December 10, 2025 – Our grants are open for applications until noon on January 21, 2026.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for our grants and any other grants you are considering:
Prepare – Whether you’re a repeat recipient or a first-time applicant, please review the grant criteria, exclusions and any other resources available to applicants. The time it takes to review criteria could save you time preparing a whole application if you’re not eligible or overlook a key requirement!
Dates Matter – Note the deadline, then apply early! Don’t plan to start your application 24 hours before the deadline. Technology can glitch, family emergencies can happen, and if you miss the deadline your late application won’t be accepted.
Number Crunch – Ensure the budget matches your grant application and the funder’s requirements. If the funder asks for a project budget, don’t send your organizational budget. If the project funding timeline differs from your fiscal year, make sure the budget you submit reflects the funding window, and your planned program activities.
Why does your initiative matter? – What problem does your initiative solve? While it’s good for you to know who many people will attend your workshop or receive a flyer (outputs), funders are also looking for the benefits that are expected as a result of your project (outcomes). Outcomes often include changes in knowledge, behaviour, or attitudes.
Consider your Audience – Reviewers may be reading hundreds of applications, so make yours easy to read by using concise language, ensuring your responses answer the question. Is the need you identify supported with evidence? Does your project summary clearly state what the funds will support? Grant reviewers may not be familiar with your organization and may not be experts in your field of work, so avoid acronyms or jargon.
Make a connection – Contact the funder to confirm their priorities or goals and clarify any other questions you have after reviewing the resources. When the funder shares their contact information, they’re probably open to your questions. In our case, our Grants Lead, Monica, is here to help – grants@mentalhealthns.ca.