Closed
RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity
Funding for equity-focused community initiatives
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $10,000 for community-led initiatives that reduce inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Kitchener. It supports capacity building, core operations, events, and projects or programs.
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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 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
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
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Capacity-building initiatives for community groups and organizations
- Core operations support for community-led organizations
- Community events and series of small events
- Projects and programs serving Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Kitchener
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project budget
- Proof of purchases for reporting
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Formal or informal organizations
- Community groups in Kitchener
- Newly formed groups and pre-existing groups
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses and income-generating enterprises
- Projects led by individuals without the active support of a group or organization
- Organizations whose activities breach the Ontario Human Rights Code or Charter of Rights
- Organizations involved in conversion practices
Eligible expenses
- Staff time, wages, and honorariums for project or event delivery
- Professional development, capacity building, and internal systems development
- Office and communications costs, including rent, software, branding, and outreach
- Event or project supplies, venue and equipment rental, accessibility supports, and refreshments
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Direct program delivery supplies for events or projects, when not allowed under the chosen funding category
- Core operational costs not covered by the category, such as office supplies, utilities, and rental fees
- Capital costs such as renovations, construction, land, buildings, vehicles, or large equipment
- For event funding, ticketed profit-making events and permanent large equipment purchases
Eligible geographic areas
- Kitchener, Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed for eligibility and completeness by City staff.
- Eligible applications are evaluated by the Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee selection committee.
- Funding recommendations are made based on the committee review and available budget.
- Final decisions are approved by the City and applicants are notified by email.
- Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement and may need to provide progress or financial reporting.
Additional information
- Only one application per group or organization is accepted.
- Applications may be submitted in languages other than English.
- Paper application versions are available upon request.
- Applicants may be asked for additional information during review.
Contacts
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?
This program provides up to $10,000 for community-led initiatives that reduce inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Kitchener. It supports capacity building, core operations, events, and projects or 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:
Black, Indigenous, or racialized-led group
Serving Kitchener communities
Project supports equity and well-being
What expenses are eligible under RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity?
Capacity-building initiatives for community groups and organizations
Core operations support for community-led organizations
Community events and series of small events
Projects and programs serving Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Kitchener
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 yesenia.torres@kitchener.ca or by phone at 519-783-8989.
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