Community Infrastructure Grants
Applications Now Open August 4 to November 3
For over 20 years, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation has been awarding $5,000 in Community Infrastructure Grants to support the enhancement, upgrade, and construction of community spaces and assets across Canada. These projects benefit the community’s future by contributing to its strength and resilience, enhancing sustainability, accessibility, health and safety, and creating connections to allow our communities to flourish. Since 2004, the Communities Foundation has awarded over $2.4 million in grants, supporting over 490 community projects.
Each year, we invite local community organizations to submit proposals for funding of their community infrastructure projects. In December, a select number of deserving applicants will be awarded the grant to support their initiatives.
One Program, Three Grant Streams
Our Infrastructure Grant Program offers three paths to building stronger communities.
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Community Infrastructure Grant
Open to all Canadian municipalities and communities, this grant supports projects that enhance local infrastructure, climate change resilience, accessibility and safety, and community well-being. -
Indigenous Infrastructure Grant
Introduced in 2021 as part of Western’s commitment to reconciliation, this stream supports up to five (5) infrastructure initiatives in Indigenous communities annually that promote cultural preservation, sustainability and social connection. -
AMM Infrastructure Grant
This stream, exclusive to Manitoba municipalities, honours our over 40-year partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). It supports projects that enhance public assets and services in the province. Each year, we provide up to five grants to help these communities bring their visions to life.
Project Eligibility and Criteria
- The project must be within Canada
- The project must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding
- The total cost of the project can not exceed $500,000
- The project consists of either upgrading, enhancing, renovating, or constructing a community asset.
- The project must be a publicly owned community asset.
- The project must be accessible to the public.
- The project must demonstrate its benefits for the community’s future through climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainability, accessibility, health and safety, or community well-being.
- The project must demonstrate measurable social outcomes that directly benefit the community they serve. As part of Western’s evolving commitment to
building Safe Places for Canadians, we place increased emphasis on initiatives that:
- Strengthen climate resilience and adaptation
- Reduce disaster risks or improve emergency preparedness
- Advance accessibility, promote equity, and foster inclusive spaces for all community members
- Create welcoming spaces that support connection, inclusion, and long-term community well-being.
The grant funding cannot be used for regular operating expenses.
Who can apply?
Indigenous Infrastructure Grant
- Indigenous-focused CRA Registered Charitable Organizations
- Indigenous Municipalities, Nations, Reserves, Communities
Community Infrastructure Grant
- CRA Registered Charitable Organizations
- Canadian Municipalities
AMM Infrastructure Grant
- Members of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities
The following are not eligible:
- Non-profit organizations
- Social enterprises
- Religious organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Businesses
- Individuals
- Political campaigns, individuals, parties
- Event sponsorship
How to Apply
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Project Eligibility
Review the project eligibility and criteria to learn about the types of organizations and projects that qualify for this grant.
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Online Application Forms
Please complete and submit your grant application by the application deadline indicated below. Please ensure you complete the correct application.
Indigenous Infrastructure Grant
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Community Infrastructure Grant
Deadline: November 3, 2025
AMM Infrastructure Grant
Deadline: November 3, 2025
Q&A
It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the application.
Indigenous Grant Applications are due September 15, 2025
Community Infrastructure Applications are due November 3, 2025
AMM Infrastructure Applications are due November 3, 2025
No, an organization is only permitted to submit one application.
No, an organization is only permitted to submit one application, even if they are different projects.
Yes, projects that have previously received funding are eligible to apply.
Grant recipients will be contacted in mid-December 2025 via email.
All applications are pre-screened by an internal committee to assess project impact, confirm eligibility, and ensure alignment with our program criteria.
To promote fairness and reduce unconscious bias, eligible applications are then entered into a randomized draw, with selections made based on the number of grants available in the current granting year. This approach ensures that:
- Every eligible project has a fair opportunity to receive funding
- Projects that may otherwise be overlooked are given equal consideration
- Our commitment to equity, transparency, and community inclusion is upheld
Please contact your local Western Financial Group branch if you have more questions.
Past Grant Recipients
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
To express our appreciation and demonstrate our support for the communities where we live and work, Western Financial Group founded the non-profit Western Communities Foundation in 2001 under the Income Tax Act of Canada (Registration #87030 2619 RR0001).
The Foundation does not accept requests, applications, or nominations from outside organizations; we only accept via a Western Financial Group or affiliate office. According to CRA guidelines, we can only donate to a registered charity or municipality and its boards.