Social Planning Toronto is offering a small grant of $500 to Toronto residents/resident groups to carry out non-partisan voter engagement activities in their communities for the 2023 mayoral by-election.
All activities must be completed between May 19 and June 26, and a brief report must be submitted between June 27 and July 14, 2023. Guidelines on reporting will be provided.
Interested residents are requested to apply by Tuesday, May 16 at 5 p.m. (see instructions below on how to apply). Successful recipients will be notified by email by May 19, and a grant orientation session will take place on May 24.
Who Can Apply For This Grant
To apply, you must:
- be 18 years old or over
- live in the city of Toronto
- be part of an unregistered neighbourhood/community group, particularly those serving under-represented neighbourhoods and communities
- be interested in promoting non-partisan voter education, city issues, and civic engagement and in celebrating democracy and the right to vote (or a combination of these activities)
- have a great idea to engage voters in your community
Who Cannot Apply
The following individuals and organizations are ineligible for the grant:
- registered organizations or entities with over $50,000 in revenue
- mayoral by-election candidates
Examples Of Voter Engagement Activities
Community members are encouraged to plan and implement their own election activities, but here are some ideas:
- community dialogue on the election or city issues
- voter information session
- vote pledge drive
- tabling at an event to share election related information
- voter registration drive
- vote party, including advance voting
- arts-based events to discuss democracy
- healing circles to discuss reconciliation in the city
What Funds Can Be Used For
- refreshments
- space rental
- meeting supplies (including printing, paper/cartridge/AV equipment)
- childcare
- honoraria (up to 50% of the grant can be allocated for honoraria)
- accommodations such as interpretation and braille technology
Please Note
- This fund cannot be used to support or oppose a candidate running for office.
- SPT reserves the right to reject or cancel any grants based on any concerns relating to discrimination, human rights complaints, or a misuse of grant funds.
Our Expectations
Grant recipients are required to:
- provide documentation of your voter engagement event (e.g., pictures or video)
- write a brief report after your event (a template will be provided)
- provide copies of receipts for audit purposes (electronic copies are acceptable)
- share election information and resources at your event
How to Apply
Interested residents are requested to apply by Tuesday, May 16 at 5 p.m. To apply for the grant, fill out and submit this google form application.
Successful recipients will be notified by email by May 19, and a grant orientation session will take place on May 24.
For More Information
Please contact Jonella Evangelista ([email protected]) with any questions or if you require assistance.