Community Grants Program
Investing in the places you call home.
Every year, BCM returns a portion of policyholder premiums directly to Niagara and Haldimand County nonprofits. Because when the community is stronger, everyone is better protected.
Why We Give
No shareholders means the community gets the return.
BCM is owned by its policyholders. There are no investors expecting a dividend. So every year, we take a portion of surplus and put it back where it belongs: into the communities where our policyholders live and work.
In 2019, we formalized this commitment with the Community Grants Program. Since then, we have supported 66 organizations serving more than 150,000 residents across the Niagara region and Haldimand County.
The grants fund events, infrastructure, and programs that strengthen the social fabric of our communities. From food security to arts and culture, youth development to palliative care, the organizations we support are doing the work that makes Niagara a better place to live.
Investing in Niagara
Seven years of giving back.
Returned directly from policyholder premiums to Niagara and Haldimand County nonprofits.
Local nonprofits working in food security, youth development, arts, health care, and community building.
Across every corner of the Niagara region and Haldimand County.
Established in 2019 and growing every year since.
What We Fund
Grants support the people and causes that strengthen our communities.
Food Security
Programs that ensure children and families across Niagara have access to nutritious meals and sustainable food sources.
Youth and Family Services
Organizations that support children, at-risk youth, and families through mentorship, advocacy, and direct care.
Arts and Culture
Festivals, performances, and arts organizations that enrich community life and celebrate local talent across the region.
Health and Wellness
Palliative care, cancer support, cardiovascular health, and therapeutic programs that serve residents in need.
Community Safety
Search and rescue, child advocacy, victim services, and violence prevention organizations protecting our neighbours.
Environment and Agriculture
Sustainability initiatives, agricultural fairs, nature experiences, and environmental education serving the region.
Grant Recipients
The organizations making Niagara stronger.
Since 2019, the BCM Grant Committee has selected organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities. Filter by year to explore past recipients.
Links for Greener Learning
linksforgreenerlearning.orgEarth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet
April 16, 2025
Environmental charity dedicated to serving the community through the promotion of eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
TASC Niagara
facebook.com/TASCNiagaraBeauty and The Beast
April 25–26, May 2–3, 2025
Providing musical, dramatic, and social opportunities for people with disabilities and their families since 1998.
Pelham Art Festival
pelhamartfestival.comPelham Art Festival 2025
May 9, 2025
Showcasing original artwork by Canadian fine art artists and artisans for nearly four decades.
NOTL Public Library
notlpubliclibrary.orgUltimate Summer Kickoff: Celebrating 225 Years
June 7, 2025
Professional staff and community volunteers providing programs that bring people together and foster lifelong learning.
Niagara Jazz Festival
niagarajazzfestival.comNiagara Jazz Festival
June 29, 2025
Award-winning nonprofit music festival dedicated to celebrating jazz and world music throughout the year.
Friends of Fort George
friendsoffortgeorge.caCelebrate Canada Day
July 1, 2025
Nonprofit cooperating association supporting Niagara National Historic Sites since 1987.
Victim Services Niagara
victimservicesniagara.on.caPolice vs Fire Softball Charity Classic
August 15, 2025
Over 100 volunteer crisis responders providing victims with support, information, and referrals at no cost.
Caledonia Fair
caledoniafair.ca153rd Caledonia Fair
September 25, 2025
Haldimand County's oldest community organization, with member families spanning four or more generations since 1873.
Community Crew
communitycrew.caTrunk or Treat
October 26, 2025
Providing nutritious lunches and hope to children who need it most throughout the school year.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
kristenfrenchcacn.orgBrave Hearts Gala
November 7, 2025
Providing a safe place for children and youth who have experienced abuse to receive support and begin healing.
Organization Name
organizationname.caEvent or Initiative Name
Month DD, 2025
Brief description of the organization and the community impact of their work across the Niagara region.
Organization Name
organizationname.caEvent or Initiative Name
Month DD, 2025
Brief description of the organization and the community impact of their work across the Niagara region.
Heart Niagara
heartniagara.comCruising on the Q
May 31 – September 24, 2024
Improving cardiovascular health through education, services, and community initiatives across the Niagara region.
Niagara Music Awards
niagaramusicawards.caNiagara Music Awards
June 2, 2024
Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of local musicians and industry professionals across the Niagara region.
FACS Niagara
facsniagara.on.caLemonAID Stands
June 8, 2024
Providing support and services to children, families, and individuals in need across the Niagara region.
Rose City Kids
rosecitykids.comMain Street Artisan Market
June 15, 2024
Programs and mentorship inspiring and empowering children in Welland through educational and recreational activities.
Horse Cents for Kids
hsfk.caWild West Day
June 22, 2024
Equine-assisted learning providing therapeutic and developmental support to children across the Niagara region.
Niagara Pumphouse
niagarapumphouse.caArt at the Pumphouse
August 3, 2024
Engaging the community in the appreciation and creation of visual arts in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Jarvis Board of Trade
Jarvisfest
August 16, 2024
Promoting economic development and community growth in Jarvis through business support and community events.
