Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026

Applications are now open for the Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026! This initiative by 8 80 Cities is a multi-generational leadership and micro-grant program designed for individuals with bold ideas to:

• Activate public spaces
• Enhance civic engagement
• Foster social inclusion in their communities

📋 About the Program

The 2025 program will run from October 2025 to September 2026. Successful applicants will have 12 months to implement their ideas. Key features of the program include:

• An in-person studio in Toronto during the Fall, featuring:
  • Presentations and storytelling workshops by inspiring community leaders
  • Skills-building workshops on project planning, community engagement, communication, and tactical urbanism
• Ongoing virtual coaching and capacity-building through monthly meetups
• Access to a network of local and international public space experts

🎁 Benefits of the Program

Selected applicants will receive a combination of funding, leadership training, and networking opportunities to bring their projects to life. Thirty (30) changemakers will benefit from:

• $5,000 Grant: Each selected applicant will receive a $5,000 grant to fund their community project.
• Leadership Training: Access training in leadership, community engagement, and tactical urbanism, facilitated by 8 80 Cities.
• Ongoing Mentorship: Virtual coaching and peer-to-peer networking to support project growth and development.
• In-Person Studio in Toronto: Participate in storytelling workshops, project planning sessions, and presentations by public space and community-building experts.
• Access to Experts: Connect with a global network of public space experts and changemakers for guidance, feedback, and inspiration.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Ontario Community Changemakers Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 19 years or older at the time of application.
• Reside in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within Ontario's provincial boundary during the project implementation period.
• The proposed project must:
  • Take place in Ontario or a First Nations Territory within Ontario.
  • Activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and/or foster social inclusion.
• Preference will be given to applicants who can attend all three days of the in-person studio.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: August 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM (EDT). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
• To apply, visit the Ontario Community Changemakers Program Application Portal.

📌 Key Dates

• Date Published: July 11, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 25, 2025
• Program Duration: October 2025 to September 2026

🌐 Contact and More Information

For more details, visit the Ontario Community Changemakers Program page.

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in your community. Apply now and become a changemaker!

• $5,000 Grant: Each selected applicant will receive exactly $5,000 grant to fund their community project.
• Leadership Training: Gain access to training in leadership, community engagement, and tactical urbanism, facilitated by 880 Cities.
• Ongoing Mentorship: Enjoy virtual coaching and peer-to-peer networking throughout the program to support your project's growth and development.
• In-Person Studio in Toronto: Participate in an inspiring studio experience, featuring storytelling workshops, project planning sessions, and presentations by experts in the field of public space and community building.
• Access to Experts: Connect with a global network of public space experts and changemakers, who can provide guidance, feedback, and inspiration as you implement your project.