December 2025 – Grants and Funding Opportunities for Black-led and Community-Based Nonprofits
Last month was a big grant grant month Black Canadian Non Profits. Some Major grants are coming to a close while others are opening up. We hope you applied to some of the major B3 grants from our list. This month we’ve got 4 new grants, along with some from last month that are due soon, as well as recurring grants for Black-led/ B3 organizations. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, scaling your impact, or need support for infrastructure and capacity-building, here are 15 current grants to help fund your Black non profit in Canada to check out this month:
1. LEVEL BIPOC Grants
What’s offered:
Flexible, general operating funding of $150,000 (paid over three years) to invest directly into BIPOC-led or BIPOC youth-led/engaging registered charities and non-profit societies operating in British Columbia. Funding can be used to support operational sustainability and adaptability so organizations can continue supporting community needs over time.
Who’s eligible:
Registered charities and non-profit societies in B.C. that are BIPOC-led (the majority of leadership/board identify as BIPOC) or BIPOC youth-led / youth-engaging.
💰 $150,000 over 3 years (≈ $50,000 per year)
Learn more and apply: Refer to the Vancouver Foundation grants page: “LEVEL BIPOC Grants.”
Status / Deadline: Applications open January 2026. Vancouver Foundation
2. Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund
What’s offered:
Non-repayable contribution funding (project-based) for Black-led not-for-profit organizations to deliver business support services — such as mentorship, networking, training, outreach, and capacity building — that strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Who’s eligible:
Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in all of Canada, applications per region, whose governance and leadership (directors, founders, etc.) are at least two-thirds self-identified Black, with a mandate focused on supporting Black communities, and with capacity to deliver business support services.
💰 Funding amounts: Typically from $125,000 up to $3,000,000 per project depending on project scope.
What’s funded: Activities such as business advisory services, incubator/accelerator programs, training, networking, and mentorship aimed at Black entrepreneurs and businesses.
Status / Deadline: Applications are open: January 9, 2026, 4:59 pm Eastern Standard Time For Southern Ontario. December 12, 2025 for Atlantic Canada.
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) (Applications Friday, December 12, 2025)
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) (applications closed)
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) (applications Closed)
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) (Friday, January 9th, 2026)
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) (Applications ongoing)
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) (Applications ongoing)
3. Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant
What’s offered:
Funding to improve or upgrade community spaces, facilities, or physical infrastructure — including renovations, building improvements, or purchase of fixed/non-fixed equipment to support community-based services under sectors like recreation, arts/culture, environment, or human & social services.
Who’s eligible:
Non-profit organizations, small municipalities, or Indigenous communities operating in Ontario that deliver programs and services in one of OTF’s eligible sectors. Organizations must demonstrate financial and organizational capacity to manage the funds and complete the proposed project.
💰 Funding range: Between $10,000 and $200,000 (for a one-year project) depending on need and scope.
Status / Deadline: Next application window opens early 2026; the upcoming deadline is March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
4. Ontario Trillium Foundation System Innovations Grant (Youth Opportunities Fund)
What’s offered:
Multi-year funding (2–5 years) to support collaborative projects aiming at systemic change — focusing on improving how systems (education, justice, child welfare, social services, employment, etc.) work for youth, especially Indigenous, Black, or other racialized youth who face systemic barriers. Projects must be designed to reimagine and strengthen systems, not deliver individual programs/services.
Who’s eligible:
Collaboratives led by a “lead organization” such as an Indigenous organization or a non-profit that meets OTF’s eligibility policy; lead organizations must often be incorporated not-for-profits (or First Nations) operating in Ontario, with a track record of serving youth (typically aged 12–29).
💰 Funding: Up to $250,000 per year, with a maximum of $1,250,000 over five years (depending on project scope)
What’s funded: Systems-change work — such as policy design, structural improvements, changes in practices and procedures that impact youth access to services — in sectors like justice, education, employment, culture, social services. The focus is on collaboration, youth-involvement, and addressing systemic barriers.
Status / Deadline: Application process started Oct 2025; deadlines for lead organizations and applications vary — selected key dates: coaching call requirement by Feb 11, 2026, lead org info submission by Feb 18, 2026, and full grant application deadline March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Apply Now
5. Canada Summer Jobs – 2025
What’s offered: Wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15–30 yrs in Canada.
Who’s eligible:
- Employers in the not-for-profit sector, the public sector, or private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada.
- Jobs must provide full-time work (30-40 hrs/week) for between 6 and 16 consecutive weeks between April 21 and August 30.
- Youth hired must be aged 15-30 at start of employment, Canadian citizen/permanent resident/refugee status, legally entitled to work in Canada.
