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Overview
Our aim is to provide assistance to smaller organizations in the local community who may not have access to professional fundraising resources. Grants are awarded from funds accumulated through fundraising projects such as special events and from the Club’s endowment and investment income.
Grants are awarded to a maximum of $10,000.
Eligibility Criteria
The May Court Club of Ottawa supports social services, education and health-related issues, with particular emphasis in the following areas:
- High risk children and teens
- Literacy
- Nutrition
- Palliative and respite care
- Services for the disabled
- Services for seniors
- Single mothers and their children
- Women’s health
Grants are made to organizations recognized by Canada Revenue Agency as registered charities. Organizations must be based in Ottawa, or the projects must benefit residents of the local Ottawa community.
Restrictions
Please note that the Club is unable to consider requests for:
- Deficit reduction
- Fundraising events
- Grants to individuals
- Operating expenses such as rent, salaries and fees
- Partisan, political or religious activities
- Sponsorships
Grant Deadlines
There are two grant cycles each year: March and September. Applications will only be accepted for the posted dates.
Fall Program:
Grants open September 1, 2026
Deadline for grant applications September 15, 2026
Spring Program:
Grants open March 1, 2027
Deadline for grant applications March 15, 2027
Decisions are made within 2 months after the deadline. The grants are assessed in open competition by a grant review committee struck by the May Court Club of Ottawa. Final approval of a grant is by the Board of Directors of the May Court Club of Ottawa. Board decisions are final.
Examples of Previous Grants Given
This program was suspended during COVID and is now being reinstituted, so all awards were prior to 2020. New programs may have arisen in the interim so these examples are shown merely as a guide.
Brittania Woods Community House of the Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses for their After-School Program.
The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa for a Pantry Program for Homeless Youth.
The Youth Services Bureau (YSB) of Ottawa is a community organization that assists and empowers youth within the city of Ottawa in the areas of housing and homelessness, employment, mental health and youth justice.
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre for their Homework Club.
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre offers The Homework Club and After School Program at the Carson Community House. This program provides homework assistance, after-school snacks, computer use, and skill development workshops.
St. Luke’s Table for their Breakfast Program.
The Miriam Centre for their “Helping Pregnant Mothers in Need” program.
The Miriam Centre provides emotional support and help to pregnant women and their families; including low-income families, single mothers and new immigrants to Canada.
Christie Lake Kids for their “Multisport Programs”, summer camping as well as after-school and weekend programs to children and youth from low-income families in the Ottawa community.