Grant: Open call for applications, 2026

Support for foster children and families, 2026

Grant purpose: This grant supports those with current or past involvement in the foster care and/or child welfare system, including youth, foster & kinship parents, and families

Grant amount: Up to $30,000/year

Grant duration: Up to 4 years

Application deadline: June 12th, 2026, 8.00pm EST

Two children playing with toys on the floor, while an adults watches them
Grant objectives
Eligibility criteria
Ineligible applicants
Grant objectives
Eligibility
Ineligible applicants
Evaluation
Criteria

Grant objectives

This grant supports those with lived experience of the child welfare system, including the following:

  • Children currently or previously in foster or kinship care
  • Young adults who have recently transitioned out of foster care
  • Foster and kinship parents with a child in their care
  • Families who have had interaction with the child welfare system

The primary objectives of your program should align with one or more of the following goals:

  • Reduce incidences of homelessness or financial instability among young adults transitioning out of foster care
  • Improve educational and career outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care
  • Create and maintain meaningful support networks for youth and families
  • Support mental health and emotional wellbeing for youth and families
  • Help youth and their foster or kinship caregivers  gain access to developmental and behavioural supports
  • Help parents who have had interaction with the child welfare system get the supports they need to provide the best outcome for their child(ren) 
  • Help foster parents and kinship caregivers provide the best care for the child(ren) in their custody

Eligibility

Please only apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • Organization must be a registered charity.
  • Programming must take place within Canada (any province or territory)
  • Programming must fulfill the objectives of this grant. If this grant is not fit for your program, please wait for a more suitable grant opportunity.

Ineligible applicants

We will not be accepting applications from:

  • New organizations that have not been active, and executing programming, for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Note: New programs from established charities will be accepted.
  • Charities that have applied for a grant with our organization within the past 2 years.
  • Programs listed in the Areas we do not fund section of our Grant Criteria page.

Evaluation Criteria

While there are many factors that lead to our granting decisions, applications will be evaluated based on the following 3 main areas:

  • Suitability for this grant: Your program’s core mission aligns with our grant objectives, and addresses the target demographic.
  • Impact of your solution: Your program creates meaningful impact and lasting change
  • Program execution: Your program has sound planning, efficient operations, and thoughtful decision-making.

Before you apply

Learn what to expect from our staged application process.

Application Process
Open link

Understand what we value in a donee, as well as areas we do and don't fund.

Grants criteria
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Have a question? You might find the answer in the FAQ.

Grant FAQ
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Apply now!

Application form

Grant FAQ

Can I meet with someone from PBF before I send my grant application?
My charity aligns with the goals of PBF, but the available grant is not a good fit for my program. Should I apply anyway?
Does my organization need to be a registered charity to apply for a grant?
Our program has several participants who are children or families involved in the foster care system, however the majority are not. Does my program quality for this grant?
Why is PBF not accepting applications from charities that have applied for a PBF grant within the last two years?
Why are new charities not eligible for this grant?
Why does the application restrict the length of my response?
Does PBF give grants to charities outside of the Toronto area?
How do I hear about upcoming grants?

Charitable registration number: 76238 4147 RR0001

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