City of Brantford launches fall 2026 Community Changemaker Program with Wilfrid Laurier University

BRANTFORD, ON: The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Wilfrid Laurier University StartUp Lab Brantford, is excited to offer the fall 2026 Community Changemaker Program. Now in its tenth year, the Changemakers Program invites Brantford residents to develop and launch a program, service or event that makes a positive impact in the community.

Brantford residents, aged 18 and over, who have an idea for a community impact project are encouraged to apply for this free seven-week program. Selected applicants will participate in weekly sessions led by an experienced professional in community development and innovation and learn how to further refine their project ideas. This includes building out full proposals, budgets, and presentations for funding opportunities.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Wilfrid Laurier University’s StartUp Lab Brantford to deliver the Community Changemaker Program,” says Brooke Papple, Corporate Initiatives Coordinator at the City of Brantford. “It is an exciting opportunity for residents to receive practical support, mentorship and resources to help shape their ideas into impactful projects that strengthen and enrich our community.”

Applications for the fall 2026 Changemakers Program launch on Thursday, September 10 and will close Thursday, October 1, 2026 at midnight. Applicants are required to provide a brief overview of their proposed project, including an estimated budget. Proposals can be rough outlines, as the purpose of the Changemaker’s Program is to help residents refine their ideas and support their implementation. Each weekly session will take place at Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford campus on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., starting October 7 to November 25, 2026. At the end of the program, each participant will have the opportunity to present their project to the City of Brantford for potential start-up funding. Up to $2,000 is available per project.

“Over the past decade, the Community Changemaker program has evolved into a powerful catalyst for local innovation, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone by welcoming a new wave of passionate participants with bold, community-driven ideas,” says Julie Perkins, Program Lead at Laurier’s StartUp Lab Brantford. “What makes this program so special is watching residents discover that meaningful change can start with a single idea. We look forward to seeing this year’s participants share their creativity, commitment and vision for Brantford’s future.”

To learn more and apply for the fall 2026 Community Changemaker Program, visit bit.ly/2026Changemakers.

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Media Contacts:

Kelly Page | Communications Advisor, Communications and Community Engagement

City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5779 | kpage@brantford.ca

Beth Gurney | Director, Strategic Communications and Community Engagement, External Relations

Wilfrid Laurier University | 519-802-5447 | bgurney@wlu.ca