Sarnia Community Foundation opens applications for fall community grants

Charities, athletic associations and municipalities across Lambton County have until the end of July to apply for funding tied to five United Nations sustainable development goals.

The Sarnia Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Fall Grants. Applications opened today and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jul. 31, 2026.

The application form is available for download on the SCF website. Completed forms can be emailed to the SCF office ([email protected]) or dropped off in person.

This cycle, SCF is looking for innovative projects that align with one of five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• Good health and wellbeing, including physical health, mental health and social connection, seniors' health, and children and youth
• Quality education, including early childhood, school aged support, youth and skills, and adult learning
• Industry, innovation and infrastructure, including access to technology, community infrastructure, and workforce training
• Reduced inequalities, including disability and accessibility, Indigenous inclusion, and newcomers and diversity
• Peace, justice and strong institutions, including community safety and conflict and mediation

To be eligible, organizations must meet several criteria. They must be a qualified donee under Canada Revenue Agency rules, generally meaning a registered charity, amateur athletic association or municipality. They must also have been operating for at least one full year, provide services that directly benefit Lambton County residents, receive volunteer support from the community, and submit all requested information with their application.

Executive director Mike Barron said the Foundation has had a strong year. "It has been a very exciting year for SCF, with the growth of the endowment, the Giving Tuesday launch and the heightened awareness in the great Sarnia Lambton community, we are so happy to have two grant cycles," he said. He added, "We are so thankful for our donors and fund holders who with their support, really help to make our community better and assist with the granting to the social sector."

Established in 1983, SCF works with donors to maintain endowment funds, makes grants to community projects and programs, supports local leadership initiatives, and administers donor driven scholarships. In 2025, the Foundation granted and awarded scholarships totalling more than $1 million for the first time in its history.

Anyone with questions about the Community Impact Grants criteria or application process can call the SCF office at 519-332-2588 or visit the Sarnia Community Foundation website.