TC Energy’s Social Impact program, known as Build Strong, is a community investment initiative aimed at creating meaningful impact in areas near its operations across North America. TC Energy, a prominent energy infrastructure company, developed Build Strong to foster shared prosperity, promote equity, and support sustainable development through partnerships with local communities. The program focuses on cultivating lasting relationships and reflecting the diversity of communities where TC Energy operates.
Build Strong considers investment opportunities from communities located within an approximate 30-kilometre (20-mile) radius of its operations or projects. Projects must align with one or more of TC Energy’s focus areas, address specific community needs, and demonstrate measurable impact. Additionally, proposals that offer opportunities for employee engagement and that promote equity and inclusion are prioritized. Funding decisions are made on a competitive basis, and submission does not guarantee approval.
Applicants can request between $2,500 and $25,000 in funding, particularly for first-time recipients. Larger requests may be considered for projects with a wide geographic reach and greater community impact. A detailed budget is required for the amount being requested from TC Energy. Applications are accepted from January 22 to November 7, 2025, on a rolling basis. However, once available funds are exhausted, no further applications will be accepted for the year.
Organizations are eligible to apply once per calendar year. Certain types of initiatives and organizations are explicitly ineligible, including those related to operating expenses, sporting events, fundraisers, infrastructure projects, arts organizations, and entities that discriminate or lobby against the energy industry. A separate application pathway is available for Indigenous organizations or projects serving a majority Indigenous population.
The application process requires submission through TC Energy’s online portal, and all successful applicants must submit an impact report within a year of receiving funds. The report includes finalized impact data, and failure to submit disqualifies the organization from future funding. Applications typically take 8 to 10 weeks for review, and all decisions are communicated via email. Questions can be directed to the Social Impact team at build_strong@tcenergy.com.
