Nearly $1 million distributed to communities across Ontario in 2021 to re energize learning and engagement
Communities throughout Ontario have been through tough times of late. To help them bounce back stronger than ever, The Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative has granted funds for upgrades, programming and retrofits in the places where your community learns, shares, and plays.
21 inspiring, community-led projects across the province have earned L.E.A.F grants and you can view them all below.
If you didn’t submit a project, you’ll have another opportunity in 2022.
2021 commonweal L.E.A.F. grant recipients
SEARCH RESULTS
Don’t see a project started in your community? Is there a gathering place where you live which needs retrofits, upgrades or improvements? Submit a project on behalf of your community. Click below.
SUBMIT A PROJECTthink big for next year!
What facilities, community centres or education space improvements could your community use to accelerate learning and engagement, to bounce back faster and stronger than ever? Where do you need more room, more capacity, better environments? And how will you put the grant to work to grow the community resiliency that comes from learning, working, improving and even playing together?
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COMMUNITY GARDENS
They bring people together, promote sustainable agriculture and improve the ecology of their surrounding area. Perhaps your community needs a new or improved garden or needs a greater capacity to offer programs. -
COMPUTER LABS
Does your community need a new computer lab or an upgrade to an existing one? Funding could support better access, more learning opportunities or deeper connectivity. -
PUBLIC BANDSTAND
In Commonwell Country, we know public bandstands are for more than just music. Is there one in your community that could benefit from a space improvement to allow for more valuable community programming? -
SKILLS PROGRAMMING
Opportunities for skills development gives community members a jump start or a second chance. Start a coding class at local library, build a financial literacy program for kids, or support tech literacy for seniors. Think big. -
SHARED OUTDOOR SPACE
Could a park, pavilion or outdoor fitness area use space improvements or upgrades in your community? Gathering, learning, and playing outside is good for the entire community. -
COMMUNITY KITCHENS
Community kitchens provide an excellent place to share resources, knowledge and food skills. They can help small food businesses launch. Does your community need a new kitchen or upgrades and more capacity for an existing one?
How The Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative Works

1 Find Your
Community
Use the postal code search tool below to see if a project has been started in your community. You can lend your support to an existing project through engagement, or start a new one.

2 Submit
a Project
We’ll walk you through everything you need to include in your submission to be considered for a Commonwell L.E.A.F. grant.

3 Support
a Project
Help an eligible project in your community earn a L.E.A.F. grant. There are lots of ways to get involved!

4 How L.E.A.F. Recipients are Selected
The Commonwell will award L.E.A.F. grants based on the assessment of the impact the project will have on learning and engagement in the community, the demonstration of project viability, the demonstrated need for funding and community support.