35 Civic Engagement Projects Funded

The Power of Us microgrant program provides up to $1,000 to resident-led groups, grassroots organizations, and informal collectives across the City of Toronto towards projects that help build social connections and increase civic participation. The funded initiatives create opportunities to activate neighbourhoods, animate public spaces, or bridge connections between people to increase a sense of belonging in our communities and address the growing challenge of social isolation. 

We are proud to announce 35 recipients of Power of Us microgrants on April 15, 2024!

Toronto Foundation has partnered with Volunteer Toronto to coordinate this program. 

35 community organizers in Toronto will bring their civic engagement projects to life in 2024. Watch this video to hear from Power of Us grant recipients firsthand!

Click On Each Recipient to Read More About the Power Of Us Projects:

Congratulations to the Power Of Us Recipients!

• Anita Li, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, The Green Line
• Danielle Benton, Volunteer Coordinator, North York Community House
• Edward Keenan, city columnist, Toronto Star
• Joanna Rodrigues, Chief of Staff, Social Capital Partners
• Joanne McKiernan, Executive Director, Volunteer Toronto  
• Kasandra James, Director, Programs, Volunteer Toronto
• Laura Torres, Philanthropy Coordinator, Toronto Foundation

• Louroz Mercader

• Phylicia Davis-Wesseling, Community Relations Officer, Toronto Foundation
• Marcus Huynh, Community Manager,
  Centre for Social Innovation  
  
• Mohamed Huque, Director - Community Impact, Toronto Foundation
• Michelle Cutts, Director of Development and Marketing & Communications, Park People
• Oleg Segin, City of Toronto
• Tai Huynh, Founding Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, The Local

More than a city of neighbourhoods, let’s be a city of neighbours. Our map displays how Torontonians are reengaging with the city. Make and add your own commitment. These don’t need to be big organized efforts. Simple actions count too.

Research from the 2023 Toronto’s Vital Signs report points to three alarming trends: 

Participation in groups and activities is down by approximately 30% versus before the pandemic.

Toronto ranks as among the loneliest places in the country. About 925,000 adults in Toronto (37%) felt lonely on at least three or four days in the last week in 2023—higher than the rest of the country (28%). 

Between 2018 and 2022, the volunteer rate in Toronto fell from 37% to 25%. Considering the average volunteering levels, this equates to a loss of approximately 36 million volunteer hours or 20,000 full-time positions. 

We believe increasing participation in group activities can curb the rising tide of social isolation and loneliness. Engaging in your community with others can increase your wellbeing, expand your social support network, and have a positive impact on society as a whole. 

Celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 14-20, 2024

This program is generously supported by the following organizations:

If you have questions about The Power of Us Microgrants, please contact:

Cara Eaton, Senior Director of Strategy & Growth – ceaton@volunteertoronto.ca