An Invitation to Lean In: Grants, Awards, and Opportunities
For most of the year at Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), our focus is outward, listening and looking for ways to support the people and organizations across the region.
But this time of the year feels a little different.
Right now, we're inviting the community to lean in toward us, to share ideas, put forward nominations, and consider stepping into new opportunities.
Grant streams now open
One of the most energizing moments in our annual cycle is the opening of our major grant streams. It is when we start to see what ideas are emerging across the region and how organizations are responding to real needs.
In February, WRCF opened three grant streams: Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants. All three are grounded in our commitment to strengthening social infrastructure, the spaces, experiences, and systems that help people connect meaningfully with one another.
These grants support projects that bring people together and strengthen community life in practical and creative ways. Over the years, we have seen how small sparks of an idea can grow into programs, partnerships, and places that matter deeply to people.
Applications are open until March 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM, and I encourage organizations with ideas to take a closer look at our recent blog: wrcf.ca/news/si-grant-streams-2026
Recognizing community leadership
We are also inviting the community to help recognize the people and organizations who make Waterloo Region a better place to live. Nominations are now open for three WRCF Community Awards, which together reflect the many ways leadership shows up in our community.
The Ken Murray WRCF Community Catalyst Award recognizes an individual whose volunteerism or philanthropy has helped spark positive change in our community.
The David Borges WRCF Organizational Goodness Award celebrates a business or organization that demonstrates a genuine commitment to building a stronger community through its actions and values, reflecting the spirit of “Doing More Good.”
The WRCF Social Infrastructure Champion Award honours an individual or organization that shows innovation, excellence, or sustained commitment to advancing social infrastructure in Waterloo Region.
If someone comes to mind as you read this, I hope you will consider nominating them. Often the people doing the most meaningful work are not the ones who seek recognition, which is why nominations from the community matter so much.
Nominations are open until April 15, and more information and nomination forms are available at: wrcf.ca/award-nominations
Thinking about community leadership is a reminder that strong communities do not happen by accident. They are shaped by people who pay attention, build relationships, and stay committed over time.
Last year’s Social Infrastructure Champion Award recipient, Sam Nabi, has continued his commitment through his work with One Million Neighbours, strengthening neighbourhood connections by improving access to local supports. The organization’s neighbourhood services mapping tool highlights where services are available and where gaps remain, offering a clearer picture of how people experience community. It is a practical, people centred example of how neighbourhood insight can help communities grow stronger from the ground up.
That same commitment also shows up in our impact investing work. WRCF, House of Friendship, and SVX recently released an updated Investor Impact Report on the community bond first launched in 2019. This project showed that community bonds can be a powerful tool, helping organizations raise capital while bringing people closer to the work. The report highlights how this model offered a real alternative to traditional financing, strengthened partnerships, and demonstrated what is possible when communities invest in solutions they believe in. You can learn more and read the report here: wrcf.ca/news/2026-hof-case-study
Growing our team
As our work continues to deepen, we are intentionally growing our team. We are currently hiring a Philanthropy Advisor; a role focused on building meaningful relationships with donors and supporting long term community investment.
This is an opportunity for someone who believes in philanthropy as a way of strengthening connection and belonging. Details about the role and how to apply can be found at: wrcf.ca/news/philanthropy-advisor-job-posting
Leaning in together
All of this, our grants, awards, partnerships, and team, reflects a shared belief that Waterloo Region is strongest when people show up for one another.
Whether you’re applying for a grant, nominating someone whose leadership inspires you, or considering joining our team, your engagement matters. This is one of those moments in the year when we ask the community to lean in and it’s one of those moments when the generosity of Waterloo Region becomes especially visible.
Eric Avner
WRCF President & CEO
eric@wrcf.ca