GUELPH – The Oak Tree Project is inviting local charities to participate in a simpler 10th anniversary edition of the cornerstone charitable initiative in Guelph-Wellington.
Known for empowering local nonprofits through practical support and meaningful funding, Oak Tree 10 continues its mission to build stronger, more resilient organizations across the region.
This year’s theme recognizes the unique challenges charities are facing and focuses on capacity-building, inviting charities to propose upgrades that make their work easier, more sustainable, or more connected.
“Whether it’s a new tool, a better process, or a strategic collaboration, Oak Tree 10 is about helping organizations do more with what they already have – not invent a new project to access the funding,” said Will Mactaggart, founder of the Oak Tree Project and a principal of The Mactaggart-Hryn Team at Richardson Wealth.
Oak Tree 10 will recognize five finalists from the applications received, with each finalist receiving a guaranteed $2,500, plus a share of a prize pool totaling over $50,000.
Awards will be based on expert evaluation and follow up interviews, plus public participation at a finale event in January 2026.
New this year, all local charities can also gain free access to the Oak Tree Learning Lab, a three-part professional development series covering mental health, team resilience, and AI tools, led by Four Simple Words.
“We started Oak Tree to strengthen the incredible work happening in our community,” said Mactaggart.
“Ten years in, after distributing more than $350,000 to local charities so far, we’re still focused on what matters most: helping charities thrive by investing in ideas that make a real difference.
“The Learning Lab is a great new addition to help us meet this mandate.”
Mactaggart notes that this year, the application process is simplified to reduce unnecessary burden on charities that want to apply.
“We know how busy our charity partners are, and we know they can share their pitch by answering a few straightforward questions.”
Applications are accepted between Sept. 3 to 30, at oaktreeguelph.ca.
Finalists will be announced in December, with a public celebration and a finale event planned for January 2026. For more information, visit oaktreeguelph.ca.
