Truly Local Grant Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which organizations can apply?

  Organizations must be registered as a not-for-profit or a charity operating in either the Niagara or Haldimand regions. We require a registered charitable number as part of our application process.

  Organizations that are ineligible to apply include:

  • Individuals or individual fundraising activities, including PenFinancial employees
  • Requests by for-profit businesses or organizations
  • Sports teams or sporting events
  • Third-party requests – e.g. sponsorship of an event with proceeds going to a charitable organization
  • Conferences, trade shows or fairs/festivals
  • Requests for advertising support
  • Requests to support long term operations
  • Activities that do not have a direct benefit to the Niagara or Haldimand communities
  • Political parties support
  • Faith-based organizations that provide programs and services for broader community benefit, may be considered

• How much funding is available?

  The amount of organizations chosen to receive funds and the amount of funds awarded will be based on eligible submissions received, financial need and community impact. Applicants are asked to specifically highlight the amount of funds requested and how they will be used. 

• Can I still apply if my project/initiative has already started?

  Yes, as long as the grant money is used for projects completed before April 30th, 2025, you can still apply. If selected, funds will be deposited at the end of October, 2024 and an impact report on how the funds were used will be required by April 30th, 2025. 

• How will the applications be judged?

  Applications will be reviewed by an internal PenFi committee and judged based on need, impact and alignment with the 3 selected UN Sustainable Development Goals. The number of successful applicants and funds awarded will be based on the number of submissions received, financial need and community impact. Please provide as much detail as possible when completing the application form; if the committee requires additional information a team member will reach out to the contact provided.

  All applicants, whether chosen or not, will be notified of the committee's decision by late October.

• What if I need to make changes to my application?

  If you need to make changes to your proposal, or to submit multiple proposals for multiple projects, please submit a new form. All form submissions will be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.

2023 Truly Local Grant Program Recipients

We received a remarkable amount of applications for our first ever Truly Local Grant program, and it was so very hard to choose only four recipients.

• Holy Trinity Church

  

  $10,000 Received

  The funds will be used to purchase new movable racks for Holy Trinity's Hygiene and Food Pantry, as well as purchase supplies to keep it stocked throughout the holiday season.

  The Hygiene and Food Pantry at Holy Trinity Welland began as a grassroots movement over 14 years ago serving anyone in need in Welland. A significant increase in need over the past few months has challenged our capacity. The generous grant from PenFinancial will allow us to continue to meet the growing demand, helping to make Welland a stronger community.

  Learn more about Holy Trinity Church →

• Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre

  

  $8,000 Received

  The funds will go towards the purchase of a brand new greenhouse and supplies for their new Grow @ FENFC program! This project will provide holistic, sustainable, land-based learning to participants in a variety of programs throughout the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre. The funding for this program will provide a greenhouse and supplementary resources to be located on the FENFC property and serve as a foundation for teaching, learning, and growing. The first section focuses on the greenhouse and the impact on reducing poverty and hunger, while the second emphasizes the teaching and learning that will be implemented and that holistic impact on good health and well-being.

  Learn more about the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre →

• Dunnville Youth Impact Inc.

  

  $5,000 received

  The funds will go towards the purchase of a new commercial dishwasher for their facility on Chestnut Street. Dunnville Youth Impact offers life skills programming to youth and families in the Haldimand community, along with free brunches and suppers. As you can imagine, preparing and serving all this food results in a lot of dishes, which previously had been hand washed. The new dishwasher will allow the staff and volunteers to save time and focus their efforts in meeting the real needs of the families in the community.

  Learn more about Dunnville Youth Impact Inc. →

• Project SHARE of Niagara Falls

  

  $2,000 received

  The funds will go towards their annual Christmas Program, that serves families in need in Niagara Falls. This program provides grocery store gift cards and new, unwrapped toys to children 18 and under who register for the program from November to December. In 2022, the Christmas Program supported over 5,000 individuals who live in low-income households.

  Project SHARE of Niagara Falls provides essential support services that improve the lives of Niagara Falls individuals and families in need. As a non-profit charitable organization, Project SHARE has been providing emergency food and support services to residents of Niagara Falls for more than 30 years. The acronym SHARE represents support, housing, awareness, resources and emergency.

  Learn more about Project SHARE of Niagara Falls →