The RBC Community Investment Fund provides major multi-year investments to registered charities and non-profit organizations working to strengthen communities across Canada. Through this fund, RBC and RBC Foundation support projects that advance three core ambitions:

• Support the transition to a net-zero economy
• Equip people with the skills for a thriving future
• Drive more inclusive opportunities for prosperity

Organizations can apply at any time, and funding ranges widely, from small grants under $10,000 to large, multi-year investments of up to $500,000 per year, depending on the project’s size, impact, and alignment with RBC priorities. Most investments average $40,000 per year, but RBC considers applications across the full range.

RBC accepts proposals from organizations of all sizes and sectors, including charities, non-profit organizations, qualified donees, and community-driven groups addressing climate, workforce development, environmental sustainability, housing stability, financial wellbeing, and accessibility of community spaces.

This is one of the most flexible and wide-reaching private philanthropic funds in Canada, offering Seed, Scale, Sustain, and Build funding streams to support projects at different stages of development.

Investment Focus Areas:

1. Support the Transition to a Net-Zero Economy

Projects that advance climate change mitigation solutions (clean technologies, low-carbon practices, decarbonization), nature-based solutions (ecosystem protection, Indigenous-led conservation, urban green infrastructure), or environmental sustainability of community spaces (capital improvements to reduce carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency).

2. Equip People with the Skills for a Thriving Future

Projects that help people build in-demand skills for jobs of tomorrow (trades, AI, healthcare, green skills), gain meaningful work experiences (paid internships, apprenticeships, vocational training), or upgrade industry-specific qualifications to increase employability and reduce transition time between sectors.

3. Drive More Inclusive Opportunities for Prosperity

Projects that create stability by addressing food security, housing stability and access to health services; increase financial wellbeing through tailored education and coaching; or increase physical accessibility of community spaces through capital improvements.

Funding Streams & Details:

RBC offers four flexible funding streams:

Seed – Launch new ideas

• Up to $500,000 per year, max 2 years
• Can fund up to 100% of project budget
• Can cover up to 50% of organizational operating budget
• Rolling intake

Scale – Expand effective programs

• Up to $500,000 per year, max 3 years
• Up to 50% of project budget
• Up to 20% of operating budget
• Rolling intake

Sustain – Maintain ongoing successful programs

• Up to $500,000 per year, max 5 years
• Up to 50% of project budget
• Up to 20% of operating budget
• Rolling intake

Build – Capital improvements for accessibility or environmental sustainability

• Up to $500,000 per year, max 5 years
• Can fund up to 100% of up to 2 projects in one community space
• Must focus on either accessibility or environmental sustainability
• Delivered through the RBC Foundation Community Spaces Grant
• Separate application period; reopens Fall 2025