Community Social Investment Program

Durham’s non-profit sector plays a vital role in providing critical services to residents, building and strengthening communities, and contributing to economic stability. The Region is committed to investing in Durham’s non-profit sector through a community investment program to help grow strong, resilient communities.

The Community Social Investment Program (CSIP) supports the allocation of social services investments to non-profits that enhance, or improve, human services across Durham communities.

The CSIP will support local organizations with mandates to:

• Reduce poverty.
• Address social inequities.
• Promote wellness.
• Support communities to thrive.

CSIP: Sustainable Food Security Fund

Applications now open

Through the Sustainable Food Security Fund, the CSIP aims to address food insecurity in Durham Region and support sustainable solutions. This funding stream is designed to support innovative projects that enhance the sustainability and resilience of our local food security sector. Recognizing the critical role of existing community food programs, funding will focus on initiatives that promote long-term, sustainable solutions to improve food security for residents.

Objectives:

• Contribute to sustainable food security solutions
• Promote dignity for users of food programs
• Increase efficiency within the food distribution systems
• Build capacity of existing food programs
• Increase access to fresh, nutritious food

 Key Details:

• Funding stream will remain open until all funds have been exhausted; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Project must be based within Durham Region.
• Projects that utilize existing community resources and/or partnerships will be prioritized.
• Initiatives should demonstrate a clear plan for sustainability and long-term impact.
• Applicants must provide a detailed budget and timeline for project implementation.
• The maximum amount to be awarded per project is $50,000. Applicants should request only the amount necessary to support the specific needs of their project.

 Example Projects May Include:

1. Community Gardens: Establishing community gardens where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables, increasing access to fresh produce, promoting healthy eating, and fostering community engagement.
2. Urban Agriculture: Implementing urban agriculture projects such as rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and hydroponics to maximize the use of urban spaces for food production and increase food security.
3. Nutrition Education Programs: Offering educational programs on nutrition, cooking, and sustainable food practices to empower residents with knowledge about healthy eating, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable food practices.
4. Food Recovery and Redistribution: Establishing systems to recover surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and farms, and redistribute it to those in need to reduce food waste and provide nutritious food to food-insecure populations.
5. Mobile Markets: Establishing mobile markets that bring fresh, affordable produce directly to underserved neighborhoods to increase access to healthy food options for residents and promote healthy eating.
6. Market Model Food Banks: Transforming traditional food banks into market-style food banks where users can choose their own food, enhancing the dignity and autonomy of food bank users, reducing food waste, and improving the overall efficiency of food distribution. 

Funding applications will be accepted electronically, through the Durham Region Funding Portal. All applicants must create an account and complete an Organizational Assessment before moving on to the full application. Please ensure you have thoroughly reviewed the CSIP Guidelines and instructions for completing this application before proceeding.

Apply now: The Regional Municipality of Durham Funding Portal

CSIP: Thriving Communities Fund

Applications Closed

In Durham Region, approximately 5.2% of residents live in poverty[1] The Community Social Investment Program (CSIP) supports social services investment in the local non-profit sector with a focus on poverty reduction and supporting communities to thrive. The primary goal of the Thriving Communities Fund is to support non-profit organizations in their efforts to prevent or reduce poverty within the Durham Region. By investing in operational and capacity-building activities, the fund aims to strengthen these organizations' ability to deliver key programs and services that contribute to a thriving community.

Objectives:

• Prevent or reduce poverty in Durham Region
• Strengthen organizational capacity in non-profit sector
• Promote sustainability and long-term impact
• Enhance service delivery to equity deserving groups
• Foster collaboration and community partnerships

Key Details:

• Funding stream will open with a call for applications to be announced through the Regions communication channels. Submissions will be reviewed after the call for applications closes.
• Project must be based within Durham Region and serve Durham residents.
• Projects that build on existing community resources and/or partnerships will be prioritized.
• Initiatives should demonstrate a clear plan for sustainability and long-term impact.
• Applicants must provide a detailed budget and timeline for project implementation.
• The maximum amount to be awarded per project is $50,000. Applicants should request only the amount necessary to support the specific needs of their project.

Example Projects May Include:

Community Health and Wellness Programs: 

• Initiatives providing counselling, supports groups, mental health education to residents.
• Fitness and nutrition programs that promote physical health through exercise, nutrition workshops, healthy lifestyle education

Youth Engagement and Development:

• After-school programs that provide educational and recreational activities for children and teenagers to support their development and keep them engaged.
• Youth leadership training initiatives that develop leadership skills in young people through workshops, mentorship, and community services opportunities.

Community Resource Hubs

• Multi-services hubs that offer a variety of services such as health care, legal aid, and social services under one roof
• Technology access hubs that provide access to computers, internet, and digital literacy training to residents who lack these resources

Strategic Planning and Development

• Fundraising strategy development to support the creation of robust fundraising strategies that support sustainable funding plans
• Grant writing and proposal training skills and develop compelling proposals to secure additional funding from various sources, including government grants, private foundations, and corporate sponsorships.

Applications closed: Monday, May 19, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EST

CSIP Guidelines

If you have questions about the Community Social Investment Program, please email funding@durham.ca.

For information about additional funding opportunities (provincial, federal, etc.) available for local organizations, please visit our Funding Resources page.