Deadline: August 25, 2025
Applications are open for the Ontario Community Changemakers Program 2025-2026. 8 80 Cities is seeking applications for the Ontario Community Changemakers, a multi-generational leadership and micro-grant program for people with bold ideas to activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and foster social inclusion in their communities.
The 2025 program will run from October 2025 to September 2026, and successful applicants will have 12 months to implement their ideas. OCC will feature an in-person studio in Toronto in the Fall, with presentations and storytelling workshops by inspiring community leaders and skills-building workshops on project planning, community engagement, communication, and tactical urbanism. Changemakers will also benefit from ongoing virtual coaching and capacity-building from the team at 8 80 Cities through monthly meetups, as well as access to a network of local and international public space experts.
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a combination of funding, leadership training, and valuable networking opportunities to help bring their projects to life. Thirty (30) selected changemakers will benefit from:
- $5,000 Grant: Each selected applicant will receive exactly $5,000 grant to fund their community project.
- Leadership Training: Gain access to training in leadership, community engagement, and tactical urbanism, facilitated by 8 80 Cities.
- Ongoing Mentorship: Enjoy virtual coaching and peer-to-peer networking throughout the program to support your project’s growth and development.
- In-Person Studio in Toronto: Participate in an inspiring studio experience, featuring storytelling workshops, project planning sessions, and presentations by experts in the field of public space and community building.
- Access to Experts: Connect with a global network of public space experts and changemakers, who can provide guidance, feedback, and inspiration as you implement your project.
You’ll have 12 months to execute your project, from October 2025 to September 2026, with continuous support from 8 80 Cities throughout the duration.
Eligibility
- Must be 19 years or older at the time of application.
- Preference will be given to those who can attend all three days of the Studio.
- Applicants must reside in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within the provincial boundary of Ontario during the time of project implementation.
- Project must take place in the Province of Ontario or in a First Nations Territory within the provincial boundary of Ontario.
- Applicants must propose a community project that activates public space, enhances civic engagement, and/or fosters social inclusion.
Application
The deadline is 5:00 PM (EDT) on August 25, 2025. No application will be received after this deadline.
For more information, visit OCC Program.
