Waterloo Region grassroots fund paying off, WLU research shows

Wilfrid Laurier University social work professor and researcher Ginette Lafrenière at the Region of Waterloo's Council Chambers on Sept. 17, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News Kitchener)

Dozens of grassroots organizations are getting a much-needed financial boost, thanks to an annual initiative by the Region of Waterloo.

The Upstream Fund and Community Capacity Building Fund aims to uplift not-for-profit groups that support underrepresented communities.

“It is a funding model… but it really is more of a community development partnership approach to supporting community grassroots organizations,” explained Fauzia Baig, the region’s equity, diversity and inclusion director.

Waterloo Region has invested more than $14 million into the initiative since 2022. This year more than two dozen organizations received almost $1.9 million combined.

“What we’ve seen is that the initiatives that were happening already have only been strengthened and the impacts have been amplified,” Baig said. “We’re seeing more and more connected community members and more services being provided.”

One of the groups who have benefitted from this year’s funding is Adventure4Change (A4C), a non-profit helping newcomers feel more at home when they come to Waterloo, Ont.

“It allows people to see that there is hope,” said Fogo Oriowo, A4C’s operations manager. “Upstream is providing a lot of hope for these families, hope for these individuals.”

According to Oriowo, A4C will use the regional funding to support staff, programming and the organization’s overall sustainability. Like other groups, she said A4C wants to continue to serve those most in need.

“This funding is really going to enable us to practice restorative justice in situations of identity-based harm in a much deeper and wider way,” said Kamil Ahmed with Community Justice Initiatives Waterloo Region.

“We are going to hire more counselors from different backgrounds so we can provide excellent services to the people in Waterloo Region,” explained Duaa Al-Aghar, the executive director of Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region.

Research shows high return on funding

New research from the Wilfrid Laurier University showed the return on the region’s initial $4.1 million investment has more than doubled, generating $9.7 million for the economy.

The Upstream Fund and Community Capacity Building Fund, led by Ginette Lafrenière, also found that in their first year alone over 150 jobs were created, 360 volunteers were recruited, more than 140 employees achieved greater income stability, 10,000 people were given mental health supports, and 15,000 meals or hampers were delivered to those in need.

“When you invest in equity-led organizations, they do a lot with very little money,” Lafrenière explained.

But the researchers put an emphasis on the bigger picture.

“Newfound credibility and visibility that they received as a result of the funding and, of course, fostering community,” research coordinator Utamika Cummings van Zyl said about groups who had received funding in the past.

Applications for the next round of upstream funding will be available in early 2026.