Community Action Grants will support 28 resident-led projects aimed at improving food security, mental health, displacement, economic opportunity, and youth engagement
TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2026 /CNW/ – With new developments and revitalization efforts taking place in Cooksville, South Markham and Jane Finch, these neighbourhoods are experiencing significant changes and challenges.
To promote fair opportunities for all, United Way Greater Toronto is increasing its Community Action Grants (CAG) program with a $1.13 million investment to address local needs in each area.
![Source: Jane/Finch Centre (CNW Group/United Way Greater Toronto)]( "Source: Jane/Finch Centre (CNW Group/United Way Greater Toronto)")
Source: Jane/Finch Centre (CNW Group/United Way Greater Toronto)
This announcement signals the start of the second round of funding set to open in late Spring 2026. It will support 28 community projects identified through a process led by residents. This includes initiatives in Cooksville (Peel Region), South Markham (York Region), and Jane Finch that focus on important issues like mental health and wellbeing, anti-displacement efforts, food security, economic opportunities, intergenerational connections, arts-based activities, housing stability, and engaging youth.
“The Community Action Grants help support local initiatives that are led by residents and local organizations, reflecting the community’s priorities. By ensuring the community’s voice is directly shaping neighbourhoods, we are building a future with people who know their neighbourhoods best,” said Heather Mc Donald, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto.
The funding will be distributed among seven projects in Cooksville, six in South Markham, and another 15 projects in Jane Finch during this final round.
Some of the grant recipients include:
Digital Employment Bridge (Cooksville) – this project aims to close the digital gap and enhance digital equity within this neighbourhood by improving job prospects for low-income newcomers facing structural barriers. With comprehensive support services aimed at reducing obstacles, participants will gain increased digital confidence while earning industry-recognized certifications that lead to better job opportunities. The initiative also plans to create a multilingual digital inclusion toolkit for community partners to maximize its long-term effects.
“Community-led initiatives play a vital role in building stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods. The Community Action Grants support grassroots partners who are deeply connected to their communities and best positioned to create meaningful local impact.”- Hema Tingare, Executive Director of Newcomer Centre of Peel Mental Wellness: From Stigma to Strength (South Markham) – Managed by A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub, this project offers biweekly mental wellness workshops along with support groups specifically designed for Black and South Asian seniors living in South Markham. It seeks to tackle stigma around mental health by covering topics such as stress relief and caregiver burnout while utilizing creative outreach methods like podcasts and expressive arts for culturally relevant engagement within the community.
“Our commitment at A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub is to ensure that no one living with dementia stands alone. The Community Action Grant will help bring this commitment to life by supporting culturally grounded programs that promote mental wellness among seniors caregivers as well as the wider South Markham community. Through education community engagement inclusive programming we can reduce stigma increase understanding of dementia mental health creating safe spaces where individuals families feel supported connected empowered.” – Christiana Egi Executive Director A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub. Nourish & Empower: A Meal Prep Workshop for Students and Seniors (Jane Finch) – This intergenerational food security program brings together young people from local high-rises with seniors from the Jane Finch area over six months through weekly meal prep workshops featuring budget-friendly diverse recipes from various cultures. The project aims not only to enhance food literacy but also provide take-home meals while fostering connections between youth and seniors which helps lessen feelings of isolation.
“Nourish & Empower is about making healthy eating practical accessible students seniors Jane-Finch Many residents stretch limited incomes navigating rising food costs social isolation Through hands-on meal prep budgeting safe storage workshops participants leave real skills prepared meals confidence eat well home As resident-led initiative funding allows us build something speaks realities our community especially newcomers like myself learned challenging adapt new food system ingredients living conditions With this support we create space learning connection dignity around food.” – Peace Katasi Bloomzhub In 2024 United Way kicked off a successful pilot program involving Community Action Grants within Jane Finch distributing initial funds across seven agencies along with resident projects throughout the area All resident projects launched successfully completed while agency ones wrap up May 2026. Heather Mc Donald CEO President United Way Greater Toronto is available comment on how these grants assist neighborhood-focused endeavors alongside how residents determine their communities’ priorities visions. Community partners can share insights into how these funds contribute towards fulfilling local needs via their specific initiatives. Click here to view the full list of all 28 projects. SOURCE United Way Greater Toronto MEDIA CONTACT: Meetu Madahar Manager Communications United Way Greater Toronto [email protected] (416) 817-4668
Source link
“Community-led initiatives play a vital role in building stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods. The Community Action Grants support grassroots partners who are deeply connected to their communities and best positioned to create meaningful local impact.”- Hema Tingare, Executive Director of Newcomer Centre of Peel Mental Wellness: From Stigma to Strength (South Markham) – Managed by A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub, this project offers biweekly mental wellness workshops along with support groups specifically designed for Black and South Asian seniors living in South Markham. It seeks to tackle stigma around mental health by covering topics such as stress relief and caregiver burnout while utilizing creative outreach methods like podcasts and expressive arts for culturally relevant engagement within the community.
“Our commitment at A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub is to ensure that no one living with dementia stands alone. The Community Action Grant will help bring this commitment to life by supporting culturally grounded programs that promote mental wellness among seniors caregivers as well as the wider South Markham community. Through education community engagement inclusive programming we can reduce stigma increase understanding of dementia mental health creating safe spaces where individuals families feel supported connected empowered.” – Christiana Egi Executive Director A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub. Nourish & Empower: A Meal Prep Workshop for Students and Seniors (Jane Finch) – This intergenerational food security program brings together young people from local high-rises with seniors from the Jane Finch area over six months through weekly meal prep workshops featuring budget-friendly diverse recipes from various cultures. The project aims not only to enhance food literacy but also provide take-home meals while fostering connections between youth and seniors which helps lessen feelings of isolation.
“Nourish & Empower is about making healthy eating practical accessible students seniors Jane-Finch Many residents stretch limited incomes navigating rising food costs social isolation Through hands-on meal prep budgeting safe storage workshops participants leave real skills prepared meals confidence eat well home As resident-led initiative funding allows us build something speaks realities our community especially newcomers like myself learned challenging adapt new food system ingredients living conditions With this support we create space learning connection dignity around food.” – Peace Katasi Bloomzhub In 2024 United Way kicked off a successful pilot program involving Community Action Grants within Jane Finch distributing initial funds across seven agencies along with resident projects throughout the area All resident projects launched successfully completed while agency ones wrap up May 2026. Heather Mc Donald CEO President United Way Greater Toronto is available comment on how these grants assist neighborhood-focused endeavors alongside how residents determine their communities’ priorities visions. Community partners can share insights into how these funds contribute towards fulfilling local needs via their specific initiatives. Click here to view the full list of all 28 projects. SOURCE United Way Greater Toronto MEDIA CONTACT: Meetu Madahar Manager Communications United Way Greater Toronto [email protected] (416) 817-4668
Source link
