Not-for-profit organizations and community groups across Durham Region can now apply for funding through the 2026 Community Safety and Well-Being Fund.
The grant program, administered by the Region of Durham, supports local organizations that are leading violence prevention initiatives in communities across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock.
This year the fund is focused on two key areas: creating opportunities for children and youth who may be at risk, and supporting people affected by intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Both areas have been identified as priorities in the Durham Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
Violence prevention is a shared responsibility that requires investment in the organizations doing the hard work on the ground every day, the Region said in announcing the latest round of funding. The Community Safety and Well-Being Fund is designed to give those organizations the financial support they need to expand their reach, build capacity and deepen their impact.
Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations, community groups and grassroots initiatives operating within Durham Region. Funding can be used for a wide range of impactful activities including program delivery, community outreach, staff training, educational workshops and direct support services for vulnerable populations.
The focus on children and youth at risk reflects growing concern across Durham about the challenges facing young people, including poverty, mental health struggles, social isolation and involvement in the justice system. By investing in early intervention and positive programming, the fund aims to steer young people away from violence and toward healthier, more connected futures within their communities.
The emphasis on intimate partner violence and gender-based violence comes at a time when shelters and support services across the region are reporting increased demand. Organizations that provide crisis intervention, counselling, legal advocacy and safe housing for survivors are encouraged to apply.
Durham Region has a strong network of community organizations that have been working tirelessly to address the root causes of violence and support those most affected. The Community Safety and Well-Being Fund builds on that foundation by providing dedicated financial resources and strategic support to sustain and grow these critical services.
Previous rounds of the fund have supported a range of initiatives across Durham, from youth mentorship programs and after-school activities to survivor support groups and public awareness campaigns. The Region says the impact of these investments has been significant, with measurable improvements in community safety outcomes.
Applications for the 2026 Community Safety and Well-Being Fund are now open. Organizations interested in applying can find full eligibility criteria, detailed application guidelines and key deadlines at durham.ca/CSWB-Fund. The Region encourages all eligible groups to apply early and to contact regional staff with any questions about the application process.
Investing in community safety is not just about responding to violence after it happens. It is about building the conditions that prevent violence from occurring in the first place, and that starts with supporting the organizations closest to the people who need help the most in neighbourhoods and communities right across Durham Region.