Downtown Bench Beamsville
downtownbenchbeamsville.comRoll in Rotary
August 24, 2024
Revitalizing and promoting the Beamsville downtown area through community events and local business support.
West Niagara Agricultural Society
westniagarafair.caWest Niagara Fair
September 6–8, 2024
Supporting and promoting agriculture through education and the annual West Niagara Fair.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
kristenfrenchcacn.orgBrave Hearts Gala
October 23, 2024
Providing a safe place for children and youth who have experienced abuse to receive support and begin healing.
Niagara College
niagaracollege.caCelebrating Dreams
Scholarships and bursaries supporting students in attaining post-secondary education in the Niagara region.
Community Crew
communitycrew.caProvide Hope, One Lunch at a Time
Delivering approximately 4,000 nutritious lunches per week to food-insecure children across 29 Niagara schools.
Horse Cents for Kids
hsfk.caWild West Day
Enriching the lives of at-risk youth through equine-assisted learning, horse rides, and family programming.
Hospice Niagara
hospiceniagara.caTASTE
Helping people and families live well through free hospice palliative care programs and services for nearly 30 years.
Wellspring Niagara
wellspring.ca/niagaraCancer Support Programs
Free supportive care programs for all Niagara residents impacted by a cancer diagnosis and their families.
Gillian's Place
gilliansplace.comViolence Prevention Services
Supporting survivors of gender-based violence with crisis counselling, safety planning, and transitional housing.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
kristenfrenchcacn.orgSpotlight Gala
A safe space for children and youth to disclose experiences of abuse and begin the healing process through counselling.
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
gncc.caWomen in Business Awards
Advocating for women in business through professional development, resource sharing, and community partnerships.
Welland Downtown BIA
downtownwelland.caSummer Concert Series
Free family-friendly entertainment and community food drives in the heart of downtown Welland.
Music Niagara
musicniagara.org25th Summer Festival
World-class summer music festival featuring Canadian musicians performing diverse concerts across 15 events.
Baby's Breath Canada
babysbreathcanada.caRaising awareness about the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and supporting affected families.
Community Crew
communitycrew.caEmpowering and engaging youth to become active, responsible citizens through leadership development and community service.
Niagara SPCA
niagaraspca.comProviding care and shelter for stray, abandoned, and neglected animals while promoting humane treatment through education.
Welland Downtown BIA
downtownwelland.caSummer Concert Series
Free family-friendly entertainment and community food drives in the heart of downtown Welland.
Hospice Niagara
hospiceniagara.caCompassionate end-of-life care addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of individuals and families.
Beamsville BIA
downtownbenchbeamsville.comPromoting, improving, and enhancing the economic development and vibrancy of the Beamsville downtown area.
TASC Niagara
facebook.com/TASCNiagaraDiscovering new ways for individuals with disabilities to express themselves and develop positive, long-lasting relationships since 1998.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
kristenfrenchcacn.orgA safe, child-friendly environment for victims of abuse to receive forensic evaluations, counselling, and court support.
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
gncc.caRepresenting the local business community with networking, advocacy, and resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
Niagara Falls Downtown BIA
downtownniagarafalls.comPromoting and enhancing the downtown Niagara Falls area to attract visitors, shoppers, and investment.
Heartland Forest Nature Experience
heartlandforest.orgAccessible nature experiences and outdoor education programs connecting Niagara families with the natural world.
Niagara Falls Community Soup Kitchen
nfsoupkitchen.caRefrigeration Equipment
Serving over 53,000 meals annually to residents in need, with new refrigeration and freezer equipment.
Person Centred Care
personcenteredcare.caFort Erie Location Furnishings
Furnishings for a new Fort Erie location providing respite and day services programs for 1,500 residents annually.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
kristenfrenchcacn.orgFundraising Gala
Title sponsorship for the annual televised fundraising gala supporting 1,000 children and youth annually.
Project Share
projectshare.caGood News Breakfast
December 2021
Food bank and community resource centre serving 6,766 residents annually across the Niagara region.
Links for Greener Learning
linksforgreenerlearning.orgAccessible Greenhouse Walkway
Construction of accessible greenhouse walkways for the Good Food Box program, serving 14,400 residents annually.
Community Crew
communitycrew.caBreak the Cycle
Title sponsorship supporting nutritious lunch delivery to 1,200 children in 24 Niagara schools.
South Niagara Rowing Club
rowsnrc.caBCM Five Bridges Classic
September 2021
Title sponsorship of a rowing event connecting participants of all ages with the Welland Canal waterway.
Autism Niagara
autismontario.comFundraising Gala
Title sponsorship supporting autism services and programs serving 500 individuals and families across Niagara.
Carousel Players
carouselplayers.com50th Anniversary Festival
Professional theatre for young audiences, reaching 12,000 to 15,000 people annually across the Niagara region.
Heartland Forest Nature Experience
heartlandforest.orgAccessible Walkway Project
New concrete walkways increasing accessibility for visitors of all abilities to enjoy nature experiences.
FACS Foundation
facsniagarafoundation.orgLife Skills Training Rooms
Renovation to multi-purpose and life skills training rooms used by children and youth in care programs.
