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RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity - Kitchener - Ontario - Canada
Open
Source verified September 27, 2026

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity

Equity support for community-led initiatives
Offered by
City of Kitchener
Official source: kitchener.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: September 27, 2026
Latest change: The RISE Fund now shows a September 14, 2026 application deadline, new eligibility exclusions, and updated application instructions with a direct submission portal.
View change
RISE Fund: 2026 deadline and application process updated
The RISE Fund page and new official guide now show the 2026 application window as August 17, 2026 to September 14, 2026, with paper applications due by September 14, 2026 at end of day and applicant notification expected in December 2026. The page also adds a direct application portal, save-progress instructions, and new support contacts at REDI@kitchener.ca and Amanda.Drumond@kitchener.ca. Eligibility and application guidance were expanded with new ineligible-project rules, including single-person-led projects, post-secondary institutions and student groups, research projects, for-profit organizations, and projects that do not serve Black, Indigenous, or racialized communities in Kitchener. The materials also add a quick start guide, transcript, sample application, and a clearer list of required application sections and supporting materials.
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Opened August 14, 2026
Location
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

Informal not-for-profit organizations or community groups in Kitchener

See full eligibility

Overview

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity offers up to $10,000 to informal not-for-profit organizations and community groups in Kitchener for equity-focused initiatives led by Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized leaders. Eligible costs include event staffing, accessibility supports, and venue or equipment rental for events, projects, and programs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop team skills
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 10,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 1,000 $
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Kitchener
  • 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
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Children and Youth Organizations
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Women & girls
  • Minority groups
Revenue structures
  • 100% donations / grants
Scope
  • Local

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Activities funded

  • Events organized by the group or organization, including a series of small events over time
  • Projects organized by the group or organization
  • Programs organized by the group or organization

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form
  • Project budget
  • Proof of purchases for reporting

Official resources

Official page

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity

Program guide

Before You Apply: RISE Fund

RISE Fund Quick Start Guide

Transcript: RISE Fund Application Walkthrough

Application form

RISE Fund Grant Application (2026)

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Informal not-for-profit organizations or community groups in Kitchener
  • Newly formed groups created for a specific project
  • Pre-existing groups undertaking a project

Who is not eligible

  • For-profit organizations, businesses, ventures, and enterprises that generate an income
  • Projects or initiatives not led by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous or racialized
  • Projects that do not directly serve or impact Kitchener and its residents
  • Applications led by individuals without demonstrated community or organizational support
  • Activities or organizations that violate the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or involve or promote conversion practices

Eligible expenses

  • Event staffing, speakers, and facilitation
  • Accessibility supports such as ASL or captioning, and accessibility and interpretation supports
  • Venue or equipment rental, including AV equipment
  • Communications and outreach costs, including posters, flyers, digital advertising, and the design and printing of posters, flyers or digital media
  • Supplies and materials directly linked to the event, project, or program; light snacks or refreshments for attendees; staff and personnel costs such as salaries or honorariums for project coordinators or guest speakers

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Ticketed events intended for profit
  • Permanent large equipment such as AV equipment
  • Facility renovations or improvements
  • Core operations costs and expenses unrelated to the planning or delivery of the event, or not directly connected to the project or program, such as professional development
  • Capital costs such as renovations, construction, land, buildings, vehicles or large equipment

Selection criteria

  • Community needs and expected impact
  • Measurable outcomes, feasibility, creativity, sustainability, and budget clarity
  • Applications that demonstrate strong community connection, lived experience, and meaningful impact are prioritized

How to apply

  • Submit completed applications through the online application system.
  • Paper copies may be returned to a Kitchener community centre or City Hall Customer Service Centre by the deadline.
  • Use the Save Progress button to save your progress, then bookmark the page or send yourself a link to the form to continue later.

Processing and Agreement

  • City staff review applications as they are received to confirm that eligibility requirements are met.
  • Eligible applications are reviewed and evaluated by the City of Kitchener Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (REDIAC).
  • Funding recommendations may include partial funding or a request for clarification before a final decision is made.
  • Final funding decisions are approved by the City and applicants are notified by email, typically within 8 to 12 weeks of the application deadline.
  • Successful applicants must sign a contract with the City of Kitchener, and a final financial report must be submitted within 9 months of receiving the City-issued cheque; the City may request a status update during that period.

Additional information

  • Only one application per group or organization will be accepted per funding cycle.
  • Applications may be submitted in languages other than English.
  • Paper versions of the application are available upon request.
  • Previous applicants, whether successful or not, are welcome to apply in future funding cycles with a new or revised project.

Contacts

amanda.drumond@kitchener.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity Program

What is the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity?

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity offers up to $10,000 to informal not-for-profit organizations and community groups in Kitchener for equity-focused initiatives led by Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized leaders. Eligible costs include event staffing, accessibility supports, and venue or equipment rental for events, projects, and programs.

How much funding can be received?

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity program?

To be eligible for the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity program, you must: Informal not-for-profit organizations or community groups in Kitchener Groups led by Black, Indigenous and/or racialized leaders Projects or events in the City of Kitchener that benefit Kitchener residents

What expenses are eligible under RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity?

Events organized by the group or organization, including a series of small events over time Projects organized by the group or organization Programs organized by the group or organization

Who can I contact for more information about the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity?

You can contact City of Kitchener by email at amanda.drumond@kitchener.ca.

Where is the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity available?

The RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity a grant, loan, or tax credit?

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity is a Grant and Funding