Social Innovation Project Grants

• The total budget allocated for the 2025 Social Innovation Project (SIP) grant streams is between $100,000 and $120,000.
• The number of projects and individual grant amounts are not restricted and will be determined by an adjudication panel.

• The applicant must be a registered non-profit society, community service co-op, or social enterprise wholly owned by a non-profit, in good standing with the Registrar of Companies, or a registered charity in good standing with the Canadian Revenue Agency.
• The organization must be Black-led and Black-serving, with significant leadership and a mandate to primarily serve Black-identifying individuals and communities in Vancouver.
• The project must be one-time only, with a duration of 6 to 8 months.
• The organization must have an independent, active governing body composed of volunteers, with no staff member as a voting Board or Executive member.
• The organization must be able to clearly articulate the needs or gaps to be addressed with the funding and participate in reporting and community learning activities as required.

Who is eligible?

• Black-led nonprofit organizations
• Black-serving nonprofit organizations
• Registered charities serving Black communities
• Community service co-operatives owned by non-profits
• Social enterprises wholly owned by eligible non-profits

Who is not eligible

• Organizations that are not Black-led or not primarily serving or mandated to serve Black populations.
• Organizations whose activities primarily serve residents outside of Vancouver.
• Businesses engaged in housing or direct welfare supports such as the distribution of goods, food banks, meal programs, or provision of clothing or equipment.
• Organizations seeking funding for legal fees, City property taxes, capital expenses, or deficit coverage.
• Organizations whose projects are clearly under the mandate of another level of government or funder (e.g., healthcare system).

Eligible expenses

• Consulting fees for strategic planning, governance, or organizational structure needs.
• Costs related to workshops or leadership development for staff.
• Expenses for mentoring programs specifically targeting Black youth.

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Vancouver

• Demonstrated mandate to serve Black residents of Vancouver, with priority for Black-led and Black-serving organizations.
• Focus on serving Black youth or Black queer youth populations.
• Clear, concise, and simple description of project approach and main activities.
• Evidence of engagement with the individuals or communities who will be most impacted by the project.
• Openness to adapting work culture, organizational structures, or activities in response to learnings from the project.

• Step 1: Review Program Information
  • Download and review the information sheet detailing eligibility, decision-making considerations, application process, and key dates.
  • Examine examples of previously funded projects to understand the types of initiatives supported.
• Step 2: Contact a Grants Planner
  • All new applicants and those who were previously unsuccessful must contact a grants planner for a consultation before submitting.
  • Discuss the eligibility of your organization and proposed project, and clarify the process or any questions you may have.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
  • Collect required documents: organization information, project proposal, project budget, communities served, most recent financial statements, Annual General Meeting minutes, annual report (if available), board of directors list, incorporation documentation, minutes of most recent board meeting.
  • Optional documents include your organization’s by-law/constitution and policy on diversity.
  • Prepare answers to required questions, focusing on your organization’s mandate, how it is Black-led, use of funds, and target demographics.
• Step 4: Submit Application via VanApply
  • Log in to the VanApply online portal to access the application form.
  • Enter organization details, project description, budget information, and upload all required supporting documents.
  • Submit the completed application through VanApply, ensuring no sections are left incomplete.
• Step 5: Post-Submission and Assessment
  • Wait for City staff to review and assess your application.
  • Be available for clarification if contacted by a reviewing planner.
• Step 6: Notification and Final Steps
  • Receive notification of staff recommendations via email prior to City Council’s decision.
  • If your project is funded, complete the initiative within 6-8 months.
  • Submit a final report via VanApply, detailing how funds were used and which demographics were served.

• This is the final year of a three-year commitment focusing on anti-Black racism.
• Applications must be submitted online through VanApply, and an information sheet is provided to guide applicants.
• Applications will be reviewed by City staff and recommendations will be made to City Council; the decision process is final and cannot be appealed.
• Past project examples are available for reference to assist applicants with proposal development.