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. 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.
6. National Anti‑Racism Fund (NARF)
Hosted by Canadian Race Relations Foundation
What’s offered:
- Grants of $10,000+ for anti‑racism initiatives in 2025–26
Who’s eligible:
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Nonprofits and community organizations across Canada
👉🏾 Apply for The National Anti‑Racism Fund via CRRF
Deadline: July 4, 2025
7. Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Youth Entrepreneurship Grants
What’s offered:
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Support and training grants for youth-led digital and entrepreneurial projects
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Pilot projects in Canada with global investment backing
Who’s eligible:
- Youth (often women-identifying) seeking entrepreneurial skills
👉🏾 Check DOT website for latest intake
8. Maytree Foundation Grants
Maytree believes that when human rights are protected, individuals and communities experience less poverty and we create a society that is inclusive, equitable, and prosperous. Maytree welcomes proposals from registered charities and community-based, non-profit organizations that have an explicit mandate to reduce poverty and build strong civic communities by advancing economic and social rights in Canada.
Apply for the Maytree Foundation Grant here
Deadline: Review of applications will continue on a rolling basis.
Please contact info@maytree.com with any questions.
Final Thoughts
Grants play a crucial role in helping grassroots organizations, youth leaders, and community builders bring transformative ideas to life. If your project aligns with any of these funding opportunities, be sure to apply before the deadlines but before you begin the application process, check out this article for some crucial insights that can increase your chances of success.
If you’d like assistance with grant writing or program development, Join our Black Builder Network where we provide resources and opportunities for Black-led, Black focused and Black Serving, organizations, non-profits, entrepreneurs and more. Together, let’s drive impact and build a brighter future for our youth.
Stay connected for updates on more funding opportunities and youth programs!
About the Black Builders Network
The Black Builders Network is a Black Business and Nonprofit Resource Hub, your go-to destination for accessing a wide range of resources designed to support and empower black entrepreneurs, non-profits, and businesses. Sign up for free today!
About FBC
The Federation of Black Canadians is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, economic, and cultural well-being of Black communities across Canada. Through advocacy, education, and community initiatives, FBC strives to create equitable opportunities for all.
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