ANNOUNCEMENT: Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 CIF grant.
In 2026, United Way NWT awarded grants totalling $235,000 to 19 non-profit organizations as part of its annual Community Investment Fund.
How It Works
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) is a United Way NWT funding program that distributes financial support raised through the support of our donors directly to registered charities and nonprofits across the Northwest Territories who are currently addressing the most pressing needs facing our communities.
How to apply: Fill out this online form: APPLY HERE
Applications will be open until November 25, 2026.
For questions, please email ED@nwt.unitedway.ca.
Types of Grants
- Single-year Grants: Between $7,500 to $10,000 for projects that will start and end in 12 months or under.
- Multi-year Grants: Between $15,000 to $20,000 annually for long-term initiatives, projects, and programs that will span over the course of at least 3 years. This funding can be used to support ongoing projects or to develop and initiate new projects.
Funding Application Process
We invite registered NWT charities and nonprofits to apply for the 2027 Community Investment Fund. Application deadline is November 25, 2026. The Funding Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Approved funds will be announced and distributed in March.
Funding Evaluation Criteria
We encourage applications from organizations working in the following focus areas:
- From Poverty to Possibility: Helping people move out of poverty and meeting basic human needs.
- Healthy People, Strong Communities: Improving access to health and social services, fostering community engagement.
- All That Kids Can Be: Improving early childhood learning and development programs, helping children succeed in school and transition into adulthood.
United Way NWT does not approve grants for school trips or animal-related causes.
For any questions about your application, please get in touch with us at ED@nwt.unitedway.ca.
How Funding Decisions are Made
The Community Investment Committee, composed of board members and community volunteers, reviews all applications to assess alignment with our focus areas. Each application is scored based on a rubric that looks at the community need and benefit, the alignment with at least 1 of our 3 focus areas, and the plans for implementing effective delivery.
