December 3, 2025

Dear Hamilton Community,

We want to share with you that HCCI is struggling financially, and the future of our organization is at risk. This is not easy to share as we know that so many organizations in our city are struggling to stay afloat and continue to offer quality programs. But this is where we are at.

In the past year, the funding we receive through grants, services, and donations has not been able to cover all our operating expenses. We were fortunate to have reserve funds available to cover some of our shortfalls and provide some sense of security for the organization as we went through many transitions and changes. We have also been working tirelessly to find new grants and funding sources to keep us going for a few more months at a time. 2026 will likely be the last year that we can continue to do this at our current level of funding.

Operating expenses that we struggle to cover are not elaborate or extraneous, they are essential to the way we work. This includes rent for our office and community programming space, financial services that we are required to have as a registered charity and so we can act as a fiscal sponsor and mentor for small and grassroots organizations, and core staff salaries. Funding for these essential tasks allows HCCI staff to deliver the programs that provide the tools for young people and community leaders to tackle issues in our city.

At our AGM in October, we heard from community members about how they value the work and role of HCCI in Hamilton. We heard how much we are trusted, how our role in shaping and pushing important conversations is valued and necessary, and how the space we occupy is vital for amplifying the calls of marginalized communities in our city. We do not take this trust lightly. We are so proud of the work that we are able to do, and we are also so grateful for the support we receive from monthly donors, folks who follow our work online, and those who engage with our programming.

As the Board of Directors, we are doing our due diligence by reviewing HCCI’s strategic plan and our impact in the Hamilton community as we encourage new monthly donors. We are committed to transparent communication as we navigate this challenging time. In everything we do, we try to stay grounded in and accountable to community. Our primary role is to uplift, share resources, and create space for what and who continues to be excluded from too many civic institutions. We are not afraid to challenge power and to speak out when needed. We want to keep doing this, but we need support from the community to do so.

If you are able to support our work, you can make a one-time donation or sign up to be a monthly donor here. All donations are provided with a charitable tax receipt. If you are an organization or small business and would like to collaborate or support, please reach out to us at board@hcci.ca.

This is a long road, but we want to start with sharing this update. In the coming months, you’ll see more information about how donations support specific programs and initiatives.

With thanks and in solidarity,

The HCCI Board of Directors