Granting for greater impact.
Saskatoon Community Foundation has improved its Community Grants to better serve the Saskatoon community and create impact.
Since 1970, Saskatoon Community Foundation has granted over $66 million in donor-funded grants for the community, supporting over 350 charities and representing over 450 fundholders.
Beginning in 2024, Vital Focus Grants respond to community needs with a focused, data-driven approach informed by the Saskatoon Vital Signs® report.
Applying for Funding in 2025?
Find out how to determine the right grant opportunity for your organization. Use our self-serve Where to Apply interactive tool to check if your project focus areas are eligible for funding.
Grant Application Workshop
Saskatoon Community Foundation offered a choice of virtual dates for a Grant Application Workshop in November 2023. If you missed the workshop, check out this 54 minute video outlining changes to the Community Grants programs beginning in 2024.
Donor-funded Community Grants
Three programs are offered: Vital Focus Grants provide multi-year funding focused on homelessness, mental health, and equity. Quality of Life Grants support one-year projects focused on belonging, inclusion, and reconciliation. Youth Endowment Saskatoon Grants support children and youth.
These grants are generously supported by thousands of donations, and by many endowed funds where philanthropists have given the foundation discretion on granting decisions.
Many Voices Together
Held annually, the Many Voices Together Community Grants Celebration is a time to announce and recognize the great work of all recipients of community grants, and to invite fundholders to hear more about these community organizations.
Corporate Grants and Donor Funds
Beyond Saskatoon Community Foundation’s community grants, we have several other opportunities for charities to apply for funding from corporate granting programs and donor funds.
We proudly administer corporate granting programs such as the Step Up for Mental Health. We steward the Stephen & Michelene Worobetz Foundation, the Verna and Lionel McGillvray Fund for Children in Saskatchewan, and the Bishop James P. Mahoney Institute of the Family Grant.
Federal Funding
Administered by Saskatoon Community Foundation in Saskatchewan and Community Foundations of Canada across Canada, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) was a $60 million investment targeted for post-pandemic enhancements of public spaces. We disbursed a total of $1.76 million for community-based organizations, municipalities, and First Nations across Saskatchewan on behalf of the Government of Canada.
The Investment Readiness Program was a $50 million investment for Canadian social enterprises, non-profits, charities and co-operatives, helping organizations create, manage, and expand their social enterprises to become ready for further investment. Saskatoon Community Foundation awarded $625,800 for 14 local organizations in 2023, and $403,350 in 2020.
The $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) from the Government of Canada was implemented in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, United Way Centraide Canada, and local community foundations. ECSF directed over $860K Saskatchewan charities and non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
Student Awards
Encouraging and supporting post-secondary students is the reason many donors work with the Saskatoon Community Foundation. The student awards created by our donors support graduates of a specific high school or community, or focus on a loved one’s special interests.
Community Impact
Grant seekers and donors alike turn to Saskatoon Community Foundation when they want to make a positive impact in our community. Our role is to create a bridge for donors with charities to enable them to do their good work. Read the great community impact stories that are made possible through philanthropy and strong partnerships.