Looking to secure funding for your community initiative, nonprofit, or business idea?
From Toronto to BC, there’s funding available right now for youth-led programs, community initiatives, food access, arts, and even public space projects. Whether you need $2,500 or $100,000, here’s your curated list of grants with upcoming deadlines.
🕒 Some close as early as July 27, others run through November. Apply early—these go fast.
1. York University-TD Community Engagement Centre Catalyst Grant
What’s offered:
Grants of $2,500–$5,000 for projects that strengthen connections between York University and the Black Creek/Jane-Finch community through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and community-led research.
Who’s eligible:
Community organizations and groups (including grassroots initiatives) working in collaboration with York University faculty, staff, or students.
🗓️ Deadline: July 18, 2025
📧 Contact: Talisha Ramsaroop (talishar@yorku.ca) or Byron Gray (byrong@yorku.ca)
👉🏾 Apply for the TD Community Engagement Centre Catalyst Grant here
2. Toronto Arts Council Creative Communities Projects Grant
What’s offered:
Up to $15,000 to support community-engaged arts projects that bring together professional artists and community members to create and present art.
Who’s eligible:
Individual artists, artist collectives, and non-profits based in Toronto with a demonstrated community connection.
🗓️ Deadline: August 5, 2025
📧 Contact: Kevin Reigh – kevin@torontoartscouncil.org
👉🏾 Apply for the Toronto Arts Council Creative Communities Grant here
3. Toronto Arts Council Literary Projects Grant
What’s offered:
Up to $8,000 for literary works including fiction, poetry, children’s literature, creative non-fiction, spoken word, storytelling, and more.
Who’s eligible:
Toronto-based writers, poets, storytellers, and literary organizers.
🗓️ Deadline: August 5, 2025
📧 Contact: Rudrapriya Rathore – rudrapriya@torontoartscouncil.org
👉🏾 Apply for the Toronto Arts Council Literary Grant here
4. Peel Region – Community Investment Program (Food Security Fund)
What’s offered:
Two funding streams focused on food security:
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Stream 1 – Emergency Food Access: Up to 25% of your org’s annual revenue, capped at $500,000/year
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Stream 2 – Capacity Building for Individuals/Communities: Up to 25% of revenue, capped at $150,000/year
Who’s eligible:
Non-profits or registered charities operating in Peel (Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga) focused on food systems and community impact.
🗓️ Deadline: August 11, 2025
👉🏾 Apply for the Community Investment Program here
5. City of Toronto – Identify ‘N Impact (INI) Youth Grant
What’s offered:
Up to $17,000 for youth-led projects that support civic engagement, leadership development, community safety, or well-being among Toronto youth.
Who’s eligible:
Youth aged 10–29 or youth-led grassroots groups and non-profits serving Toronto communities.
🗓️ Deadline: August 12, 2025
📧 Contact: asmaa.mohamed@toronto.ca
👉🏾 Apply for The Identify ’N Impact Youth Grant here
6. Community Foundations “Free to Play” Grant (via Granted.ai)
What’s offered:
Up to $25,000 for programs making sports and arts more accessible for kids across Canada.
Who’s eligible:
Organizations delivering programs that reduce barriers to youth participation.
🗓️ Deadline: August 9, 2025
👉🏾 Apply for The “Free to Play” Grant here
7. Vancouver Level BIPOC Grants (via Granted.ai)
What’s offered:
Up to $50,000 for BIPOC-led nonprofits and initiatives in arts, health, youth, or environmental sectors in BC.
Who’s eligible:
BIPOC-led organizations in Vancouver or wider BC.
🗓️ Deadline: July 30, 2025
👉🏾 Apply for The Vancouver Level BIPOC Grant here
8. 8 80 Cities – Ontario Community Changemakers Program
What’s offered:
Microgrants + leadership support for public space or civic engagement projects.
Who’s eligible:
Ontario residents 19+ working on community change initiatives.
🗓️ Deadline: August 25, 2025
📧 Contact: occsupport@880cities.org
👉🏾 Apply for The Ontario Community Changemakers Program here
9. Ontario Power Generation – Empowerment Grants
What’s offered:
Grants of up to $100,000 to support orgs driving social and environmental change across Ontario.
Who’s eligible:
Ontario-based non-profits or charities advancing community impact.
🗓️ Deadline: November 15, 2025
📧 Contact: hrsc@opg.com
👉🏾 Apply for The Ontario Power Generation Empowerment Grants here
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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