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The Ecosystem Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

The Ecosystem Fund Funds up to $400,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: Who is eligible for the The Ecosystem Fund program?

To be eligible for the The Ecosystem Fund program, you must: Incorporated non-profit or registered charity in Canada Mandate focused on 2SLGBTQI+ communities OR entrepreneur support programs

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the The Ecosystem Fund available?

The The Ecosystem Fund program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the The Ecosystem Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

The Ecosystem Fund is a Grant and Funding

Last Update: March 18, 2026

Canada

Funding for non-profit organizations supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in Canada

Grant and Funding

Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Processing And Agreement

Other info

Contact

Overview

The Ecosystem Fund is a funding program that supports non-profit organizations working with 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in Canada. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $400,000 depending on the organization's scope - local organizations can receive $10,000 to $150,000, regional organizations $15,000 to $250,000, and provincial or national organizations $20,000 to $400,000. The fund supports two categories of projects: programs helping 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs (with priority for underserved entrepreneurs and regions with limited support), and internal capacity-building initiatives to help organizations better serve these entrepreneurs.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Strengthening governance

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

Activities funded

Programs supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs
Internal capacity-building initiatives for organizations

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 390,000

Enhancing digital capabilities for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurial ventures

$ 390,000

Developing a mentorship program for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs

Documents Needed

Duly completed application form
Proof of legal status (non-profit organization or registered charity)
Project description and its objectives
Detailed project budget

Eligibility

Be an incorporated non-profit organization or registered charity in Canada
Have an established mandate focused on supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities, OR
Offer programs and services for entrepreneurs aimed at capacity-building, skills development, and/or networking

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs
Registered charities in Canada
Organizations with entrepreneur support programs

Who is not eligible

The following are not eligible:

Private for-profit businesses.
Individual entrepreneurs.
Organizations not registered in Canada.

Eligible expenses

Mentorship programs for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Research development and entrepreneurial resources.
Financial education and business skills training.
Governance and organizational strategic planning.
Staff and volunteer training.
Fundraising development.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Direct funding to individual entrepreneurs.
For-profit organizations (private businesses).
Projects unrelated to supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

Selection criteria

Quality and feasibility of the proposed project.
Capacity of the organization to carry out the project.
Impact on underrepresented 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Coverage of regions requiring greater support.

How to apply

Step 1: Application Preparation
- Gather the required documents (proof of legal status, project description, budget).
Step 2: Application Submission
- Submit the application in writing, orally, or by video before the deadline.
Step 3: Waiting for Review
- The CCQC reviews applications and evaluates projects according to the program criteria.
Step 4: Notification and Funding
- Selected organizations receive notification and a funding agreement.

Processing and Agreement

Review of applications by the CCQC.
Evaluation based on program criteria.
Notification of decisions to selected organizations.
Signing of a funding agreement with approved organizations.

Additional information

All available funding has been allocated and no further funding rounds will be run at this stage
CQCC committed $8 million in support of 29 projects across the country
Applications can be submitted in writing, orally, or by video
Program is part of the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program supported by the Government of Canada

Contacts

stanley@queerchamber.ca

(416) 761-5151

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the The Ecosystem Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the The Ecosystem Fund. 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.