Montreal, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse communities, offers a plethora of funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations aiming to drive social change. In 2025, various governmental bodies, private foundations, and corporate entities continue to support initiatives that address pressing social issues. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of available grants, eligibility criteria, and application processes to assist nonprofits in navigating the funding landscape effectively. Whether focused on social inclusion, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, youth development, or public health, nonprofits can find a wide array of financial resources tailored to their mission. Understanding the funding sources, researching the priorities of potential funders, and aligning proposals with their objectives are key steps toward securing successful and sustained support. By strategically applying for grants and building relationships with funders, nonprofits can strengthen their impact and create lasting change in Montreal’s communities.
Understanding the Grant Landscape in Montreal
Montreal’s funding ecosystem is multifaceted, encompassing federal, provincial, and municipal government programs, as well as private and corporate foundations. These grants support a range of sectors, including education, health, arts and culture, environmental sustainability, and social services. Additionally, these grants are designed to foster innovation, social entrepreneurship, and community-driven solutions to local and global challenges.
Organizations seeking funding must be aware of the varying eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines across different grant programs. Some grants are open to all types of nonprofits, while others may be specifically targeted at particular sectors or initiatives, such as mental health, youth development, or diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, grants may be one-time offerings or ongoing programs, each requiring tailored approaches to maximize chances of success. As such, nonprofits must navigate this dynamic landscape by staying informed and engaging with both government and private sector funders to secure financial support.
Government Grants
Federal Grants
The Canadian federal government offers various grants accessible to Montreal-based nonprofits:​
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Canada Social Innovation Fund: Supports social enterprises and nonprofits developing innovative solutions to societal challenges.​
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Canada Cultural Spaces Fund: Provides financial support to cultural and heritage organizations for infrastructure projects or facility upgrades.​
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Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Offers funding for nonprofits involved in sustainable agriculture projects.​
Nonprofits can explore these and other federal funding opportunities through the Open Government Portal.​
Provincial Grants
The Quebec government administers several grant programs to bolster nonprofit initiatives:​
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ESSOR Program: Supports investment projects, including feasibility studies and digital diagnostics, to enhance organizational capacity.​
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Investissement Québec: Provides financial assistance for projects aimed at economic development and innovation.​
Details on provincial grants can be found on Investissement Québec’s website.​
Municipal Grants
The City of Montreal offers grants to support local nonprofit projects:​
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Growing Your Social Economy Enterprise: Provides financial assistance covering up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum grant of $200,000, for initiatives that contribute to the social economy.​
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Subsidy for Universal Access to Businesses: Aims to improve accessibility in commercial establishments, promoting inclusivity.​
Information on municipal grants is available on the City of Montreal’s official website.​
Private Foundations and Philanthropic Organizations
Foundation of Greater Montreal (FGM)
FGM administers various granting programs to support community organizations:​
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Women’s Impact Montreal Collective Fund: Offers financial support to organizations serving women and girls, particularly those from marginalized communities.​AP News
More information can be found on FGM’s website.​
McConnell Foundation
The McConnell Foundation supports initiatives that foster inclusive communities and sustainable development. Their Montreal funding stream focuses on projects that align with these priorities.​
Details are available on the McConnell Foundation’s website.​
Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal (JCF)
JCF provides grants to organizations within the Jewish community through various programs:​
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Nova Grants: Encourage innovation within the community.​
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Grassroots Grants: Support new and inspiring ideas at the community level.​
Application information is available on JCF’s website.​
Corporate and Community-Based Funding
RBC Community Investments
The Royal Bank of Canada offers funding for initiatives that address community needs, including education, arts, and environmental sustainability. Organizations can learn more and apply through the RBC funding portal.​
BMO Gives
Bank of Montreal supports nonprofits and charities through donations and sponsorships, focusing on community development and social impact. In 2024, BMO contributed $108 million to over 1,000 organizations.​
Further details are available on BMO’s Our Impact page.​
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation
TELUS provides grants to Canadian registered charities and qualified donees supporting local, grassroots community-based health and education programs. Grants are typically up to $20,000 per year.​
Application guidelines can be found on the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation website.​
Specialized Grant Opportunities
Lululemon Centre for Social Impact
The 2025 Here to Be Grant offers up to $50,000 USD in operating support to community-led nonprofits advancing well-being and serving those most impacted by systemic inequities. Applications are open from June 3 to June 28, 2024.​
More information is available on Lululemon’s grants portal.​
Conseil des arts de Montréal
Provides project funding for organizations in the arts sector, with application deadlines typically in March and August each year. The program supports artistic creation, production, and dissemination.​
Details can be found on the Conseil des arts de Montréal website.​
Tools and Resources for Grant Seekers
GrantWatch
An online platform listing current grant opportunities for nonprofits in Quebec and across Canada. It offers detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, and application procedures.​
Access GrantWatch to explore available grants.​
PME MTL Network
Provides support to entrepreneurs and organizations through funding programs, including grants and loans, to stimulate economic development in Montreal.​helloDarwin+1helloDarwin+1
Visit the PME MTL website for more information.​helloDarwin
HelloDarwin
Offers a comprehensive directory of grants and funding opportunities for businesses and nonprofits in Montreal, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and community development.​helloDarwin
Explore HelloDarwin’s grants and funding section for current opportunities.​helloDarwin+1helloDarwin+1
Conclusion
Montreal’s diverse funding landscape in 2025 presents numerous opportunities for nonprofit organizations dedicated to social impact. By leveraging available grants from governmental bodies, private foundations, and corporate entities, nonprofits can secure the necessary resources to implement and expand initiatives that address community challenges. These may include programs focused on reducing poverty, promoting education, advancing healthcare, supporting immigrants and marginalized groups, or fostering environmental sustainability. To succeed, organizations must stay informed about upcoming funding cycles, craft compelling proposals, and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Building strong partnerships and maintaining transparency with funders can also enhance credibility and long-term funding prospects.
Feranmi Nureni