How does CAA help build stronger communities?
Resilient communities are built when people can access support, take part and feel that they belong. Our approach combines direct funding with connection. We back programs that respond to local needs, and help organizations meet goals and build relationships across the region.
We call this our mesh ecosystem: a growing network of CAA partners, associated businesses, charitable partners and community organizations whose work becomes stronger when their knowledge, reach and resources are connected.
What is CAA North & East Ontario’s Community Action Month?
Our Community Action Month is a planned annual opportunity for a limited number of eligible charities and community organizations we have not previously funded to apply for a one-time $5,000 Community Action Grant supporting a specific program.
When can you apply?
The application period is open between November 2 and November 30, 2026. Applicants must follow eligibility criteria to be considered. The application form will be posted here during the application period.
What kinds of community programs does CAA support?
Our charitable giving focuses on areas where targeted support can strengthen participation, belonging and well-being:
Food security
Animal welfare
Youth access to sport
Indigenous communities
New Canadians
Eligibility criteria
To be considered, your organization and request must meet all of the following:
- Your organization is a registered Canadian charity with a valid CRA charitable registration number.
- Your organization has not previously received funding from CAA North & East Ontario.
- Your request supports a specific program that serves a community within CAA North & East Ontario's territory.
Your program aligns with at least one of our focus areas:
- Food security
- Youth development and access to sports
- Indigenous and cultural inclusion
- Animal welfare
- New Canadians
What we do not fund:
- Requests for individuals or for-profit business endeavours
- Organizations or activities that do not align with CAA North & East Ontario's values
- Political associations and associated activities
- Religious or sectarian programs or groups
Only organizations selected for a grant will be contacted. If you have not heard from us, your application was not selected this year, but we welcome a new application during next year's Community Action Month if your work continues to align with our focus areas.
How does CAA choose ongoing charitable partners?
In addition to the Community Action Grant, we support charitable organizations in an ongoing basis. They are selected by a committee that considers community need, geographic reach and alignment with CAA North & East Ontario’s core mandate. This approach helps us support the communities our Members call home, while investing in organizations with the local knowledge and capacity to make a lasting difference.
Ottawa Humane Society
The Ottawa Humane Society provides shelter and specialized care for lost, unwanted, sick and injured animals while helping pet owners keep animals healthy and safely at home. Its education, outreach and advocacy work helps build a more humane and compassionate community for all animals.
Ottawa Food Bank
The Ottawa Food Bank supplies fresh and non-perishable food and essential household items to a network of nearly 100 food programs across the city. Working in partnership, it expands access to healthy food, strengthens local food programs and advocates for systemic change.
North Bay Food Bank
The North Bay Food Bank gathers and distributes nutritious food to residents experiencing food insecurity while helping build awareness of the conditions that cause it. Rooted in community support and collaboration, it helps local households meet immediate needs and work toward greater stability.
Sudbury Food Bank
The Sudbury Food Bank collects and distributes food through a network of 44 member agencies serving communities across the Greater Sudbury region. Its coordinated regional model helps ensure food and funding reach people close to home.
Pregnancy Care Centre and Infant Food Bank
The Pregnancy Care Centre and Infant Food Bank supports expectant families and caregivers of children under three with food, clothing, baby supplies, education and compassionate guidance. Its free Greater Sudbury programs help families meet essential needs with dignity and respect.
KidSport Ontario: Ottawa and Sudbury
KidSport helps remove financial barriers to organized sport by providing grants toward registration fees for children and youth. Through the Ottawa and Sudbury chapters, more local kids can get off the sidelines, build confidence and experience the connection that comes from being part of a team.
Atléti Equal Access
Atlético Ottawa’s Equal Access program removes financial, cultural and physical barriers to soccer by bringing free week-long camps, professional coaching, equipment, meals and match experiences to children in underserved Ottawa neighbourhoods. CAA North & East Ontario’s support helps fund the people and resources behind the program, giving more kids the chance to play, build skills and connect through sport.
Which community partners have received CAA support?
Our partners understand their communities best. These are some of the organizations CAA North & East Ontario has been proud to support.
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
OCISO helps immigrants and refugees make Ottawa home through settlement, language, employment, counselling, youth and community-connection services. Its programs help newcomers build skills, networks and a sense of belonging.
Northeastern Ontario Multicultural Centre
Formerly the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, the organization provides settlement support to newcomers across a wide area of northeastern Ontario. Its services and local partnerships help people participate fully and equitably in community life.
Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association
The association builds bridges between newcomers and existing services while celebrating the cultural traditions that enrich Greater Sudbury. Settlement support, language learning, events and community connections help newcomers feel welcomed and included.
Tungasuvvingat Inuit
Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific, community-based organization offering integrated social, cultural, employment, education, counselling and crisis supports. Its work helps Inuit of all ages navigate urban systems while staying connected to culture and community.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
This Ottawa festival brings together Indigenous artists, performers, knowledge keepers, educators and communities to celebrate culture, creativity, learning and connection. Its public programming creates space for Indigenous voices and meaningful cross-cultural learning.
The Caring and Sharing Exchange
This Ottawa charity helps individuals and families during the back-to-school and holiday seasons while coordinating assistance across the city. Its programs deliver food, comfort and school essentials fairly, efficiently and with dignity.
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council
NNEC provides culturally relevant secondary and post-secondary education programs and services for First Nations learners in northwestern Ontario. Our support focuses on Wake the Giant Festival and the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, where students strengthen cultural identity while pursuing academic success.
Want to know more about CAA's support?
If your organization shares our priorities and serves communities in North and East Ontario, we would like to learn more about your work. Apply during Community Action Month every November or contact us to explore future opportunities to connect.
FAQ
CAA North & East Ontario funds charities and community programs across North and East Ontario, donates live event tickets through First Time Fans, and awards one-time $5,000 grants during Community Action Month.
CAA North & East Ontario focuses on five areas: food security, animal welfare, youth access to sport, new Canadians and Indigenous communities.
A CAA North & East Ontario committee selects main charitable partners based on community need across the territory, geographic reach and alignment with CAA North & East Ontario's mandate. Charities that have not received funding before can apply for a grant during Community Action Month if they are eligible.
Community Action Month is an annual grant program that awards a one-time $5,000 grant to a limited number of eligible registered charities. Applications are accepted in November only.
CAA contacts only the organizations selected for a grant. If you have not heard back, your application was not selected this year, and you are welcome to apply again next November if your program is eligible.
First Time Fans has no application process. Schools, community groups and organizations serving new Canadians can email communications@caaneo.ca to learn more. First Time Fans tickets are not available for individuals.
No. Community Action Month is only for organizations that have not previously received funding from CAA North & East Ontario.
Programs must serve a community within CAA North & East Ontario's service territory, which includes Ottawa, North Bay, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.
Apply during Community Action Month each November, or email communications@caaneo.ca to explore future opportunities.
CAA North & East Ontario supplies a limited number of prize donations to organizations and events that align with our mandate, on a first-come, first-served basis.