Application to the 2026 Community Action Grants is now open.
The South Markham neighbourhood stands at the brink of transformation and opportunity. In recent years, residents, community partners, and other stakeholders have collaboratively developed local frameworks and plans to guide this change and capitalize on emerging opportunities, all aimed at fostering stronger and more equitable communities.
The South Markham Community Action Grants (CAG) are designed to support neighbourhood-focused initiatives that advance key community-informed priorities and actions. These priorities and actions are outlined in local plans such as the York Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWB Plan) and South Markham Community Action Plan.
Successful CAG initiatives will:
- Support residents, grassroots groups, agencies, and local partners to take action and drive progress against community identified priorities.
- Increase social cohesion, ensuring that key priority populations (Black, Indigenous residents, youth, etc.) are able to contribute to creating equitable communities.
- Foster and strengthen relationships between residents, partners, and other stakeholders (i.e., government, funders, anchor institutions like hospitals, universities, etc.)
- Mobilize resources and collaborative action to effectively action local priorities.
Community Action Grants support projects that take place within the South Markham neighbourhood, as shown on the map at the end of this page. Projects located outside the South Markham boundaries are not eligible for this grant.
Grant streams and funding:
This is the second of three rounds of funding for the South Markham Community Action Grants.
For this round of funding, there will be two grant streams available:
Resident / Grassroots Group Stream – Intended to support resident-led projects occurring within a 1–6-month timeframe. Grants in this stream would range between $5,000 – $20,000 per project. All projects must be completed by August 31st, 2027.
Agency / Collaborative Stream – Intended to support projects led by a local agency or collaborative (groups of agencies). Grants in this stream would range from $25,000 to $75,000 per project for individual agency projects and from $50,000 to $100,000 for collaborative projects. All projects must be completed by May 31st, 2028.
The total funds available in this phase is up to $400,000 between both the Resident/Grassroots group and Agency/Collaborative streams. Applicants are welcome to re-apply in future rounds if their projects are not funded in Fall 2026. The third and final round of funding for South Markham Community Action Grants will become available in 2027.
Eligibility and application process:
The documents below explain who can apply, what types of projects can be funded, the funding priorities, and how to apply.
If your project is led by residents or a grassroots group, please use the guidelines and application forms for Resident/Grassroots Groups.
If your project is led by a local agency (such as a charity) or by a group of agencies working together, please use the Agency/Collaborative Grant guidelines.
Resident/Grassroots Group Grants Guidelines
Resident/Grassroots Group Application Form
Agency/Collaborative Grants Guidelines
Agency/Collaborative Application
Agencies must request access to SMA grant application portal before 5 pm on September 4, 2026 by emailing CAG@uwgt.org.
Collaborative Agreement Template
(if required and applicable)
To discuss your project or for support around completing your application, you can drop-in at any of the virtual or in-person Office Hours sessions or email CAG@uwgt.org. *Please indicate ‘South Markham Community Action Grants’ in the subject line
Information Sessions & Office Hours:
We strongly recommend consultation with UWGT staff prior to, and during the completion of the application. Grant Information Sessions and Office Hours will be offered on the dates and times below.
Information Sessions (virtual)
Wednesday, June 17, 1 – 2:30 PM
Office Hours and Training Sessions:
(In-Person)
Resident Grant Writing Training Session (in-person) – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, July 9, 5 – 7 PM
Aaniin Community Centre
5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3K5
Office Hours (in-person
Thursday, July 9, 3 – 5 PM
Aaniin Community Centre
5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3K5
Thursday, August 4, 5 – 7 PM
Markham Public Library – Milliken Mills Branch
7600 Kennedy Rd #1, Markham, ON L3R 9S5
Office Hours: (Virtual)
Wednesday July 22, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday August 19, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Access the virtual Office Hour sessions here:
Additional Timelines:
| Grant Applications Open | Monday May 25th, 2026 |
| Survey Monkey Apply (SMA) access request deadline (for Agency/ Collaborative Grants) | Friday September 4th at 5:00 PM |
| Application Deadline | Friday September 11th at 5:00 PM |
| Review Panel | Fall 2026 |
| Applicants Notified | End of November 2026 |
| Grant Recipients Contracted | January 2027 |
Map of South Markham Community Action Grant Area:
Eligible resident groups or agencies must operate, or have a demonstrated history of community engagement, within the geographic boundaries of Woodbine Avenue (west), Highway 7 (north), Steeles Avenue (south) and McCowan Rd (north-east) and Markham Road (south-east).
To discuss your project or for support around completing your application, you can drop-in at any of the virtual or in-person Office Hours sessions or email CAG@uwgt.org. *Please indicate ‘South Markham Community Action Grants’ in the subject line