Funding available to reduce smoking and vaping in northeastern Ontario
The Northeast Tobacco Area Network (NE TCAN) provides $1,000 and $2,000 microgrants for projects that have a focus on reducing the burden of smoking and vaping in northeastern Ontario.
Who can apply?
This funding is available for those who work with youth, young adults, or adults to engage in meaningful initiatives that reduce the use and burden of nicotine and could include organizations, groups, schools, or community coalitions and municipalities.
Eligible project focus areas
Focus area 1: Protecting people in shared spaces (policies & smoke‑free and vape‑free environments)
(Policy, bylaw, and environmental change)
Projects that protect people in shared or public spaces by supporting the creation, strengthening, implementation, or expansion of smoke‑free and vape‑free policies and bylaws. This includes initiatives that increase awareness of existing policies, support policy development or updates, encourage compliance, or broaden the reach of smoke‑free and vape‑free environments to more places where people live, work, learn, and gather.
Projects may focus on changing physical, social, or policy environments to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vapour and to normalize smoke‑free and vape‑free spaces.
Examples of potential projects
- supporting a municipality, school board or school, workplace, or community organization to develop or update smoke‑free/vape‑free policies or bylaws
- community engagement or consultation activities to support new or expanded smoke‑free/vape‑free spaces (for example, parks, playgrounds, event grounds)
- awareness campaigns to accompany a newly developed or updated smoke‑free or vape‑free bylaws or policies
- creation and installation of smoke‑free/vape‑free signage in public or shared spaces to accompany a newly developed or updated smoke-free/vape-free policy or bylaw
- youth‑ or community‑led advocacy initiatives promoting stronger or broader smoke‑free environments
- develop culturally appropriate approaches to smoke-free or vape-free shared spaces and support for community-led implementation, while respecting traditional tobacco practices and Indigenous self-determination.
- environmental initiatives focusing on safer-vape waste disposal, cigarette and vape product clean-up—please note these projects can not be a stand-alone event, if so please refer to Focus Area 5
- support school board or a school with nicotine pouch use on property
- tools or resources that help organizations implementor enforce new or updated policies to accompany a newly developed or updated smoke-free/vape-free policy or bylaw
($2,000 project)
Focus Area 2: Significance of sacred tobacco in Indigenous culture
(Distinguishing sacred vs. commercial tobacco)
Projects led by, or developed in partnership with, Indigenous communities that promote understanding of the cultural, spiritual, and traditional significance of sacred tobacco and medicines, while distinguishing these from harmful commercial tobacco use. Activities should be culturally grounded, community‑driven, and respectful of Indigenous knowledge and practices.
Examples of potential projects
- cultural teachings or workshops led by Elders or Knowledge Keepers
- youth learning circles focused on sacred tobacco and traditional medicines
- community or school‑based ceremonies or teachings
- creation of culturally appropriate educational materials
- intergenerational storytelling or learning activities
($1,000 project)
Focus Area 3: Preventing initiation among those at higher risk
(Prevention and early intervention)
Projects that support individuals or communities at higher risk of starting to smoke or vape, particularly youth, young adults, or priority populations. Activities should focus on prevention by building knowledge, skills, resilience, and supportive environments that reduce the likelihood of initiating commercial tobacco or vaping use.
Examples of potential projects
- youth leadership or mentorship programs centered on healthy choices
- after‑school or recreation programs that integrate prevention messaging
- peer mentorship projects aimed at resisting vape and tobacco use
- skill‑building workshops (for example, decision‑making, media literacy, resisting peer pressure)
- parent or caregiver education sessions on preventing youth vaping
($1,000 project)
Focus Area 4: Smoking or vaping cessation support
(Helping people quit or reduce use)
Projects that support individuals or groups (youth, young-adults, and adults) who currently smoke or vape to reduce or quit their use. Initiatives may focus on increasing awareness of quitting options, building motivation and confidence to quit, or connecting people to local cessation supports and resources.
Examples of potential projects
- quit‑support workshops or group information sessions
- promotion and distribution of quitting resources (for example, quit lines, telephone support, apps, or community supports)
- hosting a “quit week” or cessation awareness campaign
- training community champions to share cessation information
- facilitated support circles or talking groups focused on quitting
($1,000 project)
Focus Area 5: Smoking or vaping education & attitude Change
(Understanding, knowledge, and perception change)
Projects that increase awareness and understanding of the health risks of commercial tobacco and vaping, including how nicotine products affect physical and mental health, how the tobacco and vaping industry targets youth and young adults, and how social norms influence use. Activities should aim to shift knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward smoke‑free and vape‑free lifestyles.
Examples of potential projects
- peer‑led education sessions for youth or young adults
- parent/caregiver education on how smoking and vaping can impact the children
- community presentations or information sessions at libraries, community centres, or cultural events
- creation of youth‑designed posters, videos, or social media content addressing vaping myths
- information booths at local fairs, festivals, or community gatherings
($1,000 project)
Eligible expenses
- direct programming (such as resources, promotional items, guest speakers, and quit kits)
- project materials (such as printing, photocopying, or displays)
- low-cost program incentives
- equipment (such as short-term rental or purchase, event space)
- team building expenses (for example, healthy snacks, training)
- training fees (such as a guest speaker or module fees)
Ineligible expenses
- staff salaries, benefits, and administration fees
- rental for office space
- cash prizes or grand prizes
- commercial tobacco products
- vaping products
- nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
How to apply
Complete the online application form.
Important dates:
Application deadline: September 11, 2026
Successful applicants contacted in September 2026
Initiative completed by: December 30, 2026
Final Report: January 24, 2027
How will successful applications be chosen and notified?
All qualifying applications will be considered based on geographic area, priority population, and focus area. Successful applicants will be contacted by email to confirm. Please note that email confirmations will come from netcan@phsd.ca.
Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified by email.
Selected groups will be provided with a service agreement and must agree to all terms and conditions before funding can be confirmed.
Selected groups will also be required to complete an electronic funds transfer document to receive payment and provide proof of liability insurance for $5 million.
Project oversight
As the recipient of the grant, you are responsible for the management and execution of your project, including overseeing all aspects of its planning, implementation, and completion (including reporting).
Project reporting requirements
Based on the focus of your project (see question 6 in the application), you will be asked to report on outputs and outcomes. Outputs refer to the number of people reached through your project and outcomes can refer to changes in attitudes, successes, and so on. Reporting will be collected through an online form that will be sent to you.
Have a question?
If you have further questions, or need help with this application, please reach out to netcan@phsd.ca.