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Our application guidelines

In Canada, BMO only donates to non-profit organizations that are registered charities by Canada Customs & Revenue Agency. Under exceptional circumstances, applications from not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, or other community-based organizations, which do not have a charitable registration, will be considered if they are aligned with BMO’s objectives and make a meaningful impact in our funding focus areas.

How to apply for a donation from BMO

Requests for charitable donations should be submitted in writing. The formal proposal should include a cover letter which incorporates the following information:

  • Full name and title, address, telephone number, fax number and email address of a contact person at the organization
  • General information including a brief history of the organization, its goals and achievements, description of clients/groups served, and the geographical area it serves

The request should also include:

  • A list of the Officers/Trustees/Board of Directors
  • A list of national, provincial and local affiliations if applicable
  • Charitable registration number as assigned by Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, or other basis for provision of tax receipts
  • Most recent audited financial statements, current operating budget and sources of funding (including other donors, government grants, etc.)
  • Purpose and objective of the project/program for which funds are being requested, including detailed budget and amount of grant requested
  • Time frame of project/program implementation
  • A plan for how the project/program will be evaluated and measured
  • Breakdown between public and private sector funding – in the case of capital campaigns

Applications should be directed to:

Director, Community Giving, or Senior Manager, Community Giving
BMO Financial Group
Corporate Communications, Government and Investor Relations
100 King Street West, 28th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A1

For applications on behalf of a local or regional organization, please see our Directory (PDF)

Our giving priorities

With a focus on collaboration, learning and innovation, we work with community partners to develop forward-thinking solutions that benefit society as a whole.

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How we fund and measure

We have embedded an impact approach throughout our donations work because we are driven to improve people’s lives in tangible ways and to demonstrate change.

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