What We Fund

Children’s Initiatives

Our goal is the healthy development of children aged 0-12 in Waterloo Region. Applications accepted from registered charities located in and serving Waterloo Region. The Foundation gives priority to initiatives focused on primary prevention: strategies which promote children’s wellness and proactively address potential problems by providing opportunities for learning and growth. We value the important role played by parents, caregivers, schools, neighbours, and the community at large in raising healthy children. We dream of a community where every child is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Children and Youth Capital

The purpose of this grant program is to provide children and youth aged 16 and under from low-income families in Waterloo Region with access to social and recreational facilities and programs. Applications accepted from charitable organizations in Waterloo Region, for support of facilities and infrastructure in Waterloo Region.

Higher consideration will be given to capital requests which:

• Provide facilities in areas of high need

• Involve shared facilities and collaborative approaches

• Feature facilities and programs with low or no fee for access/participation

General Operating Support (GOS)

GOS provides unrestricted funds to support small, medium and large organizations' ability to achieve its mission overall.

It is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems.

Grass Roots Support (GRS)

Patterned after General Operating Support GRS is unrestricted funds to support small, largely volunteer run organizations' ability to achieve its mission overall. It is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems.

Higher Education

To reduce financial barriers to higher education, starting in Fall, 2025, we have established the Lyle S. Hallman Scholars awards at Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College. Students from Waterloo Region registered in any program at one of the three institutions and who demonstrate financial need, are eligible to apply. Each award will support a student from registration through to graduation.

Healthcare

Commencing in 2026, the Foundation will establish an Equipment Renewal Fund at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and the newly merged entity of St. Mary’s/Grand River Hospitals. With the rapid changes in medical technology, the limited lifespan of equipment, and the fact that government does not fund equipment, this new fund will meet a significant need. Funds will be disbursed on an annual basis. No application is necessary and each hospital will provide an annual report on usage of funds.