United Way Greater Toronto announces $1M+ in grants to tackle local needs in Toronto, Peel and York Region.
With the extension of the Community Action Grants (CAG) program, United Way Greater Toronto advances its efforts to ensure more equitable opportunities in Toronto, Peel and York regions.
This step has been taken in response to the significant challenges that neighbourhoods in Cooksville, South Markham, and Jane and Finch are experiencing as a result of increased development and impending regeneration initiatives.
The Community Action Grants will support 28 resident-led initiatives aiming at enhancing mental health and well-being, anti-displacement, food security, economic opportunity, intergenerational connection, housing stability, and arts-based and youth engagement, with a $1.13 million investment.
Says Heather McDonald, president and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, “The Community Action Grants help support local initiatives that are led by residents and local organizations, reflecting the community’s priorities. By ensuring the community’s voice is directly shaping neighbourhoods, we are building a future with people who know their neighbourhoods best.”
The Community Action Grants process was initiated by the United Way in 2024. The first round of funds was distributed to resident projects in Jane and Finch that have all successfully concluded, and to seven local agencies whose projects will be finished in May 2026. This second round of funding will begin in late spring of 2026.
For the latest initiative, seven Cooksville projects, six South Markham projects and 15 more Jane and Finch projects will receive funding in the final round. All 28 projects have been chosen for their community-building potential. Among the many resident-led projects is South Markham’s Mental Wellness: From Stigma to Strength, a project run by A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub to offer support groups and bi- monthly workshops on mental health for Black and South Asian dementia sufferers and their caregivers in the South Markham region.
Cooksville’s Digital Employment Bridge project is designed to close the digital divide and strengthen digital equity in this community by increasing work prospects for low-income and structurally disadvantaged newcomers. The initiative will help participants obtain industry-recognized qualifications, boost their digital confidence and improve their access to fulfilling jobs. To increase its long-term impact, the project will also create a multilingual digital inclusion toolbox for community partners.
“Community-led initiatives play a vital role in building stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods,” says Hema Tingare, executive director, Newcomer Centre of Peel. “The Community Action Grants support grassroots partners who are deeply connected to their communities and best positioned to create meaningful local impact.”
United Way Greater Toronto’s Community Action Grants are an incredible step toward bridging differences and ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities throughout these neighbourhoods.
