Black History Month: Grant Opportunities in Canada
February is Black History Month. Here at Grant Precise, we also continue to learn, participate in events, and honour the legacy of Black Canadians. To celebrate Black History Month, the Grant Precise Team has compiled a list of funding opportunities available to non-profit organizations and businesses. These grant funding opportunities highlight, support, and grow Black-led philanthropies and businesses.
1) Black Opportunity Fund
The Black Opportunity Fund is a charitable organization that supports both non-profit and for-profit, Black-led businesses and investments. Their main goals include responding to the under-investment of the communities by providing capital and working nationally to strengthen Black organizations and leaders. They prioritize initiatives which include women & gender, education & youth, health, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts, culture & recreation, and food insecurity, that impact the quality of life. The Black Opportunity Fund currently has several funding opportunities which you can visit at:
https://blackopportunityfund.ca/funding-programs/
2) The Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI)
CSAI aims to remove barriers and increase sport participation and retention rates for underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, low-income and newcomers. Applications are due to come out soon and last year were due in April. Find more information on the funding at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/sport-support/community-sport-initiative/application-guidelines.html
3) The Investment Readiness Program (IRP)
Funded by the Government of Canada, IRP supports organizations that contribute to solving pressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges across Canada. IRP is also working alongside the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC). Black-led or Black-serving social purpose organizations are able to apply to both through the online application portal. Application periods range from September-November with funding decisions released in February of next year. More information on the grant:
https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/the-investment-readiness-program/
4) Black and Indigenous Futures Fund
Provided by the Toronto Foundation, the fund supports Black and Indigenous leaders, organizations, and grassroots groups who are best equipped to identify and advance solutions for their communities as they adapt to today’s circumstances. From 2021-2023, the fund contributes $320,000 annually to support qualified groups. Though applications are currently closed, keep an eye out for the reopening of applications here:
https://torontofoundation.ca/black-and-indigenous-futures-fund/
5) Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund
Funded by the government of Canada, the Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund aims to improve social and economic outcomes in Black communities and to reduce anti-Black racism through an endowment of 200 million dollars. The funding decision will be made in early 2023. Find out more at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/ideas-black-led-philanthropic-fund.html
6) RBC Black Entrepreneur Program
RBC has invested 100 million in July 2020 for a 5-year commitment to helping create opportunity, growth and equity for Black entrepreneurs. Black entrepreneurs can access loans of up to $250,000 to start and grow their businesses. Find out more about this program:
business.https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/advice/blackentrepreneur.html