Port Colborne Operatic Society
portcolborneoperaticsociety.comLED Lighting Equipment
New LED lighting equipment for community theatre productions, available for the wider community to use.
Community Crew
communitycrew.caNutritious lunches for food-insecure children in Niagara's highest-poverty-rated schools.
Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara
ldaniagara.orgPathstone Facility Furnishings
Furniture for the new Pathstone Mental Health facility location in St. Catharines.
Project Share
projectshare.caGood News Breakfast
Title sponsorship for the annual fundraising breakfast supporting food bank and community resource services.
Wellspring Niagara
wellspring.ca/niagaraStarry Niagara Gala
Presenting sponsorship for the annual gala supporting free cancer care programs across the Niagara region.
Welland Legion Branch 4
wellandlegionbr4.comWindow Replacement
New windows for the Legion hall, improving energy efficiency and comfort for community gatherings.
How to Apply
Six steps from application to award.
Applications typically open in the fall for the following year. Each submission is reviewed by the BCM Grant Committee and evaluated on community impact, organizational mission, and alignment with our core pillars.
Review Application Criteria
Confirm your organization aligns with BCM's mission and funding priorities. Selection is based on community impact, feasibility, demonstrated need, and connection to our core pillars.
Prepare Your Proposal
Develop a detailed project description including goals, objectives, target audience, implementation timeline, and a budget that reflects the true scope of the initiative.
Complete the Application
Fill out the official application form with your organizational details, project information, and budget breakdown. Ensure every field is complete and accurate.
Submit by the Deadline
Email your completed application by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered, so plan ahead and allow time for review before sending.
Committee Evaluation
The BCM Grant Committee reviews all applications and may request clarifications or additional information during the evaluation period.
Award Notification
All applicants are notified of funding decisions. Selected organizations finalize a grant agreement and receive their funds for use within that calendar year.
Application Criteria
What the committee looks for.
Each application is scored across ten criteria. Understanding these priorities helps you prepare the strongest possible submission.
Type of Organization
Eligible organizations must be registered charities or nonprofits in Canada with an annual operating budget under $2.5 million.
Geographic Location
Your organization must operate within the Niagara Region or Haldimand County, the communities served by BCM policyholders.
Nature of Event or Initiative
Grants support trade shows, charity events, fundraisers, and community initiatives. Capital asset funding (land, property, equipment) is excluded.
Alignment with Core Pillars
Your project must connect to at least one pillar: Environment and Sustainability, Literacy and Education, Health and Wellbeing, or Community and Growth.
Proven Effectiveness
Demonstrate a track record of successful program delivery and measurable positive impact in the community you serve.
Community Contribution
Your project should foster livable, workable, and sustainable communities, contributing meaningfully to quality of life in the region.
Financial Need and Utilization
Provide a transparent justification for funding with a detailed plan showing how grant dollars will be allocated.
Past Recipient Eligibility
Previous grant recipients are welcome to reapply, though priority is given to organizations applying for the first time.
Reporting and Accountability
Grant recipients must provide a thorough report on how funds were allocated and the impact the project achieved in the community.
Timely Fund Utilization
All granted funds must be allocated and utilized within the same calendar year they are received.
Guidelines
Tips for a strong application.
A well-prepared application demonstrates your organization's capacity and commitment. These guidelines will help you put your best foot forward.
The BCM Grant Committee reviews every application carefully. Organizations that follow these recommendations stand out because they show clear planning, genuine community need, and the ability to deliver on their promises.
Understand the program
Review BCM's mission, core pillars, and funding priorities before you begin. Alignment matters.
Meet every requirement
Read the full application guidelines and ensure you satisfy each criterion. Incomplete submissions are not considered.
Plan and budget carefully
Include an accurate budget with clear revenue sources. Show the committee you have a realistic financial plan.
Articulate clear goals
Define your project's objectives and explain specifically how it will benefit the community you serve.
Demonstrate community need
Support your case with research, data, or testimonials that show why this project matters right now.
Provide a clear timeline
A detailed implementation schedule demonstrates your organization's capacity and readiness to deliver.
Show community support
Letters of support from community members, businesses, or partner organizations strengthen your application.
Present professionally
A well-written, organized application signals that your organization has the capacity to execute the project successfully.
Eligibility
Who can apply
The Community Grants Program is open to registered charities and nonprofit organizations in Canada with an annual operating budget under $2.5 million.
Your organization must operate within the Niagara Region or Haldimand County. Grants support specific events, programs, and community initiatives that create measurable impact. Capital asset funding (land, property, equipment) is excluded.
The BCM Grant Committee evaluates each application based on the organization's mission, the reach and sustainability of the proposed initiative, and alignment with BCM's values of trust, kindness, service, and professionalism. Submission volume may exceed available funding, so a complete application does not guarantee a grant.
Past grant recipients are welcome to reapply. Priority is given to first-time applicants when submission volume exceeds available funding.
Your premiums help build a better community.
Learn more about what being a mutual means, or get in touch to discuss how your organization can apply.