Apply for Funding for Your Cause

We fund a range of organizations, with specific requirements for each entity:

• RBC funds registered charities, qualified donees, and non-profit organizations in communities where RBC has a business presence
• RBC Foundation funds registered charities or other qualified donees in Canada
• RBC Foundation USA funds 501 (c)(3) designated charitable organizations in the United States

We Do Not Fund:

• Individuals
• Sports teams (unless they are a qualified donee)
• Political organizations or parties
• Private or Corporate Foundations
• Community Foundations, unless for programmatic support
• Private (fee based) elementary or secondary schools
• Trade associations, advocacy organizations, chambers of commerce and professional organizations
• Religious or sectarian programs or purposes
• Endowment or memorial campaigns
• Golf Tournaments
• Travel-related costs or events
• Theoretical Research
• Organizations with values, purposes, policies or practices in conflict with RBC values

We evaluate funding applications with the following priorities and considerations:

• Potential Impact

  • o   The project is aligned with RBC’s ambitions
  • o   The project shows potential to advance progress against a significant challenge or opportunity
  • o   The project has clear and measurable goals

• Community Engagement

  • o   If applicable to the project, the organization demonstrates willingness to work in collaboration with other charitable/non-profit organizations
  • o   If the project is targeting a specific population, the organization has meaningfully engaged that population in the design, planning, and execution of the project

• Feasibility

  • o   The organization is well-positioned to deliver the project as described
  • o   The milestones outlined in the application are clear and attainable
  • o   The project budget is reasonable relative to the project scope

Please note that we receive far more applications than we can fund in any given year. While we review every application, alignment with these priorities does not guarantee funding.

We aim to work with a diverse portfolio of community investment partners, and acknowledge that organizations at different sizes and stages have the potential to make meaningful positive impact in the communities they support.

When evaluating financial position, we look for:

• Strong financial management
• Multiple sources of funding
• A budget/recovery plan to strengthen financial position for organizations currently in a deficit position
• Managed by an Independent Board of Directors

Audited Financial Statements are required for requests over C$50,000. For Canadian organizations, exceptions may be made for Seed Funding requests for organizations that are less than five years old (unaudited financial statements will be required).

Please review the following information when considering how much to request in your application:

General Guidelines

• In general, applications will be considered up to C$500,000 per year, for up to five years, for a maximum funding amount of C$2.5 million. Please note that funding limits may vary by region.
• We will typically fund no more than 20 per cent of an organization’s operating budget.
• Organizations may dedicate up to 20 per cent of the project budget to administrative costs, and up to 10 per cent for evaluation and storytelling.
• Each funding application is considered independently and there is no guarantee of concurrent funding.
• A hiatus period between funding cycles may be implemented, and there is an expectation that organizations build and maintain a diverse portfolio of funders.

To apply for funding, please refer to your respective region below.