Open
Source verified July 12, 2026
Racial Equity Fund
Funding for racial equity and community connection
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 30,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides funding for organizations in Waterloo Region advancing racial equity and social infrastructure. It supports activities that bring people together, strengthen relationships, and build meaningful community connections.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Waterloo
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Grant-making Foundations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Activities that bring people together around shared interests and identities.
- Programming that creates meaningful interactions and a stronger sense of belonging.
- Joint programming between two or more organizations.
- Networks or shared spaces that increase community programming and connections.
Documents Needed
- Most recent financial statement
- Activity budget
- Signed Charitable Partnership Agreement, if applicable
- Charitable partner financial statement, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charitable organizations
- CRA qualified donees
- Nonprofit organizations with a charitable partner
- Grassroots organizations without a charitable partner
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities
- Hospitals
- Schools, including private, public, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions
Eligible expenses
- Wages and consulting fees
- Space adaptation, equipment, rental, leasing, and maintenance
- Materials and supplies
- Administration, technology, printing, and communication costs
- Community outreach and other activity-related expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Fundraising expenses, including gifts, prizes, and awards
- Funding to individuals
- Endowment requests or deficit reductions
- Political or religious activities
- Research, software development, or activities outside Waterloo Region
Eligible geographic areas
- Waterloo Region
- Cambridge
- Kitchener
- North Dumfries
- Waterloo
- Wellesley
- Wilmot
- Woolwich
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the grant guidelines
- Clear link to social infrastructure in Waterloo Region
- Equity and inclusivity, with participant contribution
- Clear activity goals and community impact
- Clear, accurate budget use
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines and supporting materials
- Read the grant guidelines and application questions.
- Review the budget template and evaluation report requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare required information
- Gather organizational details and financial documents.
- Prepare the activity description, budget, and any charitable partner information if applicable.
- Step 3: Complete the application
- Fill out the online application form on the WRCF Racial Equity Grants page.
- Request a verbal application or translation support by email if needed.
- Step 4: Submit before the deadline
- Submit the completed application and required documents before the closing date.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the deadline by the WRCF Racial Equity Grants Committee.
- Only complete, eligible applications move forward for assessment.
- The committee reviews alignment, social infrastructure impact, equity and inclusivity, goals, budget clarity, and expected community impact.
- WRCF staff call applicants to communicate funding decisions.
- If funded, applicants must complete a short evaluation report by September 30, 2027.
Additional information
- The City of Waterloo is partnering with WRCF in 2026 and is contributing funding.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Racial Equity Fund Program
What is the Racial Equity Fund?
This program provides funding for organizations in Waterloo Region advancing racial equity and social infrastructure. It supports activities that bring people together, strengthen relationships, and build meaningful community connections.
How much funding can be received?
Racial Equity Fund Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Racial Equity Fund program?
To be eligible for the Racial Equity Fund program, you must:
Waterloo Region organizations only.
Led by Indigenous, Black, or POC leadership.
Serving racialized communities.
What expenses are eligible under Racial Equity Fund?
Activities that bring people together around shared interests and identities.
Programming that creates meaningful interactions and a stronger sense of belonging.
Joint programming between two or more organizations.
Networks or shared spaces that increase community programming and connections.
Who can I contact for more information about the Racial Equity Fund?
You can contact Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) by email at grants@wrcf.ca or by phone at 519-725-1806 x 206.
Where is the Racial Equity Fund available?
The Racial Equity Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Racial Equity Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Racial Equity Fund is a Grant and Funding