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Uplift Fund

At Toronto Pearson, we deliver on our commitment to being a good neighbour by supporting programs that break down barriers to employment and cultivate opportunities for our neighbouring communities. We do this by investing in and partnering on programming that supports local area residents and employers in building new skills, connections and pathways to meaningful careers.

Our community investments are focused and strategic to ensure maximum impact. Through the Uplift Fund, we support projects that provide job seeker support, enhance employer engagement practices and deliver holistic employment programming.

By supporting these projects, we aim to:

  • Create meaningful job and career growth opportunities.
  • Facilitate effective employment supports and services for local residents.
  • Enhance the capacity and sustainability of community partners.
  • Support training and programming that address systemic barriers contributing to inequalities in the regional economy.

Applications Now Accepted Year-Round

Toronto Pearson is now accepting applications for funding on a rolling basis and organizations are invited to submit an Expression of Interest while funds are available.

Funding is available under two streams:

  • Breaking Down Barriers to Meaningful Employment
  • Growing the Construction Skilled Trades

View the Uplift Fund guidelines

To apply, complete Step 1 by submitting your online Expression of Interest (EOI). Following a two-week EOI review process, those organizations invited to submit a complete application will receive an invitation to complete the Step 2 application.

Funding requests may support a new initiative, a part of a larger program, or the expansion of an existing initiative into a new area. Applicants should clearly outline how the requested funding will be used and the expected outcomes.

Organizations may apply for more than one project under one or both funding streams. Organizations are limited to three applications per calendar year. Note: up to 20% of the proposed budget can be allocated to organizational overhead.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding, projects must:

  • Be delivered in Brampton, Mississauga and/or Etobicoke, and benefit local residents and employers/businesses.
  • Be led by a not-for-profit organization, academic institution or professional association.
  • Be no longer than one year in duration.
  • Request a funding amount between $150,000 and $200,000.
  • Focus on jobseekers/employees, employers/businesses, or both.

While applications supporting employment in all sectors are welcome, priority will be given to those focused on the following sectors:

  • Construction and general labour
  • Hospitality and Retail
  • Transportation and Trucking
  • Manufacturing and Warehousing
  • Innovation and Technology

Ineligible Applications

Applications will not be accepted from:

  • Individuals
  • For-profit businesses
  • Private clubs funded through membership fees
  • Competitive sports teams
  • Religious or politically affiliated organizations or candidates
  • Organizations not registered as a not-for-profit or charity
  • Trade unions and union-affiliated organizations

The Uplift Fund will also not support requests primarily for:

  • Events or conferences
  • Fundraising activities
  • Capital expenses
  • Projects operating outside of Canada

If you wish to apply for event sponsorship, visit our Partnerships and Sponsorships page.

For questions about the Uplift Fund, contact propeller.project@gtaa.com.