Closed
The Ecosystem Fund
Funding for organizations supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 400,000
Timeline
- Closing date : January 31, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
The Ecosystem Fund supports non-profit organizations that serve 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada. It funds programs for entrepreneurs and internal capacity-building initiatives, with maximum funding ranging from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on the organization and project scope.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 400,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : January 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Programs supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
- Internal capacity-building initiatives for supporting entrepreneurs.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated non-profit organizations in Canada
- Registered charities in Canada
- Organizations serving 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses
- Individuals
- Organizations that do not serve 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Priority was given to projects supporting under-served 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
- Priority was given to projects in regions with limited support.
- Projects were assessed based on their ability to support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application
- Prepare a written, oral, or video application.
- Step 2: Submit application
- Send the application through one of the accepted formats: written, oral, or video.
- Step 3: Await review
- Applications were reviewed by the program team after submission.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications were reviewed after submission.
- Funding decisions were communicated around March or April 2024.
- All available funding has now been allocated.
Additional information
- All available funding has already been allocated.
- No further funding rounds are planned at this stage.
- The program is part of the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program led by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Ecosystem Fund Program
What is the The Ecosystem Fund?
The Ecosystem Fund supports non-profit organizations that serve 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada. It funds programs for entrepreneurs and internal capacity-building initiatives, with maximum funding ranging from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on the organization and project scope.
How much funding can be received?
The Ecosystem Fund Funds up to $400,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the The Ecosystem Fund program?
To be eligible for the The Ecosystem Fund program, you must:
Canadian incorporated non-profit or charity
Supports 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs
Offers capacity-building or networking services
What expenses are eligible under The Ecosystem Fund?
Programs supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Internal capacity-building initiatives for supporting entrepreneurs.
Who can I contact for more information about the The Ecosystem Fund?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at stanley@queerchamber.ca or by phone at (416) 761-5151.
Where is the The Ecosystem Fund available?
The The Ecosystem Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the The Ecosystem Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Ecosystem Fund is a Grant and Funding