Partnerships and Grants

The Anchor Organization program approved by Council recognizes dedicated groups that are deemed to be "Anchored Organizations". These groups have demonstrated their commitment to working with Oshawa based, not-for-profit community organizations that provided beneficial programs and services to the community over the past several years.  

Financial Assistance Policy

The Partnership Grant program assists Oshawa based, not-for-profit community groups and organizations initiating or delivering programs or services to the citizens of Oshawa. 

Many programs and services are provided through the volunteer efforts of not-for-profit community organizations and complement and often supplement programs beyond the City’s capability. The Partnership Grant Program demonstrates Council’s commitment to working with Oshawa-based, not-for-profit volunteer community organizations that can provide beneficial programs and services to the community. As part of the Partnership Grant Program, organizations will be required to decrease reliance on municipal funding so other emerging needs or opportunities may be met.

Partnership Grants are available only when the organization can demonstrate that there is community support for the programs or services; that there is a need for financial assistance; and that adequate funding for the programs or services is not available from other sources. Grant recipients will be required to acknowledge the support of the City of Oshawa in all advertising, publicity, programs, and signage for which funds are granted. The recipient may not represent the City as a partner, or hold the City responsible for any obligations relating to the project.

Grants will not be provided:

• For requests exceeding $5,000
• To cover ongoing operating costs
• To organizations that charge the public an admission fee
• To organizations or groups that raise money for charity outside of their own organizations. (Organizations that raise money for charities outside of their own organizations are eligible to apply for in-kind services.)
• On a retroactive basis
• To individuals
• To coalitions such as ratepayer or tenant/landlord associations, or to support programs or services geared specifically to these organizations
• To organizations aligned with any political party, or to support programs or services which are political in nature Policy and Procedure
• To support programs or services which are operated under the authority of another level of government, such as social services
• As donations to charitable causes
• As a replacement for other funding sources
• As debt retirement expenditures

Organizations requesting in-kind services must have their request reviewed by the Events and Community Engagement Supervisor, at least two weeks prior to the deadline, to ensure the event can take place as planned and that all anticipated in-kind services have been discussed. In-kind services include all items listed in the General Fees and Charges by-law (park/facility rentals, permit fees, licence fees and utility fees) as well as costs associated with staff overtime, benefits, and out of pocket expenses. The City will not cover costs incurred with external agencies (police services). Any expenses which exceed the grant amount approved by Council will be the responsibility of the Applicant and will be invoiced by the City.

There will be one annual intake of applications for Partnership Grant requests. Applications received after the deadline will be returned advising to apply in the following year. 

The application deadline is October 1.

To request additional information and/or a Partnership Grant Application Form, email [email protected] or contact (905) 436-3311, ext. 2165. 

Waiving of Fees Policy