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.
/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 $
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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