Deadline: 23-Apr-2026

The Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) provides grants of up to $300,000 to Toronto-based not-for-profit organizations and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to support initiatives that foster inclusive economic development, community wealth-building, and local resilience. Projects focus on placemaking, strategic planning, cultural celebration, and collaboration to strengthen neighborhoods and promote sustainable economic growth.

Program Overview

The CEDF is designed to support local organizations in delivering high-impact economic development initiatives that:

• Promote inclusive economic growth and community wealth-building

• Enhance local economic resilience and sustainability

• Encourage collaborative partnerships for economic development

• Support innovation in main street communities

• Build the capacity of community organizations and BIAs

The fund emphasizes projects that strengthen community identity, enhance public spaces, and celebrate local culture while creating tangible economic and social impact for residents and businesses.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to $300,000 per project

• Eligible Applicants: Toronto-based not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, and BIAs with strong local business involvement

• Ineligible Applicants: For-profit businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations

• Project Focus: Community placemaking, strategic planning, community-led initiatives, cultural events, and economic development programs

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a registered not-for-profit organization or a Business Improvement Area (BIA) in Toronto

• Demonstrate strong local business engagement

• Present a project that enhances community identity, economic vitality, or public spaces

• Show capacity for implementation, community engagement, and measurable outcomes

What the Fund Supports

The CEDF supports projects that:

• Strengthen community identity through cultural, social, or artistic placemaking initiatives

• Enhance public spaces, streetscapes, and neighborhood aesthetics

• Promote inclusive economic development and long-term community wealth-building

• Encourage community planning and strategic engagement

• Foster collaboration among local organizations, residents, and businesses

What the Fund Does Not Support

• For-profit businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations

• Projects without measurable economic or community impact

• Activities outside the Toronto area or not aligned with inclusive economic development objectives

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger, more resilient local economies

• Improved community spaces and placemaking initiatives

• Enhanced collaboration and capacity among local organizations and stakeholders

• Promotion of inclusive, community-centered economic growth

• Long-term benefits in neighborhood vitality and wealth-building

How to Apply

1. Confirm your organization meets eligibility criteria as a Toronto-based not-for-profit or BIA

2. Develop a project proposal focused on placemaking, economic development, or community capacity-building

3. Include a detailed budget, timeline, and description of expected outcomes

4. Demonstrate community engagement, collaboration, and measurable impact

5. Submit your application before the designated deadline

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as a for-profit entity

• Submitting projects without clear community or economic impact

• Failing to demonstrate local stakeholder engagement or community collaboration

• Omitting a detailed budget or measurable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply? Toronto-based not-for-profits, registered charities, and BIAs with local business engagement.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? $300,000 per project.
3. Are for-profit businesses eligible? No, only not-for-profit organizations and BIAs can apply.
4. What types of projects are eligible? Placemaking, cultural initiatives, strategic planning, community-led economic development, and public space enhancement.
5. Can a project focus on a single neighborhood? Yes, projects can target specific neighborhoods within Toronto.
6. Is collaboration encouraged? Yes, partnerships with local organizations, residents, and businesses strengthen applications.
7. How should outcomes be measured? Projects should demonstrate tangible benefits such as improved public spaces, economic growth, community engagement, or organizational capacity-building.

Conclusion

The Community Economic Development Fund empowers local organizations and BIAs in Toronto to implement innovative, community-driven initiatives that foster inclusive economic growth, strengthen neighborhoods, and promote long-term resilience. Through funding and capacity-building support, CEDF ensures projects deliver meaningful impact for residents, businesses, and the wider community.

For more information, visit City of Toronto.