myHamilton.ca | discover, participate, learn and grow

To build a better future for Hamilton, there are many collaborative initiatives that are bringing people together to improve our community, economy and environment.  

Community Organizations

The following is a list of some of the outstanding groups working collaboratively:

• Hamilton's Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI)
  HCCI is a community-based civic resource centre, committed to working as a catalyst for anti-racist change across Hamilton. HCCI will initiate and support transformative processes that promote equality and create racism-free and inclusive environments in all areas of civic life.

• Hamilton Area Eco-Network (Eco-Net)
  Eco-Net is a non-profit organization created to network the area's environmental organizations and build their capacity. 35 organizations from across Hamilton and its surrounding communities are now members of Eco-Net.

• Jobs Prosperity Collaborative (JPC)
  The Jobs Prosperity Collaborative is a group of approximately 65 members who are committed to promoting Hamilton’s prosperity through job creation and retention. Members of the JPC include leaders from all sectors including government, business, labour, education, environment, social services, not-for-profit organizations, healthcare, and others.

• Roundtable for Poverty Reduction
  This group was formed out of concern for the community's poverty challenge. It came together in May 2005 to understand Hamilton's high poverty levels, focus the community's attention on poverty and begin to find solutions. In June 2003, the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction released 'Making Hamilton the Best Place to Raise a Child: A Change Framework for Poverty Reduction'.

• Bay Area Leadership
  BAL provides opportunities for individuals to enhance their community leadership potential, their understanding of community issues and their role as collaborative catalysts for postive change.

Community Funding Agencies

Getting enough resources is a challenge for many agencies.  Thanks to these funding organizations, great work in our community continues: 

• Hamilton Community Foundation
  Since 1954 the Hamilton Community Foundation as been receiving funds from generous citizens, investing those funds to generate income, and making grants to support a wide range of local charities in arts and culture, education, the environment, health and social services.  The foundation has also played an important role in convening and community leadership - bringing people and resources together to create solutions to some of Hamilton's most pressing issues.

• United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton
  For over 80 years the United Way has been providing critical funding and other support to programs operating within local agencies. The United Way works to create a meaningful and tangible impact in neighbourhoods across our city.

• City of Hamilton Community Partnership Program
  The Community Partnership Program provides financial assistance or event road closure services to community organizations whose services benefit Hamilton residents. The program is geared to organizations involved in social services, sports/recreation, culture and special events.

There are many other organizations also working to provide services and improve our community.  For a complete list of agencies and services available in Hamilton search the Inform Hamilton database.