THE TLC COMMUNITY
TOOLS. LIFE. CONNECTION
TLC CELEBRATION GALA * Impact fund
$1000 to fund the initiatives
other grants don't reach.
Great wellness initiatives don't always start with big budgets. They start with people who are.
The TLC Impact Fund backs those people.
Every year I meet providers who are quietly doing incredible things with almost nothing.
This fund is my way of saying - "I see you, and I've got you."
What is the TLC Impact Fund?
The TLC Impact Fund is a $1000 annual grant for health and wellness providers in Durham Region who are creating community wellness initiatives that serve the general public and who don't have access to traditional funding pathways to make it happen.
Applications close September 1, 2026. One application per business or individual per year.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is this for?
Individual Practitioners
Therapists, trainers, nutritionists, chiropractors, and other solo providers actively serving clients.
Small Wellness Businesses
Owner-operated studios, clinics, or practices with a direct service model.
Active in Durham Region
Located in or directly serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Bowmanville or Courtice.
At least one year in practice
Applicants must have been operating for a minimum of one year at time of application.
Not for large or not-for-profit organizations
Hospitals, government bodies or established non- profits are not eligible.
Not for intermediaries
Referral services, membership platforms, or bridging programs are not eligible.
Not for funded initiatives
Initiatives already receiving government or institutional funding are not eligible.
SELECTION PROCESS
How applications are evaluated
Each application is reviewed against the same criteria. Scoring details are not disclosed. The areas we are considering:
Breath of Health Impact
Population Reach
Community Need
Viability & Readiness
Budget Plan
The TLC Community Feature Plan
Initiative's Vision & Mission
THE LIVE GALA VOTE
The top 3 scorers will be invited to the TLC Celebration Gala, where each will have a brief moment to share their initiative with the room. The top 3 finalists based on application scores will be notified privately in advance so they can prepare. The audience then votes — and the winner is announced live that night. 🧡
Applications close September 1, 2026. One application per business or individual per year.
IF YOU RECEIVE THE FUND
WHAT'S EXPECTED OF RECIPIENTS
Feature The TLC Community
Feature The TLC Community and/or Althea Fernandes across your platforms and marketing materials related to the Impact Fund Initiative.
Speak at the Next Gala
Present at the following year's TLC Celebration Gala - sharing how the fund was used and how The TLC Community's support helped your initiative come to life. .
End-of-Year Report
A straightforward report covering what you did, who you reached, how the fund was used, and what changed.
A NOTE ON ACCOUNTABILITY
All recipients sign an agreement before funds are released. Non-compliance may result in ineligibility for future TLC funds and awards, and in cases of full non-compliance, a request for partial or full repayment of the fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply more than once?
One application per business or individual per year. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again the following year.
Does my initiative need to already be running?
No but you must have a confirmed plan, start date, and delivery method. Initiatives already underway will be viewed favourably.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close September 1, 2026. Finalists are notified privately before the gala. The winner will be announced live on October 2, 2026.
Will I be told why my application wasn't selected?
We're not able to provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications. You're welcome to apply again the following year.
TLC CELEBRATION GALA * OCTOBER 2, 2026
There's more than one way to be part of this.
Whether you're attending, sponsoring, nominating, or applying - the TLC Celebration Gala has a place for you.
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
Know a health & wellness provider in Durham Region & Ontario who deserves to be celebrated? Nominate yourself or them today.
BUY TICKETS
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection and recognition. Friday, October 2, 2026 at Harmony Event Centre, Oshawa.
SPONSORSHIP
Align your brand with Durham Region's wellness community. Packages from $500, plus a-la-carte and in-kind options.
SERVING DURHAM REGION, ONTARIO
Pickering | Ajax | Whitby | Oshawa | Courtice | Bowmanville
© Copyright 2026. The TLC Community. All Rights Reserved.