March 2025 – Grants and Funding Opportunities for Black-led and Community-Based Nonprofits

Mar 3, 2026

Welcome to a new set of Grants Black-led/ B3 Non profits and Charities. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, scaling your impact, or need support for infrastructure and capacity-building, here are 5 current grants to help fund your Black non profit  in Canada to check out this month:

Funding for Organizations that Help Businesses Grow — Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

What’s offered:
Funding to support not-for-profit organizations that help businesses scale, adopt innovation, access new markets, and strengthen regional economic ecosystems across Southern Ontario. Projects may include business advisory services, sector development initiatives, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship programming that accelerates growth and competitiveness.

Who’s eligible:
Not-for-profit organizations, including innovation centres, accelerators, industry associations, Indigenous organizations, municipalities, and post-secondary institutions located in Southern Ontario that support business growth and regional economic development.

💰 Funding range:
Funding varies by program stream and project scope. Contributions are typically repayable or non-repayable, depending on the initiative and organization type.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, subject to available funding.

Apply now!

Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) — Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

What’s offered:
Funding to strengthen Quebec’s regional innovation ecosystems by supporting organizations that assist businesses with commercialization, scaling, productivity, technology adoption, and market expansion. Projects may include incubation, acceleration, mentoring, networking, and innovation support services.

Who’s eligible:
Non-profit organizations, business support organizations, economic development agencies, Indigenous organizations, and post-secondary institutions operating in Quebec that support business innovation and entrepreneurship.

💰 Funding range:
Funding varies depending on project scope and impact. Contributions are generally non-repayable for eligible non-profit organizations.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Apply now!

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) — Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

What’s offered:
Financial support to help businesses in Quebec scale operations, improve productivity, commercialize innovative products or services, and enter new markets. Funding may support equipment acquisition, technology adoption, commercialization efforts, and strategic growth initiatives.

Who’s eligible:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and certain non-profit organizations operating in Quebec that demonstrate strong growth potential and capacity to execute expansion projects.

💰 Funding range:
Funding amounts vary by project size and impact. Contributions are typically repayable for businesses and may be non-repayable for eligible non-profits.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted year-round.

Apply now!

Community Initiatives Program (CIP) – Project-Based Grant — Government of Alberta

What’s offered:
Project-based funding to support community-driven initiatives that enhance social well-being, inclusion, volunteerism, and community capacity across Alberta. Eligible projects may include events, programs, and short-term initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Who’s eligible:
Registered Alberta non-profit organizations, First Nations and Métis Settlements, and eligible community groups that demonstrate strong governance and community impact. Municipalities are not eligible for this stream.

💰 Funding range:
Up to $75,000 per project.

Status / Deadline:
The program typically has multiple intake deadlines throughout the year. Check Alberta’s website for current submission dates.

Apply now!

Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) – Large Stream — Government of Alberta

What’s offered:
Capital funding to upgrade, expand, purchase, or build public-use community facilities. Eligible expenses include construction, renovations, major repairs, and facility improvements that increase community access and long-term sustainability.

Who’s eligible:
Alberta-based non-profit organizations, First Nations and Métis Settlements, municipalities, and certain community groups that own or operate public-use community facilities.

💰 Funding range:
Large Stream grants range from $100,001 to $1 million per project.

Status / Deadline:
The Large Stream typically has one annual intake. Check Alberta’s website for the current deadline.

Apply now!

Professional Development Assistance — SOCAN Foundation

What’s offered:
Financial assistance to support the professional development of Canadian music creators and publishers. Funding can be used for career-advancing opportunities such as workshops, mentorships, showcases, conferences, travel for industry events, and skill-building initiatives that strengthen long-term sustainability in the music sector.

Who’s eligible:
Canadian songwriters, composers, and music publishers who are SOCAN members in good standing. Applicants must demonstrate professional activity and a clear development plan aligned with career growth.

