• Expand or improve existing programs
• Focus on capital expenditures that will lead to greater efficiencies

We’re looking for projects that will benefit all of Richmond, and a lot of people. But while a project’s impact should be broad, its focus can be very specific. For example:

• Children & Youth
• Seniors
• ​New Immigrants
• ​​Low-Income Families
• ​​People with a Disability

And of course, we support initiatives in a wide range of fields, including:

• ​​Arts and Culture
• ​​Healthcare
• ​​Environment
• ​​Food Security
• ​​Sports and Recreation
• ​​Social Services

Even if your initiative will directly benefit only a segment of the community, tell us about the ripple effect. The waves might well reach all corners of Richmond!

Procedure
The first step in getting your project funded is to submit an LOI. Simply download and complete the template below by the stated deadline.

The Community Grant applies to most projects. Remember, though: if you’re not quite ready yet, and would like to work with others, you can apply for an Exploring Collaboration Grant instead.

Please ensure that you download the template, and fill it out using Adobe Reader. This way, you’ll be able to save your LOI and return to it later. Please do not complete the template within your web browser, as, chances are, the information won’t be saved.

If you’re planning a project, this graphic will help you better understand how the Foundation awards funding, and the steps involved in the process.

Eligibility
Richmond-based community organizations that are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and fit the following criteria:

1. Initiatives that will directly benefit the residents of Richmond that have broad based community impact, address a significant community challenge and respond to a significant existing or emerging need
2. Initiatives that are available without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, or ability
3. Initiatives that build community capacity and build or develop partnerships among community organizations and community resources
4. Initiatives that are undertaken by organization(s) that have charitable tax status under the Income Tax Act
5. Initiatives that are undertaken by organization(s) that can fulfill the Grant Application Requirements (below)
6. Up to 10% of the grant amount may be used for administration costs of an agency undertaking a project

Not Eligible

1. Operating expenses of established organizations, programs, or services, other than #6 above
2. Wages or salaries, other than #6 above (Note: grant funds can be used to fund an instructor or other position specific to the grant project)
3. Operating or capital deficits
4. Annual fundraising campaigns, form letter request, or telephone campaigns
5. Capital campaigns
6. Adding to endowment funds
7. Direct religious activities
8. Team sponsorships
9. Conference or travel expenses

Grant Application Requirements

Should you be invited to submit an application, the following information will be required:

1. A brief description of the organization’s history, objectives, activities, target population, and geographical area of operation
2. A summary of the project and the purpose of the request, with an explanation of the need, anticipated benefits, method of measuring results, evidence of co-operation/partnership with other organizations, timetables, project key personnel, specific components of initiative to be funded by grant, total project cost and specific amount requested from the Richmond Community Foundation, other sources of funding received/pending for the project/program, plans for future funding (if it is to be ongoing)
3. A copy of the Board resolution approving the request with two (2) signatures of authorized directors of the organization, and one copy of the following:
   1. A list of current Directors and Senior Operating Officer, with contact information (addresses and telephone numbers)
   2. A copy of the up-to-date filed financial records signed by two (2) officers of the organization
   3. A copy of the organization’s Canada Revenue Agency documents confirming status as a registered charity, plus a copy of the incorporation documents