💰 Funding contribution:
- Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100% of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage plus Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs).
- Public and private sector employers can receive funding for up to 50% of the provincial/territorial minimum wage.
Apply for Canada Summer Jobs here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs/overview.html
Deadline: Typically around December 11, 2025
6. Starter Company Plus
What’s offered: Training, mentoring, and grant funding to help entrepreneurs start, expand, or purchase a small business in Ontario. Participants receive business plan support, coaching, and networking opportunities.
Who’s eligible: Ontario residents 18 years or older who are not full-time students, and are starting, expanding, or buying a small business.
💰 Funding amount: Up to $5,000 in grant funding plus business training and mentorship.
Apply for the Starter Company Plus program here
Deadline: Applications open year-round through local Small Business Enterprise Centres.
7. IAP (Innovation Asset Collective) Grant
What’s offered: Grants to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the data-driven clean technology sector remain competitive while scaling their businesses. The program supports intellectual property (IP) development, strategy, and growth.
Who’s eligible: Canadian SMEs involved in data-driven cleantech that are or become members of the Innovation Asset Collective (IAC).
💰 Funding amount: Up to $50,000 for IP strategy development and related activities.
Apply for the IAC Grant here
Deadline: Open year-round while funding remains available.
8. Costco Canada – Community Relations Grants (Rolling Deadline)
Focus: Supporting children, education, and health and human services.
Eligibility: Charities, nonprofits, and community-based organizations aligned with Costco’s philanthropic priorities.
Grant Amount: Warehouse donations and grant funding available.
Deadline: Rolling basis
Apply for Costco Community Relations Grants
9. Promise 1000 Youth Fund (Rolling Deadline – Toronto GTA, Ontario)
Focus: Empowering youth (ages 15–30) to design and deliver community development and community-building projects.
Eligibility: Youth-led initiatives and organizations supporting youth engagement and leadership.
Grant Amount: Based on project needs ($50-500)
Apply for the Promise 1000 Youth Fund
10. CIBC Community Investment Funding (Rolling Deadline)
CIBC offers funding through three distinct streams:
a) Financial Education & Inclusion
- Focus: Enhancing financial literacy and confidence among individuals.
- Eligibility: Canadian registered charities, not-for-profits, or qualified donees with sustainable funding models and measurable impact.
- Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; reviewed between March and October.
Apply for The CIBC Financial Education Funding
b) Youth Empowerment
- Focus: Programs that support healthy active living, education, enrichment, and assistance for children with disabilities, particularly for those aged 13 and under.
- Eligibility: Organizations aiming to improve access to education and employment outcomes for underserved communities.
Apply for The CIBC Youth Empowerment Funding
c) Health & Wellness
- Focus: Cancer research, treatment, screening, diagnosis, wellness, survivorship, and patient support programs.
- 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
11. Amber Grant for Women Entrepreneurs
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:
- $10,000 monthly grant
- $25,000 year-end grant opportunity
- Recognition and exposure through the Amber Grant platform
Who’s eligible:
- Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. or Canada as well as
- 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.
12. 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.
13. Skills Development Fund – Capital Stream
What’s offered: Funding for organizations to build, upgrade, or convert skilled trades and training centres. Supports construction, renovations, and equipment for training delivery in high-demand fields.
Who’s eligible: Ontario-based organizations with experience delivering training or managing infrastructure—this includes Training Delivery Agents, not-for-profits, and Indigenous organizations.
💰 Up to 70% of eligible costs covered.
There are two funding streams:
- SEED: Planning and design costs
- GROW: Capital construction or expansion
Learn more and apply for the SDF Capital Stream here
Deadline: Rolling intake (apply early)
14. Ontario Arts Council – Accessibility Fund: Project Support
What’s offered: Funding to help Deaf artists and artists with disabilities reduce barriers when applying for or delivering an OAC-funded project. Covers costs like interpretation, personal support workers, adaptive tech, or accessible travel.
Who’s eligible: Artists or collectives who are Deaf or have disabilities and are applying for—or have received—an OAC project grant.
💰 Up to $5,000 (up to 50% of your main project grant)
Apply for the Accessibility Fund here
Deadline: Rolling (decisions made within 8 weeks)
15. TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Grants
- a) Community Board Grants
- What’s offered: Up to $20,000 for single-year funding (up to $10,000 in Barrie and Central Ontario).
- Focus: Local, grassroots health and education programs supporting youth up to age 29.
- Eligibility: Canadian registered charities and qualified donees.
- Deadline: Rolling; one application per calendar year per Community Board region.
👉🏾 Apply for The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Grants
More Grant Writing Resources
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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