💰 Funding range:
Grants typically provide up to $2,000 per application, depending on the activity and available funding.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are generally accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability. Check the SOCAN Foundation website for current intake timelines.

Apply now!

Community Grant Program — NBA Foundation

What’s offered:
Funding to support organizations that create employment, career advancement, and economic opportunity pathways for Black youth (ages 14–24) in the United States and Canada. Grants prioritize programs focused on job readiness, skills training, mentorship, paid internships, and workforce placement that lead to sustainable income and long-term career success.

Who’s eligible:
U.S.-based and Canadian registered non-profit organizations and charitable entities that directly serve Black youth and can demonstrate measurable employment and economic outcomes.

💰 Funding range:
Grant amounts vary by project scope and impact. The NBA Foundation has awarded multi-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000+ depending on organizational capacity and scale.

Status / Deadline:
The NBA Foundation operates with periodic funding cycles throughout the year. Organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before being invited to apply. Check the website for current deadlines.

Apply now!

Spring 2026 Community Bond Program — Tapestry Community Capital

What’s offered:
A cohort-based program that supports non-profits, charities, and co-operatives in raising community capital through community bonds to finance collectively owned infrastructure projects. Tapestry provides structured support, coaching, legal templates, and campaign strategy to help organizations successfully launch and manage community investment campaigns.

Who’s eligible:
Non-profits, registered charities, and co-operatives operating in sports and recreation, healthcare, affordable housing, and faith-based communities across Canada. The Spring 2026 cohort is limited to eight participating organizations.

💰 Funding range:
Organizations can raise community investment capital in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on project scale.

Status / Deadline:
Applications close Friday, April 3, 2026.

Apply now!


10. Black Entrepreneur Financing — Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

What’s offered:
Financing solutions and advisory services tailored to Black entrepreneurs, including business loans, growth capital, and strategic support. BDC provides flexible financing options to help launch, scale, modernize, or acquire businesses across Canada.

Who’s eligible:
Black entrepreneurs who own or lead a Canadian business seeking financing for start-up, expansion, acquisition, or modernization.

💰 Funding range:
Loan amounts vary based on business needs, ranging from small business loans to multi-million-dollar growth financing.

Status / Deadline:
Applications accepted year-round.

Apply now!


Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund — Alterna Savings

What’s offered:
Affordable financing designed to support Black-owned businesses in launching, stabilizing, and growing their operations. The program provides access to capital alongside financial guidance and community-based support.

Who’s eligible:
Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses operating in Canada that meet Alterna’s lending criteria.

💰 Funding range:
Loans typically range up to $250,000, depending on business eligibility and needs.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Apply now!


Regional Innovation Ecosystems — Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

What’s offered:
Funding to help create, grow, and develop strong and inclusive regional networks that support business growth and innovation in Northern Canada. Projects may include mentorship, commercialization support, innovation hubs, and ecosystem-building initiatives.

Who’s eligible:
Not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, and economic development groups operating in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

💰 Funding range:
Funding varies by project scope and impact; contributions are typically non-repayable for eligible organizations.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, subject to available funding.

Apply now!


Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation (REGI) — Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

What’s offered:
Financial support to help businesses scale, increase productivity, adopt new technologies, and expand into new markets across Atlantic Canada. The program also strengthens innovation ecosystems and regional competitiveness.

Who’s eligible:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and certain non-profit organizations located in Atlantic Canada that demonstrate growth potential and innovation capacity.

💰 Funding range:
Funding varies by stream and project. Contributions may be repayable (for businesses) or non-repayable (for eligible non-profits).

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted year-round.

Apply now!


Regional Innovation Ecosystems — Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)

What’s offered:
Funding to strengthen innovation ecosystems in British Columbia by supporting organizations that help businesses commercialize products, improve productivity, adopt clean technology, and expand into global markets.

Who’s eligible:
Non-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, economic development groups, and business support organizations operating in British Columbia.

