Investing in our communities
Each year through our community investment programs we contribute up to 4% of our pre-tax profits into initiatives that make a difference in the communities we serve.
Around here, we’re passionate about supporting our community
Meridian is dedicated to supporting individuals facing economic barriers across Ontario through our grants and sponsorships. We ensure that the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and reconciliation (DEIBR) are embedded in everything we do.
The Good Neighbour Program
The Social Impact Sponsorship Program
How we review and approve funding requests
Organizations that we fund
- Operate within Ontario
- Registered as a Canadian Non-Profit or Canadian Charitable Organization with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Fall within the scope of our social impact pillars of community investment
- Have an established framework to measure impact and sustainability
- Demonstrate sound financial practices and a sustainable funding model
Exclusions
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Individuals or sports teams
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Private, corporate, or political organizations
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Private (fee based) elementary or secondary schools
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Religious or sectarian programs or purposes, unless they are engaged in a significant project benefiting the entire community
Spring applications dates
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Applications will open April 1st and close April 30th
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Applications will be reviewed throughout May
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Funding for successful applications will be disbursed in June
Fall application dates
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Applications will be September 1st and close September 30th
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Applications will be reviewed throughout October
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Funding for successful applications will be disbursed in November.
Frequently asked questions
Meridian will review the first application submitted by your organization each year. We recommend reviewing both funding options to determine which program is the best fit before applying.
You will receive a confirmation email to let you know that your application has been successfully submitted.
No. Grants are offered through the Good Neighbour Program, which offers maximum funding of $5,000.
The Social Impact Sponsorship Program offers a higher funding range, but this is exclusively for sponsorships rather than grants.
No. Meridian can only provide funding to registered charities or non‑profit organizations that are registered with the CRA and operate within Ontario.
How we’re making an impact
We actively support organizations that drive housing affordability, skilled trades, and employment.
Examples of this include programs related to skilled trades education, community housing projects, and initiatives that address housing shortages. Learn more about the Reframe Program.
Initiatives and organizations that work to increase financial confidence.
Examples include financial confidence programs for under represented communities, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Empowering our branches, teams, and employees to support causes most relevant to our communities.
These include meaningful causes that uplift and empower underrepresented groups.
Supporting meaningful causes in communities, specifically those that uplift and empower underrepresented groups.
These include initiatives that create climate resilient spaces, local food banks, and community gardens.
Supporting fair access opportunity for underrepresented groups and resources for those facing economic barriers.
These include organizations that work to advance equity and inclusion and remove barriers faced by underrepresented communities, such as women, people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, black and racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, new Canadians, immigrants and refugees.
Around here, banking is different.
We believe that strong communities help people live their best lives. Supporting the well‑being, resilience, and prosperity of Ontarians is a fundamental part of who we are.