New national funding opportunity will support faithful responses to housing, poverty, and drug crises across Canada
The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is pleased to announce its 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP): Community Bridge-Building and Crisis Response, a national funding initiative designed to support Anglican ministries responding to some of the most urgent challenges facing Canadian communities today.
“Across Canada, we are witnessing extraordinary ministries of compassion and courage,” said Dr. Scott Brubacher, Executive Director. “Church communities are offering food, presence, advocacy, safe space, practical support, and accompaniment to neighbours navigating complex realities. At the same time, many ministries are stretched and under-resourced. This RFP is intended to help bridge that gap.”
Through the 2026 RFP, AFC will provide funding for new and existing projects that strengthen local and regional responses rooted in dignity, justice, and sustainable community wellbeing.
The 2026 RFP introduces two funding streams:
- Category A (Seed): Up to $5,000
For new or emerging initiatives beginning local responses to urgent community needs. - Category B (Grow): Up to $15,000
For established ministries ready to deepen impact, expand partnerships, or scale successful models.
AFC may fund up to 100% of Category A project budgets and up to 50% of Category B budgets.
Eligible applicants must fall under the umbrella of an Anglican parish, diocese, deanery, or recognized ministry, and all applications must be endorsed by a diocesan bishop.
Projects may include initiatives such as homelessness response, food insecurity programs, addiction and mental health supports, community bridge-building amid neighbourhood tensions, volunteer training, Indigenous-led or culturally grounded approaches, reintegration and belonging initiatives, and safety improvements that enable sustainable community ministry.
“This year’s theme reflects what we are hearing across the Church,” said Brubacher. “Congregations want to respond faithfully and safely within their capacity. They know they cannot shoulder these crises alone. They are looking for practical ways to serve, collaborate, and build hope in places where people are hurting.”
The theological grounding of the 2026 RFP draws on the Gospel call to love our neighbour, the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Baptismal Covenant, and the Marks of Mission. AFC’s vision for this initiative emphasizes not only immediate compassion, but sustained accompaniment, shared responsibility, and relationships marked by mutual dignity.
“The Church has always been called to meet human need by loving service,” explains Brubacher. “But faithful response is never one-directional. We are not simply helpers serving others at a distance. We are members of one body, called into relationships of humility, reciprocity, and grace. Some of the most important ministry happens when churches are willing to listen, learn, and walk alongside.”
In addition to financial support, grant recipients will be invited to participate in shared learning opportunities during 2027 with other funded ministries across Canada. These online conversations will allow participants to exchange ideas, reflect on emerging practices, reduce isolation, and help shape future AFC grantmaking.
“We hope this RFP will not only fund excellent projects, but strengthen connections across the Church,” says Brubacher. “When ministries learn from one another, the whole Church is better equipped to respond to changing realities with wisdom and hope.”
Applications for the 2026 Request for Proposals will open September 1, 2026, and close October 1, 2026. Full eligibility details and application information are available at:
www.anglicanfoundation.org/2026rfp.
For more information please contact:
Michelle Hauser, Development & Communications Officer, [email protected], phone/text 613-305-8876.
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