TUCC supports United Church camping (only) within the Regional Councils that TUCC serves, through grants that help camps develop young leaders, make camping more accessible to children and youth, and maintain the camp properties that make these experiences possible.
Our camping grants are available each spring, with applications opening February 1 and closing March 31. Grants are issued in May, before camps begin their summer season.
Ready to apply?
Submit applications for TUCC camping grants through the TUCC Grant Portal.
Before you begin your application, please review the grant descriptions and guidelines below to make sure your camp is eligible for the fund you are considering.
The Winston & Merle Roach Camp Leadership Fund
Supporting Black Youth Leadership
The Winston and Merle Roach Camp Leadership Fund supports United Church camps in hiring Black youth as camp staff, helping build strong teams of young Black role models and create more equitable leadership opportunities in United Church camping.
The fund honours Winston and Merle Roach, longtime church and community leaders who were committed to equity, opportunity and service. Their children established the fund in 2020 to continue their parents’ commitment to ensuring that Black youth have access to experiences and opportunities that can shape future leaders in Canada, and stewards of the land.
Two grants of $1,500 are available annually.
Who can apply: United Church camps within the Regional Councils in TUCC’s service area.
Funding criteria: Funding must support the hiring of Black youth in camp leadership staff positions. Preference will be given to applications that support positions at more than one camp. If only one camp applies, funding may support two positions at that camp.
Application period: February 1–March 31
Grants issued: May
Winston & Merle Roach’s children visiting Cave Springs Camp.
Camping Opportunities Fund (COF)
The Camping Opportunities Fund helps make United Church camping accessible to children and youth by providing campership funding to families who need financial assistance to send their children to camp.
COF funding is provided directly to eligible camps, which then use the funds to provide subsidies to campers and families.
Who can apply: United Church camps within Shining Waters Regional Council:
- Camp Big Canoe
- Camp Scugog
- Sparrow Lake Camp
- Ryde Lake Camp
Parents and guardians do not apply directly to TUCC. If you are seeking financial assistance to send a child or youth to camp, please contact the camp directly to ask about available campership support.
Application period: February 1–March 31
Grants issued: May
Wesceneaskin Legacy Fund for Camp Renewal
The Wesceneaskin Legacy Fund honours the legacy of the Toronto Young Peoples’ Union Camp Site, which provided camping experiences for children and youth for generations.
When the Toronto Young Peoples’ Union Camp Board sold the Wesceneaskin camp property, it gifted a portion of the proceeds to TUCC to create a legacy of support for United Church camping in Shining Waters Regional Council, particularly for the TUCC-owned camp properties.
The fund provides grants toward capital property taxes for four TUCC-owned camps:
- Camp Big Canoe
- Sparrow Lake Camp
- Camp Scugog
- Camp Simpresca
Who can apply: Camp Big Canoe, Sparrow Lake Camp, Camp Scugog, and Camp Simpresca.
Purpose of funding: Capital property tax expenses associated with the eligible camp properties.
Application period: February 1– March 31
Grants issued: May
Before you apply
Each fund has a specific purpose and eligibility requirements. Please make sure your camp and proposed use of the funding meet the requirements before applying.
You may save your application and return to it later through the Grant Portal. Once you have completed your application, submit it through the portal before March 31.
Questions?
We are happy to help you understand the requirements or determine which camping grants may be appropriate for your camp.
Janice Meighan
Director, Fundraising & Donor Care
janice@tucc.ca
905-771-5124 ext. 22