$1.84 million provided to 97 local organizations through WRCF’s grant streams focused on social infrastructure
For Immediate Release | July 8, 2026
WATERLOO REGION, ON – Today, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) announced $1.84 million in grants to 97 local organizations to support activities that strengthen our region's social infrastructure. Funding was provided through three grant streams: Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants, and included support from WRCF Fundholders and donors, along with partnerships with both Trinity United Church (Kitchener) and the City of Waterloo.
“When we invest in more welcoming places, more diverse networks, and more vibrant programming, communities grow stronger, connections deepen, resilience builds, and belonging becomes possible for more people,” said Eric Avner, President & CEO, Waterloo Region Community Foundation. “As Waterloo Region continues to grow, so does the need for this kind of investment in our social infrastructure. None of it would be possible without the generosity of our Fundholders, donors, and partners who have chosen to invest alongside us. We are deeply grateful for their trust and their commitment to this region."
Additional information for each grant stream, including a listing of organizations that received funding, can be found in the links below:
$289,000 was provided to 20 organizations through WRCF’s Arts Fund. To see a list of organizations supported in 2026, visit wrcf.ca/news/arts-results-2026.
$1.2 million was provided to 58 organizations through WRCF’s Community Funds. To see a list of organizations supported in 2026, visit wrcf.ca/news/cf-results-2026.
$359,000 was provided to 19 organizations through WRCF’s Racial Equity Fund. To see a list of organizations supported in 2026, visit wrcf.ca/news/re-results-2026.
As of June 2026, WRCF has distributed $100 million in grants since its inception in 1984, which includes the combined impact of the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, and WRCF. While it took 42 years to achieve the first $100 million milestone, based on current donation and granting rates, WRCF is projecting to distribute the next $100 million in grants in less than 12 years.
For more information about WRCF, visit wrcf.ca.
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About Waterloo Region Community Foundation
Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) is focused on making it easy for people to do more good. WRCF collaborates with partners to ensure communities across Waterloo Region are equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving. We work with individuals and companies to support the organizations and issues they care about.
WRCF drives measurable and sustainable impacts through Granting, Investing, and Mobilizing. Gifts are directed to WRCF's endowed funds, with the income generated being distributed in partnership with Fundholders through grants and investments that support a wide range of charitable causes that drive positive change within our community. We are growing our assets in a socially-responsible way without compromising financial returns, and transitioning to a 100% mission-aligned portfolio. These investments include directing at least 10% of our portfolio to impact investments. As a leading community-building organization, we also work to amplify voices and issues of importance by mobilizing conversations and sharing information, which leads people to action, while approaching our work with an equity mindset.
In 2026, WRCF continues to prioritize improving Waterloo Region’s social infrastructure. www.wrcf.ca
For additional information about this release or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Lynne Short
Vice President, Waterloo Region Community Foundation
519-725-1806 x 204
lynne@wrcf.ca
