Social and Community Investment Fund (SCIF) – 2026
The Social and Community Investment Fund (SCIF) supports community organizations delivering targeted, evidence-informed programs that reduce poverty and strengthen stability across Simcoe County.
For 2026, SCIF funding has been realigned to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most. The allocation process now relies on evidence‑based decision‑making that incorporates demonstrated community needs, identified service gaps, and measurable outcomes—strengthening both community impact and accountability.
2026 Call for Applications
Micro-Grants ($5,000–$20,000) will open on February 23, 2026
SCIF has undergone a program realignment. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the updated information below to understand changes to funding priorities, eligibility criteria, evaluation processes, and funding streams before applying.
Important Links:
- FAQ
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Form
- ATTENTION: If you have already opened or started an application and are returning to finish it, after logging in, please click on DASHBOARD in the top right corner of your screen to resume your existing application.
- To be notified when grants open, email your name, organization name, and email address to scif@simcoe.ca.
- If you do not wish to join the mailing list, please check this webpage regularly for updates.
What Changed in 2026
Key enhancements include:
- A new, simplified online application form
- Updated eligibility criteria to prioritize organizations addressing urgent and underserved needs
- A refined scoring framework that weights community need, impact, partnership, and duplication avoidance
- Clearer reporting requirements focused on outcomes, not just activities
These changes strengthen alignment with the County’s broader poverty reduction and homelessness prevention strategies and ensure investments are responsive and accountable.
2026 Priority Areas
Funding in 2026 will prioritize initiatives that demonstrate strong alignment with one or more of the following areas:
1. Urgent Basic Needs
Programs that respond to immediate stabilization needs, including food security, essential supports, system navigation, and crisis response.
2. Serving Marginalized and Underserved Communities
Initiatives that improve access, inclusion, and equity for populations disproportionately impacted by poverty, including those facing systemic or structural barriers.
3. Filling Service Gaps and Preventing Duplication
Programs that address identified service gaps, strengthen coordination, and avoid duplicating existing publicly funded services.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate community need, alignment with local priorities, and how their initiative complements — rather than replicates — existing programs.
Funding Streams – 2026
SCIF offers two funding opportunities:
A) Micro-Grants will open on February 23, 2026
$5,000 – $20,000
Designed for smaller-scale, time-limited, or pilot initiatives that:
- Address emerging needs
- Test innovative approaches
- Support grassroots or community-led solutions
Micro-grants have a streamlined application and reporting process.
B) Standard Grants (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
$20,001 – $100,000
For larger initiatives demonstrating broader community impact and sustained outcomes. Regular grants require:
- Clear alignment with priority areas
- Defined outcomes and evaluation measures
- Evidence of partnership and system alignment
- Demonstration that funding fills a gap and does not duplicate services
Funding recommendations for both streams are reviewed using the established evaluation framework and presented to County Council for approval.