Funding for ministry, mission and community
The Toronto United Church Council (TUCC) provides grants to support ministry, strengthen communities of faith, foster leadership, and respond to social and community needs.
Our grants are made possible through designated funds entrusted to TUCC by generous donors, congregations, former extension councils, and individuals who have chosen to leave a legacy of support.
Please note that several funds have specific purposes, eligibility requirements, and/or geographic restrictions.
Whether you are developing an innovative ministry, supporting your community, creating new opportunities for young people, strengthening church leadership or responding to an emerging community need, there may be a TUCC grant that can help.
Ready to apply?
Applications for TUCC grants can be submitted through TUCC’s grant portal. You can find details on how to use the portal here.
Find a grant that fits your ministry
Explore the current opportunities below and read the guidelines before you begin your application.
Our grants are organized into several areas:
Support for innovative ministry, leadership development, mission, and initiatives that strengthen the vitality and future of communities of faith. See available grants.
Support for projects that respond to social and community needs, encourage practical skills and strengthen relationships within and beyond the church. See available grants.
Funding made possible through partnerships between TUCC, donors, and other church bodies to support ministry and community initiatives. See available grants.
Support for United Church camping and opportunities that encourage leadership and participation among young people. See available grants.
Encouraging and celebrating young people in the United Church through volunteer awards and needs-based grants that support leadership, learning, and participation in church and community life. See available awards and grants.
Application periods
Most TUCC grants are offered during one of two annual application periods:
Fall: September 30 – November 14
Spring: February 1 – March 31
Leslie & Anna Davenport Fund and Community Relief Funds accept applications year-round.
Your application will be forwarded to the appropriate TUCC granting committee for review. TUCC will contact you regarding the outcome of your application.
You can view and apply for all open grants on TUCC’s grant portal.
Before you apply
We encourage you to take a few minutes to read the information for the grant you are considering before beginning your application.
Each grant has its own:
- eligibility requirements – several funds have specific purposes, eligibility requirements, and/or geographic restrictions
- funding amount
- application period and deadline
- eligible activities and expenses
- application questions and supporting information
If you are not sure which grant is the right fit for your project or ministry, please contact us before you apply. We are happy to answer questions and help you determine whether you may be eligible.
A conversation with TUCC staff does not guarantee funding, but we can help you understand the requirements and identify the grant that may be the best fit.
Who can apply?
TUCC is not a public or open grant-making community foundation.
In general, TUCC grants are available by application to incorporated ministries and communities of faith of The United Church of Canada within the Regional Councils TUCC serves (in Ontario), and subject to the specific eligibility requirements for each grant.
We do not accept unsolicited grant applications from charities, not-for-profit organizations or community groups that are not part of The United Church of Canada.
Our approach to granting
TUCC is committed to granting practices that are accessible, transparent, respectful, and grounded in relationships.
We seek to follow decolonizing granting practices, including an emphasis on trust-based relationships, community-led priorities and accessible processes.
We recognize that the communities we serve know their own contexts and needs. Our goal is to connect resources with ministry and community initiatives in ways that support meaningful and lasting impact.
Important information
Grants are not retroactive
TUCC does not provide retroactive funding for projects, initiatives, or programs that have already taken place.
Applications must be submitted and approved before the proposed activity takes place to be eligible for funding.
Have you received a TUCC grant before?
Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply again where the individual grant guidelines permit it. Receiving a grant in the past does not guarantee future funding.
Please review the current eligibility requirements for the grant you are considering.
Grant reporting
If you receive a TUCC grant, we will ask you to tell us about the impact that the grant funding had on your project, initiative or program.
We welcome many different ways of sharing your story, including written reflections, photographs, video, or by submitting our Grant Impact Report.
Your stories help TUCC and our donors understand how grant funding is supporting ministry and making a difference in the areas we serve.
Need help?
We are here to help.
If you have questions about a grant, the application process or whether your project may qualify, please contact the appropriate member of our team before beginning your application.
General Grants and most Social Ministry Grants
Janice Meighan
Director, Fundraising & Donor Care
janice@tucc.ca
905-771-5124 ex. 22
Church Development and Partnership Grants
Daniel Reed
Director, Missional Lending & Investment
daniel@tucc.ca
905-771-5124 ex. 23