Lonely No More: Grassroots Groups Step Up to the Power of Us Challenge

Microgrants fund 35 initiatives to get Torontonians Together Again 

Under Embargo until April 15, 2024 at 6AM EST

April 15, 2024 (Toronto, ON) - Toronto Foundation and Volunteer Toronto are excited to announce the 35 Power of Us Microgrant Recipients Torontonians who are stepping up with opportunities to connect neighbours across the city. These resident-led groups, grassroots organizations and informal collectives are each receiving $1000 for projects that are happening between now and December 2024. 

“This National Volunteer Week we are thrilled to see so many volunteers step up in their neighbourhoods to lead connection-building  initiatives” says Joanne McKiernan, executive director, Volunteer Toronto. “The fact is, Toronto needs to rebuild our social fabric and in this effort every hour given, connection made, and volunteer effort counts. Every moment matters.” 

The confirmed funding for the micrograntees comes at the end of a 150-day campaign when Toronto Foundation, Volunteer Toronto, and 30 other local partners challenged Torontonians to revive their faith in the city’s future. The campaign was a direct response to the 19th biennial Toronto’s Vital Signs Report, released in fall 2023, which showed a shocking increase in isolation, depression  and unaffordability — and persistently declining civic engagement. 

“We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to the microgrants,” says Sharon Avery, president and CEO, Toronto Foundation. “What’s clear to us is that Torontonians are hopeful despite everything we’ve endured over the last several years and that across this city you can find neighbours reaching out to others, to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging here.”  

A call to community groups and leaders drew more than 275 responses from Rexdale to South Parkdale to East Scarborough to Willowdale  and neighbourhoods in between. An independent selection committee comprising city residents, local leaders and members of the media made the final decisions on the 35 initiatives to receive the $1000 grants. 

The microgrant recipients are located in neighbourhoods all over the city and will use this funding to support local groups including seniors, newcomers, youth and 2SLGBTQ+ Torontonians and more. The majority are running with community socials and skills sharing initiatives with specific ideas including chess and swim clubs, a children’s pride parade, Black history walking tours and a community garden.  With the exception of four groups, these neighbours have come together within the last five years. 

More about the Power of Us Microgrants 

See the list of micrograntees at

info.volunteertoronto.ca/PowerOfUsGrants 

Find out more about the projects and see them plotted by neighbourhood at

TorontoFoundation.ca/PowerOfUs#CivicOptimismMap

Toronto Foundation and Volunteer Toronto partnered to launch and run the program. Additional financial support was provided by United Way Toronto, CAMH, Environics Institute, Northcrest and Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. 

For further information  

Fennella Bruce, Fennella@fkbmedia.com | 647.290.7610