The Metcalf Renewal Program will support exceptional individuals as they do their very best work in nonprofit organizations.  We know that people in nonprofit professional roles feel a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to perform their roles well – to do their best work at every stage of their career and to make a substantial lifetime contribution to the sector.  Through the Renewal Program, the Foundation will build on its longstanding interest in supporting these leaders by making strategic investments in the professional vitality of people who work in charitable organizations – individually and collectively.

The Metcalf Renewal Program makes significant opportunities for professional renewal accessible to talented individuals with a record of achievement.  These opportunities could include residencies, attendance at retreats, participation in conferences or workshops, periods of specialized training or study with masters in the field, research, or travel.  Grants between $500 and $10,000 will cover the direct expenses of the professional renewal program, tuition or training fees, living expenses, travel, or accommodation.

This program has been designed for individuals:

• with at least ten years’ professional experience in the charitable sector; and
• who hold a leadership position within their organization or have been identified as someone who is expected to make a significant leadership contribution.

As a charitable foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, however, the Metcalf Foundation can only provide grants to organizations with charitable status.  Application must be submitted, therefore, by the charitable organization that employs the leader.  Applicants to this program must be registered as a charity at the Canada Revenue Agency; and be eligible to apply to another funding program at the Metcalf Foundation.

• Under the Inclusive Local Economies Program, applications are accepted from organizations located and operating in the City of Toronto with a mandate that focuses on improving low-income peoples’ economic livelihoods and access to quality jobs.
• Under the Environment Program, applications are considered from organizations working in southern Ontario that have shown a commitment to strengthening our ability to harness the ecological, socio-economic, and cultural benefits of living within the Earth’s environmental limits.  
• Under the Performing Arts Program, applications are accepted from professional theatre, dance, music, and opera organizations in the province of Ontario with a minimum of three years’ history of production.

For a full description of the program, including the process for making an application, please view the program guidelines here.

For 2012 awards, applications to the Renewal Program will be accepted on or before:

February 27, 2012
May 14, 2012
September 10, 2012
November 5, 2012

Click here to view the application guidelines for more information.

For frequently asked questions, please review the FAQ section.

To review past Metcalf Foundation grants, please visit the Who We Fund section.