Looking to secure funding for your community initiative, nonprofit, or business idea? Below are a few funding opportunities and programs currently open to Black-led, community-rooted, or small business initiatives across Canada.
Whether you’re a grassroots organizer, a small business owner, or a nonprofit leader, there’s something here for you.
1. Catapult Canada Access Innovation Fund
Hosted by the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Access Innovation Fund provides funding to organizations working to remove barriers to education for youth across Canada.
What’s offered:
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Funding for projects that improve access to learning, especially for equity-deserving youth.
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Multi-year grants available.
Who’s eligible:
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Canadian registered charities and qualified donees.
👉🏾 Apply for The Catapult Canada Access Innovation Fund here
Deadline: June 20th, 2025
2. Cassels 2025 Grant for Black-Owned Small Businesses
Cassels is offering a $10,000 grant to support one Canadian Black-owned small business with capital to grow.
What’s offered:
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$10,000 cash grant
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Access to legal support and networking
Who’s eligible:
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Black-owned Canadian businesses with less than 50 employees
👉🏾 Apply for The Cassels 2025 Grant here
Deadline: July 1, 2025
3. TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Grants
a) Community Board Grants
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What’s offered: Up to $20,000 for single-year funding (up to $10,000 in Barrie and Central Ontario).
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Focus: Local, grassroots health and education programs supporting youth up to age 29.
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Eligibility: Canadian registered charities and qualified donees.
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Deadline: Rolling; one application per calendar year per Community Board region.
👉🏾 Apply for The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Grants
4. CIBC Community Investment Funding
CIBC offers funding through three distinct streams:
a) Financial Education & Inclusion
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Focus: Enhancing financial literacy and confidence among individuals.
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Eligibility: Canadian registered charities, not-for-profits, or qualified donees with sustainable funding models and measurable impact.
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Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; reviewed between March and October.
Apply for The CIBC Financial Education Funding
b) Youth Empowerment
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Focus: Programs that support healthy active living, education, enrichment, and assistance for children with disabilities, particularly for those aged 13 and under.
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Eligibility: Organizations aiming to improve access to education and employment outcomes for underserved communities.
Apply for The CIBC Youth Empowerment Funding
c) Health & Wellness
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Focus: Cancer research, treatment, screening, diagnosis, wellness, survivorship, and patient support programs.
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Eligibility: Organizations delivering programs that remove barriers to individuals’ life ambitions by improving cancer outcomes.
Apply for The CIBC Health & Wellness Funding
👉🏾 View funding guidelines
Deadline: Rolling
5. Alterna Savings Community Granting Program
Alterna is offering grants of up to $1,000 for grassroots and community-based initiatives aligned with one or more of their key impact areas:
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Affordable & co-operative housing
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion (with a focus on women, youth, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities)
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Environmental sustainability
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Food insecurity
Who’s eligible:
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Community organizations, nonprofits, grassroots groups
👉🏾 Apply here
Deadline: May 30, 2025
Questions? Email: community.grants@alterna.ca
6. Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs and Non Profits
The Amber Grant Foundation awards a $10,000 grant each month to a woman-owned business in the U.S. or Canada, with an additional $25,000 year-end grant awarded to one of the monthly winners.
What’s offered:
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$10,000 monthly grant
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$25,000 year-end grant opportunity
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Recognition and exposure through the Amber Grant platform
Who’s eligible:
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Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. or Canada as well as
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All types of businesses and non-profits are welcome to apply — from idea stage to established companies
👉🏾 Apply for the Amber Grant here
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – apply by the end of each month to be considered.
7. Jumpstart Community Development Grants
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities offers Community Development Grants to support organizations delivering sport and physical activity programs for children and youth facing financial or accessibility barriers.
What’s offered:
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Grants ranging from $1,000 to over $100,000, depending on program scope and need
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Two funding streams:
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Programming Support: Covers costs such as program leaders, facility rentals, equipment, and transportation
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Operational Support: Assists with training, policy development, and initiatives to enhance inclusivity and safety
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Who’s eligible:
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Organizations recognized as qualified donees by the Canada Revenue Agency
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Programs must serve:
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Children aged 4–18 from families in financial need
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Youth aged 4–25 with disabilities
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Programming must consist of at least five sessions, totaling a minimum of five hours over five separate days, with participants registered for the entire duration
👉🏾 Apply for a Jumpstart Community Development Grant here
Upcoming Application Deadline:
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Intake 3: For programs starting between September 1 and December 31, 2025
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Application opens: May 5, 2025
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Application closes: June 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST (8:59 PM PST)
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Decisions issued: Beginning August 12, 2025
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8. Bold Spirit Awards by Business in the Streets
The Bold Spirit Awards, powered by Diageo and Business in the Streets (BITS), offer $5,000 CAD grants to four young Canadian entrepreneurs to help them start or grow their ventures. Winners also gain access to Diageo’s Learning Skills for Life modules to enhance their business skills.
What’s offered:
- $5,000 CAD grant to each of four winners
- Business development support through Diageo’s Learning Skills for Life modules
- Recognition in one of four award categories:
- Community Impact Award
- Resilience & Reinvention Award
- Flying Start Award
- The Big Leap Award
Who’s eligible:
- Canadian residents aged 19–34
- Registered small business owners with a valid business number (BN) or proof of registration
- Personal income under $35,000 CAD per year (as per the most recent Notice of Assessment)
- Business operating for less than 5 years
- Annual business revenue under $100,000 CAD
- Completion of at least one Diageo Learning Skills for Life module with a quiz score of 90% or higher
👉🏾 Apply for the Bold Spirit Awards here
Deadline: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST (8:59 PM PST)
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