Landscape Ontario’s Toronto Chapter continued its long-standing tradition of financially supporting local community projects through its annual bursary program.

This year, over 30 organizations, non-profits and community groups submitted funding applications to support projects that help nurture nature in Toronto.

The Chapter’s bursary committee is pleased to announce nearly $13,000 has been distributed to support a wide range of worthy projects and initiatives in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 

Grants of up to $1,500 were awarded to projects that would enhance the physical, mental and spiritual wellness of local residents; offer environmental benefit, such as pollinator or wildlife gardens; provide community or educational benefit, such as community gardens; or support garden-related ventures, such as seed exchanges or urban fruit harvesting.

Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2025 Toronto Chapter Bursary Program:

Copernicus Lodge Foundation $1,000

This vibrant seniors’ home located in Toronto’s west end boasts a deep Polish heritage and the funding will be used to create a wellness and community garden as part Copernicus Lodge’s Adult Day Program. The garden is intended to enhance the physical, mental and spiritual wellness of residents and to attract pollinators, butterflies and birds. 

Fred Victor $1,500

Founded in 1894, Fred Victor provides housing stability to people experiencing poverty and homelessness while helping them to rebuild their lives. The funding will support a community food gardening program in Regent Park, a longtime lower income neighbourhood in Toronto, by allowing the creation of 10-12 more allotment plots to the existing number of 148.

Gwai-yuk Gih'nendahmoen $1,000

Founded in 2024, Gwai-yuk Gih'nendahmoen ("properly taking care") is a grassroots Indigenous youth-led land stewardship collective focused on native plants, eco-restoration and biocultural restoration initiatives, as well as the popular restorative use of urban lands based on Indigenous principles, knowledge and practices. The chapter funding will support the expansion of a teaching garden in the St. Jamestown neighbourhood on a social housing property.

Markham District High School $1,200

To expand on the creation of three sister gardens a few years ago, the school is looking to add raised gardens to grow tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and peppers to teach students about sustainable farming through Indigenous partners.

Park Lover $1,200

A grassroots community group dedicated to helping people connect with nature and improve their well-being, Park Lover organizes educational walks to help people relax, reduce stress and learn about local plants, animals and the importance of our natural areas. The funding will go toward creating educational signs and pamphlets and for small tools to help maintain the routes.

Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers $1,500

This community-based group maintains two community vegetable gardens and plants native species to attract pollinators. The funding will help renovate and expand the vegetable garden by adding three new raised beds. The group’s other goal is to plant an “edible food forest” around the gardens for pollinators, birds and wildlife.

Toronto Nature Stewards $1,200

Through an agreement with the City of Toronto, this organization provides training to local community members to lead invasive species removal and native plant plantings at local parks with over 1,000 community events across 42 sites. The funding will assist with the purchase of plants for new planting sites and to develop community infrastructure to grow native plants from seed, both purchased and collected from native Toronto genotypes.

Urban Farm Initiative $1,000

This incorporated non-profit group with humble beginnings at York University aims to convert plots of unused land into community gardens to tackle food insecurity. With assistance from the Chapter back in 2023 they were able to expand a 2,000 square foot garden to 5,000 sq. ft. and with this latest funding they expect to expand to 8,000 sq. ft.

Variety Village $1,500

A recreational centre focusing on sports and fitness for all people of all ages, this community hub in Scarborough is known for its inclusive and accessible facilities. Through a partnership with Cliffcrest Butterflyway, the funding will support the creation of a 27 square metre garden of native plants in the parking lot area next to a waiting area in front of the gym.

West Neighbourhood House $700

The organization’s Greenest City program builds healthy, inclusive neighbourhoods focused on place-based climate action, supporting marginalized people who are most affected by climate change. The funding will directly support a community gardening workshop, Indigenous-led land stewardship teaching, online surveys and feedback, and provide ongoing care and support for the community gardens.

Working Women Community Centre $1,000

This non-profit, community-based organization is dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee women by offering a wide range of services, including settlement counselling, employment support and English language classes. The funding will help support a new layer of compost to the Oriole Community Garden which provides free access to 147 families in the Don Mills area, offering them the opportunity to grow their own vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Full details and online applications for next year’s program will be available online in early 2026 at landscapeontario.com/toronto-chapter-bursary-program.

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