4.5: Finding & Matching Funding Opportunities
Once you know the types of funding that could support your Powerhouse® program, the next step is learning how to recognize the right opportunities. Funding opportunities may not use the words young caregivers. Instead, look for funding priorities that connect to the needs Powerhouse® addresses and the outcomes it supports.
Search by Impact — Not Just “Young Caregivers”
Depending on the funder, Powerhouse® may align with priorities such as:
Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing • Family Caregiving • Prevention & Early Intervention • Social Connection • Youth Development • Community Wellbeing • Education & School Engagement • Children, Youth & Families
For example, a grant focused on youth mental health, reducing isolation, or early intervention could potentially align with Powerhouse® even if young caregivers are never specifically mentioned.
Know Where to Search
Once you know the priorities you are looking for, explore opportunities through municipal, provincial/territorial and federal governments; community foundations; private and corporate foundations; and local community investment programs. Search using both your location and the outcome you are trying to fund, rather than only the program population.
For example:
“Youth mental health grants + [your province]”
“Community wellbeing funding + [your municipality]”
“Children and family grants + [your region]”
Funding Fit Check
Finding an available grant doesn’t necessarily mean it is the right grant. Before investing time in an application, consider:
❏ Eligibility — Is our organization eligible to apply? Are there requirements related to charitable status, organization type, or other eligibility criteria?
❏ Geography — Does the funder support the community or region we serve?
❏ Alignment — Does Powerhouse® genuinely align with the outcomes the funder wants to support?
❏ Eligible costs — Will the funding cover the costs we actually need to fund?
❏ Timing — Do the application, decision, and funding timelines work with our program plans?
❏ Requirements — Can we reasonably meet the reporting, evaluation, recognition, or other requirements?
If an opportunity aligns across these areas, it may be worth pursuing. If it requires significantly changing your program or creating commitments your organization cannot realistically sustain, it may not be the right fit.
★ Powerhouse® Tip: Start with fit, not the size of the grant. Look for opportunities whose priorities genuinely align with what Powerhouse® is designed to accomplish and the funding needs you have already identified.
🔎 Examples: What Funding Could Look Like
Funding opportunities will vary by community and change over time. Here are a few examples of what to look for:
Municipal/Regional
Community, recreation, youth, or social development grants for local programming.
Provincial/Territorial
Funding connected to children and youth, mental health, caregiving, prevention, or community wellbeing.
Federal
Programs such as Canada Summer Jobs that may help support eligible staffing costs.
Community Foundations
Local grants supporting programs that respond to priorities in your community.
Foundations & Corporate Giving
Opportunities such as the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, as well as other foundations or businesses investing in youth, caregiving, mental health, or community programs.
Remember: These are examples, not a complete list. Funding programs, eligibility, and priorities change. Always check current requirements directly with the funder.
★ Powerhouse® Tip: Look locally. Your municipality, community foundation, local businesses, and existing community relationships can be good places to begin identifying opportunities.