This is why Truly Local Banking matters. We’ll thrilled to share 2025’s Truly Local Grant recipients below!

2025 Truly Local Grant Program Recipients

With so many applications this year, selecting just a few was no easy task. We’re thrilled to announce that six local organizations have been chosen as this year’s recipients!

• Northend Church of St. Catharines

  

  $8,000 Received

  The funds will go towards their ‘No One Goes Hungry’ project, a vital community food bank that supports more than 280 families in the St. Catharines community.

  Learn more about Northend Food Bank →

• ToolBox Project Niagara

  

  $7,000 Received

  The funds will go towards the expansion of their care package program, which will allow them to distribute personal care packages to the vulnerable in Niagara throughout the year.

  Learn more about ToolBox Project Niagara →

• Crystal Ridge Dream Center

  

  $5,000 received

  The funds will go towards their Community Kitchen program, which provides free, hot, nutritious meals twice a week to residents in Crystal beach and Fort Erie.

  Learn more about Crystal Ridge Dream Center →

• Dunnville Secondary School

  

  $5,000 received

  The funds will go towards strengthening their long-running Breakfast Program, which provides daily ‘grab-and-go’ meals to students for free.

  Learn more about Dunnville Secondary School →

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which organizations can apply?

  Organizations must be registered as a not-for-profit or a charity operating in either the Niagara or Haldimand regions. We require a registered charitable number as part of our application process.

  Organizations that are ineligible to apply include:

  • Individuals or individual fundraising activities, including PenFinancial employees
  • Requests by for-profit businesses or organizations
  • Sports teams or sporting events
  • Third-party requests – e.g. sponsorship of an event with proceeds going to a charitable organization
  • Conferences, trade shows or fairs/festivals
  • Requests for advertising support
  • Requests to support long term operations
  • Activities that do not have a direct benefit to the Niagara or Haldimand communities
  • Political parties support
  • Faith-based organizations that provide programs and services for broader community benefit, may be considered

• How much funding is available?

  The amount of organizations chosen to receive funds and the amount of funds awarded will be based on eligible submissions received, financial need and community impact. Applicants are asked to specifically highlight the amount of funds requested and how they will be used. 

• Can I still apply if my project/initiative has already started?

  Yes, as long as the grant money is used for projects completed before October 31st, 2026, you can still apply. If selected, funds will be deposited at the end of October, 2024 and an impact report on how the funds were used will be required by April 30th, 2025. 

• How will the applications be judged?

  Applications will be reviewed by an internal PenFi committee and judged based on need, impact and alignment with the 3 selected UN Sustainable Development Goals. The number of successful applicants and funds awarded will be based on the number of submissions received, financial need and community impact. Please provide as much detail as possible when completing the application form; if the committee requires additional information a team member will reach out to the contact provided.

  All applicants, whether chosen or not, will be notified of the committee's decision by late October.

• What if I need to make changes to my application?

  If you need to make changes to your proposal, or to submit multiple proposals for multiple projects, please submit a new form. All form submissions will be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Past Truly Local Grant Program Recipients

• 2024

  Open Arms Mission - $10,000 received

  Positive Living Niagara - $6,500 received

  Comfort Bears - $2,500 received

  Welland Legion - $2,000 received

  Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods - $2,000 received

  Bethlehem Housing & Support Services - $2,000 received

• 2023

  Holy Trinity Church - $10,000 received

  Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre - $8,000 received

  Dunnville Youth Impact Inc. - $5,000 received

  Project SHARE of Niagara Falls - $2,000 received