💰 Funding range:
Funding varies depending on project scale and regional impact. Contributions are generally non-repayable for eligible organizations.

Status / Deadline:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Apply now!

2026 Community Grant Program — OpenRoad Foundation

What’s offered:
Grants to support charities strengthening communities in areas like community well-being, youth & education, and environment & sustainability. Funding is awarded through two cycles (spring and fall) to registered Canadian charities serving communities in B.C. and Ontario.

Who’s eligible:
Registered Canadian charities with programs that align with the Foundation’s giving pillars and serve communities in Greater Vancouver and/or Greater Toronto regions.

💰 Funding range:
Typically $10,000 – $30,000 per grant.

Status / Deadline:

 

  • Fall cycle: Initial application due July 15, 2026; full applications due September 17, 2026.

Apply now!

Alberta Culture Days Grant — Government of Alberta

What’s offered:
Funding to help non-profit organizations host official Alberta Culture Days celebration events and activities that are free, family-friendly, and engage public participation.

Who’s eligible:
Non-profit organizations with a valid Alberta address and registration under appropriate provincial or federal Acts. Municipalities and for-profit businesses are not eligible.

💰 Funding range:

  • Feature Sites: Up to $10,000
  • Host Sites: Up to $5,000
  • Pop-Up Sites: Up to $1,000
    (Feature sites may be funded once every two years.)

Status / Deadline:
Applications accepted February 1 – March 15, 2026.

Apply now!

Community Development Grants — Jumpstart (Canadian Tire)

What’s offered:
Grants that support community sport and physical activity initiatives through two streams:

  • Program Support: Helps deliver or sustain sport/physical activity programs.
  • Operational Support: Helps organizations build capacity and enhance inclusive, safe programming.

Who’s eligible:
Qualified donees (e.g., registered charities and non-profits) that deliver programming for children aged 4–18 in financial need or youth 4–25 with disabilities.

💰 Funding range:
Varies by project need and stream; grant amounts are determined through the intake process. (Specific ranges aren’t published on the main program page.)

Status / Deadline:
Check the Jumpstart site for current intake windows and deadlines.

Apply now!

Community Grants — BC Hydro

What’s offered:
Grants to support community groups and registered charities with programs that develop youth education around STEM, safety, or sustainability, or help expand existing local initiatives.

Who’s eligible:
Canadian non-profit organizations and registered charities that run programs aligned with BC Hydro’s focus areas and can deliver meaningful community impact.

💰 Funding range:
Grants up to $5,000 (for 2026 cycle).

Status / Deadline:
2026 applications open April 1 – May 31, 2026.

Apply now!

Halifax Regional Municipality Community Grants Program — Halifax, NS

What’s offered:
Annual cash grants to support local non-profits and charities for community projects and capital improvements. Funding covers a range of categories including community arts, environment, diversity/accessibility, public safety, and more.

Who’s eligible:
Registered non-profit organizations and charities based in the Halifax region.

💰 Funding range:

  • Project Grants: Up to $5,000
  • Capital Grants: Up to $25,000

Status / Deadline:
Applications open January 2, 2026 and close March 31, 2026.

Apply now!

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.

Apply now!

 

Toronto Pearson Uplift Fund

What’s offered:
Funding for employment-focused initiatives that help job seekers overcome barriers, connect with employers, and access meaningful career pathways.

Who’s eligible:

  • Nonprofits, academic institutions, and professional associations
  • Programs benefiting residents of Brampton, Mississauga, or Etobicoke
  • Projects must run no longer than one year

💰 Funding range: $150,000–$200,000

Funding streams:

  • Breaking Down Barriers to Meaningful Employment
  • Growing the Construction Skilled Trades

Application window / Deadline:

  • Rolling intake (applications accepted year-round)

Apply Now

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.

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.

 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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) 

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)

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Grants

  1. 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.

We’ll keep sharing these monthly, so subscribe to our newsletter or check back at fbcfcn.ca for more.

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