Waterloo Region & Guelph

GrantLocal program

Heritage grants

The Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation gives grants for projects that preserve, study or celebrate the heritage of Waterloo Region. There are property, project or event, and publication grants. Any individual or group in the Region can apply.

Amount
No per-grant maximum stated; about $50,000 to $60,000 is shared among successful applicants this window
Status
Open, closes Feb 1, 202779 days leftThe foundation says it is accepting grant applications from November 1, 2026 to February 1, 2027.
Type
Grant
Run by
Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation
Where
All of Waterloo Region
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026

Who it's for

  • Any individual or group in the Region of Waterloo
  • Property grants: property designated under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act, or with a heritage conservation easement
  • Projects with a significant focus on local heritage

Not for

  • Projects already finished or substantially finished when you apply
  • Property grants for buildings without heritage designation or an easement

What it covers

  • Buying, preserving, maintaining, restoring or rebuilding historic buildings and property
  • Events or programs about local heritage
  • Books, pamphlets, guides or maps of historical significance
  • Projects can also be flagged for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion funding stream

How to apply

  1. Read the grant application information on the foundation's site
  2. Complete and sign the application with a project plan and budget
  3. Include proof of heritage designation for property grants
  4. Include at least 2 quotes for goods or services, where you can
  5. Apply by February 1, 2027; questions go to wrhf@regionofwaterloo.ca

Good to know

  • The foundation doesn't pay in advance. Grants are paid after the project is fully finished and the grant conditions are met.
  • Funded projects must be finished within 12 months of approval unless an extension is approved in writing.
  • Sites should be open or visible to the public, and publications placed in public or school libraries.
  • The foundation says it takes applications in two windows a year.
  • The page says there are three grant types but also describes a fourth Equity, Diversity and Inclusion stream.

Questions

Can a business owner apply for a heritage building?

The foundation says any individual or group in the Region can apply. For property grants, the building must be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act or have a heritage conservation easement.

How much can I get?

The page doesn't give a per-grant maximum. It says about $50,000 to $60,000 is shared among successful applicants in this window.

Can I get money for work I've already done?

No. The foundation says it doesn't fund completed or substantially completed projects.

Related programs

Open, closes Nov 27, 2026Grant

Tourism Funding Programs

Destination Animation Fund up to $5,000 (10% match). Gather Here sponsorship up to $25,000, and no more than 15% of the event budget. The Marketing Assets program gives photos, video and training, not money.

City of Guelph (with Destination Marketing Guelph for for-profit applications)Guelph

Open nowGrant

Community Improvement Plan grants

$500 to $7,500 per project or property depending on the program, up to $10,000 for priority sites

Township of WellesleyWellesley

Year-roundGrant

Façade Grant Program

Up to $10,000 per street address or storefront ($20,000 corner lot with work on both frontages, $30,000 for buildings with multiple storefronts)

City of KitchenerKitchener