RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity

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

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

• 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

• Step 1: Review the program details
  • Confirm that your organization, group, event, or project fits the fund’s goals and eligibility.
• Step 2: Prepare the application
  • Complete the application form and provide a clear budget showing how the funds will be used.
  • Include any information needed to demonstrate your project’s alignment with the fund’s criteria.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Submit the application to the City of Kitchener using the application process provided by the fund.
  • Paper versions are available upon request if needed.
• Step 4: Await review and decision
  • Applications are reviewed after submission, and applicants are notified of the outcome by email.

• 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.

• 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.