WRCF grant streams focused on social infrastructure
On February 23, 2026, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) opened three of its grant streams: Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants.
The combined focus of these grant streams is on the ways that meaningful social interactions strengthen the social infrastructure within and across Waterloo Region.
WRCF defines social infrastructure as the system of shared spaces, experiences, and resources that enable people to connect with each other, the bridges necessary to build trust and civic participation, to create a sense of belonging and wellbeing. It’s the system that enables sustainable widespread community development.
There is growing evidence that social infrastructure is associated with more social cohesion and an improved sense of belonging and wellbeing. With our region on track to grow to over one million people by 2040, there needs to be a solid social infrastructure in place to “grow our community as our community grows.” If you want to learn more about social infrastructure, WRCF has a section of their website that includes articles, blogs, videos, and other resources for you to access here.
Applications for the three streams are open until March 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. Only one application per organization will be considered across these three grant streams. For more information, click on the links below.
Arts Grants
Approximately $200,000 is available to support small or medium sized arts organizations and collectives.
Community Grants
Approximately $700,000 is available to organizations that are focused on initiatives linked to improving social infrastructure. Trinity United Church (Kitchener) is partnering with WRCF again in 2026 and is contributing funding.
Racial Equity Grants
Approximately $250,000 is available to organizations that are led by and serve people who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or people of colour.
As part of WRCF’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, we are working to deepen our relationships with Indigenous‑led and Indigenous-serving nonprofit organizations throughout Waterloo Region. To help advance this work, we intend to launch a pilot fund in Q3/Q4 2026 dedicated to supporting Indigenous‑led and Indigenous-serving organizations within the region. These organizations will be eligible to apply for this grant stream alongside any other WRCF grant opportunities. Additional information will be shared once finalized.
