CONTACT CENTRE
Our truly local representatives are here to serve you:
1-866-866-6641
CONTACT CENTRE
Our truly local representatives are here to serve you:
1-866-866-6641
We invite registered charities/non-profit organizations serving the Niagara and/or Haldimand regions to apply for this year’s Truly Local Grant Program. We’ve got $25,000 in grant funding available for community projects, programs and initiatives.
Apply Online Today →This pillar supports initiatives that help individuals and families meet their basic needs with dignity. Funding is directed toward programs that improve access to affordable, nutritious food, reduce barriers to essential services, and support long-term pathways out of poverty. The goal is to strengthen stability and resilience for those facing financial hardship.
This pillar invests in opportunities that help children and youth build confidence, skills, and future pathways. It supports accessible learning, skill development, mentorship, and programs that remove barriers to education or participation. The focus is on empowering young people to thrive academically, socially, and economically.
This pillar supports initiatives that improve physical, mental, and emotional health across the community. Funding may go toward programs that promote wellness, prevent illness, increase access to health-related resources, and reduce isolation. The aim is to help people live healthier, more supported lives at every stage.
Improving lives and strengthening your community? We'd love to hear about it. Share your vision, tell us about your impact, and apply today. Together, we can make our communities stronger.
Have questions? Check out our FAQs or get in touch with us so we can help.
With so many applications received in 2025, selecting just a few was no easy task. We’re thrilled to announce that four local organizations have been chosen as our 2025 Truly Local Grant recipients!
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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.
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.
Yes, as long as the grant money is used for projects completed before October 31st, 2027, you can still apply. If selected, funds will be deposited at the end of fall 2026 and an impact report on how the funds were used will be required by April 30th, 2027.
Applications will be reviewed by an internal PenFi committee and judged based on need, impact and alignment with our Purpose Pillars. 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.
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.
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
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
PenFinancial’s Truly Local Commitment to Niagara isn’t just about checking a box. We’ve truly drawn a line in the sand and are putting our money where our mouth is.
One of the ways we’ve decided to do this is by offering non-profits in Niagara a banking relationship that was built specifically for you.
Learn more