Hamilton's first climate adaptation small-grant program, offering resident groups $500 to $7,500, is set to launch in early 2027

What was approved

On September 28, 2026, Hamilton's General Issues Committee voted 9–1 to approve staff Report PED26190, launching the Climate Ready Hamilton Grant Program in the first quarter of 2027 as the pilot stage of what the report calls Hamilton's first climate adaptation small grant program. The committee authorized the Director of the Office of Climate Change Initiatives to run the program and to set up a selection committee to choose recipients.

How it would work

The City plans to partner with up to four trustee organizations, registered not-for-profits based in different parts of Hamilton, which would be paired with approved groups and issue their funds. Trustees would receive an administration fee of 15 to 20 per cent of the funds they disburse, capped at $9,999 each. Each funded group would sign a recipient agreement with the City committing to complete the activities in its application. Staff are developing five or six modules of project ideas, with core activities and eligible expenses, to guide applicants.

The report says priority will go to groups who self-identify as part of a frontline community, which the City's Climate Justice Framework describes as residents most affected by climate change and with the least means to prepare, including seniors, people with disabilities, low-income households, renters and newcomers. Staff say the program is modelled on similar small grants in Toronto and Edmonton and does not duplicate the City Enrichment Fund. Funded projects would be listed by title, ward and planned activities on the Office of Climate Change Initiatives website.

What happens next

Staff will evaluate the pilot afterwards, including the number of applications, average award, ward distribution, residents engaged and effect on climate readiness, and recommend whether to continue it. The report says there are no additional budget or staffing costs beyond the funding already allocated. The committee's recommendation went to Council on October 7, 2026.