Ontario Community Changemakers Program (Canada)

After three years of supporting and mentoring 60 Changemakers in 25 communities across Ontario, they are excited to share that the program is now open to anyone aged 19 and above and that they have added 10 extra spots, expanding the cohort to 30 changemakers.

They envision cities as places where people can grow up and grow old, where everyone has the right to safe and active mobility, welcoming and accessible public spaces and inclusive city-building processes. They believe their communities need and depend on changemakers of different age groups. In recognition, the Ontario Community Changemakers program is now open to anyone aged 19 and over in Ontario.

If you are a doer, a community leader, or someone inspired to bring people together to create positive change in your community, apply to the Ontario Community Changemakers program.

Themes

• They are looking for ideas that fall under the following three themes:
  • Activate Public Space
    • Public spaces are areas or places that are open and accessible to all. They play a key role in impacting the social determinants of health and support community wellbeing. Sidewalks, streets, libraries, parks, plazas, trails, and community centres are all potential locations for project ideas that create renewed energy, life, and vibrancy to local communities.
  • Enhance Civic Engagement
    • Bringing people and communities together to address common challenges or increase awareness of important issues is a fundamental aspect of civic engagement. OCC is looking for project ideas that spur people to take collective action and increase community participation in civic processes.
  • Foster Social Inclusion
    • Their society has many barriers, both visible and invisible, preventing marginalized communities from accessing public spaces and participating in public life. Projects that address those barriers and seek to foster social inclusion for people regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status is exactly what OCC is all about.

Funding Information

• The selected Changemakers will receive $5000 in seed funding to implement one community project in one year.

Who Can Apply?

• The program’s mission is to elevate the voices of community leaders across Ontario to inspire and enact change. No project is too bold or daring. They believe that outside-the-box thinking will propel them forward in creating equitable change. The Ontario Community Changemakers program is open to those residing in the Province of Ontario who are 19 years or older that have a creative solution to a challenge related to public space, civic engagement and/or social inclusion. Applicants may be activists, tactical urbanists, designers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs and more. They greatly encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ backgrounds as well as individuals with lived experiences that are currently underrepresented in the placemaking sector.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be 19 years or older at the time of application.
• Preference will be given to those who can attend all three days of the Studio.*
• Applicants must reside in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within the provincial boundary of Ontario during the time of project implementation.
• Project must take place in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within the provincial boundary of Ontario.
• Applicants must propose a community project that activates public space, enhances civic engagement, and/or fosters social inclusion.
• Note: The Studio will take place on October 17, 26 and 27, 2024. Day 1 (October 17, 2024) will be virtual and will take place in the evening. Day 2 (October 26, 2024) and Day 3 (October 27, 2024) will be in-person in Toronto and will be two full days. Travel, meals, and accommodation will be provided to the successful applicants that are chosen for the 2024 program.

For more information, visit Ontario Community Changemakers.