Investment Preparation Program (ipp)

Who is eligible?

• Black-led non-profits and charities
• Black-owned social enterprises
• Black informal groups, collectives, and individual Black leaders
• Black-owned for-profit social purpose businesses

Who is not eligible

• Projects created for religious purposes or religious activities
• Projects outside Canada

Eligible expenses

• Project staff salaries, mandatory employment costs, and benefits
• Purchased services, workshops, meetings, supplies, materials, evaluation, travel, and equipment
• Administrative and overhead costs directly tied to the funded project

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• General fundraising or capital campaigns
• Endowment funds
• Non-project expenses
• Partisan political activities
• Religious projects or activities
• Projects outside Canada

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada
• Quebec applicants should apply through the Chantier de l’économie sociale

• Alignment with Black community priorities and experiences
• Quality of the social mission
• Feasibility of the project plan
• Ability to generate revenue through products or services
• Readiness to access social finance or other financing tools

• Step 1: Review the program guidelines and choose the right stream.
  • Confirm which stream fits the project.
  • Check the eligibility requirements and priorities.
• Step 2: Prepare the application materials.
  • Describe the project plan and social mission.
  • Show how the project aligns with Black community priorities.
  • Explain the revenue-generating model or financing plan.
• Step 3: Submit the application online.
  • Use the funding portal to create a profile and submit the application.
  • Send only one application per funding cycle.
• Step 4: Wait for the decision.
  • Monitor the announcement of funding decisions.
  • If selected, follow the next steps required by the funder.

• Applications are reviewed after submission.
• Decisions are announced later by the funder.
• Unsuccessful applicants may receive a feedback meeting.
• Funding decisions are made by the community and are not appealable.
• A final report is required after the project ends.

• Only one application is allowed per funding cycle.
• Applicants may apply in either the Explorer stream or the Stabilize and Grow stream.
• Unincorporated individuals and informal groups must partner with an incorporated organization before payment.
• Applications from Quebec should go through the Chantier de l’économie sociale.