WELCOME TO FREE TO GROW
Please note: Applications will take 2-3 weeks to process. Our team is very busy and we are working hard to proccess applications as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.
Before applying:
Step 1: Check to see if you are eligible for funding.
a. Children from birth through 18 years of age (must be 18 years at time of application).
b. Children who live in Guelph or Wellington County.
c. Families with incomes below the following household income levels (based on Line 236 - net adjusted income). Look at the chart below to see if your family income is below the amount shown for your family size.
Statistics Canada Low-Income Cut-Off Scale Before Tax Table (based on 2023 LICO)
|
Family Size |
Family Income (based on line 236) |
|
1 person (e.g. Independent Youth) |
$26,290 |
|
2 persons (e.g. parent + 1 child) |
$32,727 |
|
3 persons |
$40,234 |
|
4 persons |
$48,851 |
|
5 persons |
$55,404 |
|
6 persons |
$62,488 |
|
7 or more persons |
$69,571 |
Step 2: If you think you are eligible, you can begin the application process below by clicking Agree to the Terms and Conditions and then either logging into your existing account or registering for a new account (if you’ve never applied before).
You will need to have documents to show your family size and income. Click here to see what document(s) we will want to see.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis and can take up to three weeks to process. Need assistance logging in or have questions about the application process? Contact us: 519-826-9551 ext 123 or freetogrow@childrensfoundation.org
If you would prefer to fill out a paper application form, click here to download an application form.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In applying for funding for children's activities, the Parent/Guardian agrees and consents to the following:
1. That the individual agreeing to these Terms and Conditions is the legal representative of the child(ren) they are submitting an application on behalf of, and has the appropriate authority to sign a legally binding agreement on behalf of said child(ren).
2. That the information submitted to the Children’s Foundation is complete and accurate.
3. That the Children’s Foundation may contact the recipient organization to confirm or clarify fees. Depending on the nature of the activity, the Children’s Foundation may, in certain limited circumstances, be required to disclose the name of the child and/or other relevant personal information.
4. That providing information through an application for funding does not imply funding is approved. Until the Parent/ Guardian receives written confirmation that funding has been approved, the status of their application is under review.
5. Upon approval of funding, it is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian to register their child(ren) in the activity approved. The Parent/Guardian will be responsible for any additional registration, equipment, and/or outstanding fees, if applicable.
6. That it is the Parent’s/Guardian’s responsibility to notify the Children’s Foundation in the event that their child(ren) does not register in the activity, stops attending the activity, or if the program is cancelled or the amount of registration changes. Failure to properly inform the Children’s Foundation of program cancellation or non-participation may negatively impact your child/children’s future applications.
7. That the Children’s Foundation is a source of funding only and cannot be held liable for the actions or omissions of the recipient organizations.
8. That all funding is at the sole and absolute discretion of the Children’s Foundation and funding allocations may be subject to change.
9. That as Parent/Guardian of the child(ren) they are submitting an application on behalf of, you assume all risk involved in the activity/program in which the child(ren) participated.
10. That Personal Information provided in the application for funding may be shared with funding or activity partners for the purposes of determining a family’s eligibility for assistance with them, including Jumpstart, City of Guelph, YMCA of Guelph.
12. To receive operational communications via mail, email or telephone with regard to the application for funding or for information that may be relevant to me as a recipient of funding through the Children’s Foundation.