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The Ecosystem Fund - Canada
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The Ecosystem Fund

Funding for non-profit organizations supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
Last Update: March 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 400,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : January 31, 2024
Location
Canada

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.
/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 organizations

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

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

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

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.

What is the The Ecosystem Fund?

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.

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: Incorporated non-profit or registered charity in Canada Mandate focused on 2SLGBTQI+ communities OR entrepreneur support programs

What expenses are eligible under The Ecosystem Fund?

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

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

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