Local Leadership Grant (Apply Sep 15th - Nov 24th, 2026)

Posted on 10/07/2025
Stella Chao

What is the Local Leadership Grant? 

As a part of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS), the Local Leadership Grant supports resident-led projects that support local activation and focus on the five domains of TSNS – economic opportunities, healthy lives, participation in civic-decision making, physical surroundings, and social development - across all neighbourhoods. The Local Leadership Grant prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, Emerging Neighbourhoods, and other communities of focus. 

  

Who can apply? 

Applicants must be a resident-led group consisting of at least 3 members who do not live in the same household. Groups with 3 or more members are eligible to apply. Group members must be residents of Toronto. Group Leads must determine which TSNS Community Network they live in - visit the interactive map for TSNS Community Networks Ambassadors.  

2025 Local Leadership Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the 2026 Local Leadership Grant call.  All 2025 Local Leadership Grant activities must be completed, funds fully used and a Completion Report must be submitted. If your activity or projects is scheduled to take place after December 1, 2025 contact communityfunding@toronto.ca to discuss your application.  Additional details regarding the 2025 Completion Report are available at the end of this communication.  

 

What's New?  

 

How much funding is available? 

  • Funding available per group is $5,000. Please request the full amount in your application. 

 

What activities can be funded through the Local Leadership Grant?  

The Local Leadership Grant (LLG) supports place-based, resident-led projects that focuses on the five domains of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy . Group projects must offer community-based activities related to at least one of the five domains of TSNS: 

  • Economic Opportunities (e.g. job skills workshop)  
  • Healthy Lives (e.g. wellness day)  
  • Participation in Civic Decision-Making (e.g. community speak out event)  
  • Physical Surroundings (e.g. community beautification event) 
  • Social Development (e.g. neighbourhood festival)  

*Note: Sports-related projects are eligible for the 2026 grant cycle in celebration of the World Cup coming to Toronto.* 

 

Events/Activities must:  

  • Be held within the geographic area of your Group Lead’s TSNS Community Network  
  • Be in person, free and open to Toronto Residents  
  • Occur in a public and accessible space  
  • Be a one-time event or a series of events that are completed within 30-day period  
  • Be held between May 1st , 2026 - December 31st, 2026. 

 

Events/Activities cannot: 

  • Have a cost and/or have a fundraising component 
  • Be connected to a pre-existing agency or City-run program 
  • Be a reoccurring, established or annual project 
  • Be private or invitation only 

  

How can I apply and when do project activities take place?  

  • Grant Opens Monday September 15th, 2026 at 12:00pm (Noon)  
  • Grant Closes Monday November 24th, 2026 at 12:00pm (Noon) 
  • Review the grant guidelines to ensure your group and idea are eligible for funding 
  • Register your Group on the Toronto, Grants, Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP) . If you have not created a TGRIP account before review the instructions on How to Register for a TGRIP Account or watch the TGRIP video before you begin your application  
  • Complete and submit your LLG online application, including your project budget and workplan   
  • Activities funded through this grant must take place between May 1st, 2026 - December 31st, 2026.