We are committed to enhancing the lives of people in need, especially children, youth and their families, as well as persons with disabilities and seniors.

We are especially interested in programs and initiatives that are focused on:

• Enhancing the overall well-being of communities

• Learning and literacy

• Play and recreation

• Canadian-based registered charitable organizations.

• Programs that operate in the geographic areas where Sifton Properties Limited has employees (Southwestern Ontario and Mississauga).

• Organizations where Sifton Properties Limited employees are volunteers will be given special consideration.

• Preference may be given to smaller, community-based charities that also utilize volunteers.

The Foundation does not make grants to the following projects or organizations:

• Individuals and groups without charitable status

• Sports, politics

• Faith-based worship, instruction, or proselytization

• Conferences and seminars

• Publications and film/video or documentary projects

• Research projects

• Travel and tour

• Deficit financing

• Camperships

• Sponsorships

Submit a short proposal letter (1-2 pages) to foundation@sifton.com. If there is interest and alignment, you will be invited by email to complete a full online application process. Please note that we invite selected organizations to complete a full grant applications three times a year (March 1, July 1 and Oct 1).

A proposal letter allows us to ascertain whether your project fits into the Foundation’s granting mission. This is made to ensure both applicant and Foundation staff make the most efficient use of their time.

The Foundation strives to review the proposal of intent as quickly as possible, generally within one week. Please note that we invite selected organizations to complete a full grant applications three times a year (March 1, July 1 and Oct 1).

You will receive an email notification asking you to complete the online application process. Once you submit your application, we will review your submission and you may be contacted if there are additional questions.

The Sifton Family Foundation board generally meets three times a year in May, September and December to make granting decisions for the applications received. Applications should be received one month in advance of the board meeting.

No. We require all applications to be submitted online.

We require your organization’s most recent financial statement including yearly budget along with the project/initiative budget.

Yes. We encourage all grantees to apply unless your application was rejected because the program does not align with our mission or values, or the funding request is on our list of ineligible expenses.

• The proposed program/initiative does not align with our mission or guiding values.

• The request for funding is on our list of ineligible expenses.

• The proposal letter is incomplete.

• The proposal letter aligns with our mission, but we are not able to consider due to limited resources.

• The proposed program/initiative aligns with our mission, but we are not able to fund it due to limited resources.

• The application is incomplete or confusing.

There are no pre-established limits for grants. We prefer to make a worthwhile contribution to each project. Requests for single year grants are generally between $5,000 and $25,000. Multi-year grants for larger amounts are considered.

Keep in consideration that the Foundation receives many grant requests every year and has a limited budget. Unfortunately, we cannot fund every request.

This is entirely dependent on the project for which you seek support. Please specify an amount, as required in the application process.

Yes, we consider both single year and multi-year requests.

The Foundation considers one grant request per organization per year. Successful applicants need to wait two years before reapplying for a new grant.

Applications to fund an initiative that has already taken place or is already taking place may be considered but are likely to be declined as we do not fund projects retroactively. However, we may fund a project that has not yet started but which forms part of a larger initiative already underway.

Please provide or update additional information using our online process.

No. The Foundation cannot accept last minute grant applications. We require time to properly evaluate and assess your application.

We review all applications against various assessment criteria. We consider the organization’s mission, background and track record; project leadership; tangible outcomes; the impact the project will have; measurable benefits to the community, financial need; timeframe; and much more.

Decisions are made during our May, September, and December board meetings. Applicants can expect feedback on their application within 1 to 2 weeks of the meeting occurring.

• Food security and food education program

• Playground rejuvenation projects

• Childhood literacy programs

• Supportive housing programs

• Family respite care programs

Each year’s granting budget is based on the legal requirement that we disburse at least 5% of our investment assets. On average, between 15 to 20 charities receive grants per year.

At the end of the granting period, grant recipients will be required to complete a grant progress report, which the board reviews and takes into consideration with any future grant application requests from the same organization. The on-line template is generally sent to grant recipients one year after the grant was provided.

That is up to you, but we welcome acknowledgement of our funding using our logo and name on any of your own program promotional materials.

Yes. If you have questions still unanswered after reading our grant guidelines and the FAQs on this page, please reach out to us at foundation@sifton.com to schedule a conversation.