Finding grants for your non-profit in Canada, especially black focused, black lead or black serving nonprofits, can be a daunting task. In fact, knowing where to look for grants is half the battle. With thousands of grantmakers ranging from federal agencies to family foundations it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But not all grants are created equal, and some sources are more aligned with your mission, location, and capacity than others. This article breaks down the best places to look for grants ranging from black centric and minority supporting grants to larger community grants that support a wide range of goals.
The Golden Rule of Grant Hunting
Before diving into databases and deadlines, start with clarity:
- What is your project’s purpose and audience?
- What type of organization are you?
- How much funding do you need—and for what?
As David G. Bauer emphasizes in The How to Grants Manual, “grant-seeking without a defined strategy is like sailing without a compass” (Bauer, 2011).
6 Top Places to Find Grants for Nonprofits:
- Government Websites
- Corporate Sponsorships and Business Grants
- Community Foundations
- Foundations & Sector-Specific Funders
- Grant Databases
- Newsletters
Where to Look for Grants: Reliable and Strategic Sources
Government Funding (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)
Best for: Public programs, community development, research, and infrastructure.
There are multiple layers of government in Canada offering strong funding opportunities. These include:
- Department of Canadian Heritage – for arts, culture, youth, and community identity
- FBC has utilized the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Youth Take Charge Grant to support running events across Canada for Black youths to learn more about Canadian Black History and how our resilient community has helped shape Canada. This grant can be used for the following and has applications every year:
- arts and culture;
- civic engagement and youth service;
- economic activities;
- history and heritage.
- FBC has utilized the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Youth Take Charge Grant to support running events across Canada for Black youths to learn more about Canadian Black History and how our resilient community has helped shape Canada. This grant can be used for the following and has applications every year:
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – for skills development, employment initiatives, and social inclusion
- Public Health Agency of Canada – for mental health, health promotion, and disease prevention
- Provincial Grants – including the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which supports nonprofit-led initiatives in health, community, and active living.
- There are grants ranging from $10,000 -$200,000+ for varying levels of organisations, including newer grassroots groups.
- One useful grant for early on Black non-profits is:
The Youth Innovations Test grant designed to help groups:
- Try out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
- Research, learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue.
- Bring youth together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively.
- YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.
- Municipal Grants – often support local arts, events, environmental projects, and community engagement
Government grants tend to be detailed and competitive. Focus on alignment with program goals and leave plenty of time for proposal development.
Corporate Sponsorships & Business Grants
Best for: Innovation, DEI initiatives, technology, wellness, and education.
Many businesses invest in community development through sponsorships, donations, and grant programs. Some notable Canadian examples:
- TD Ready Commitment – supports programs related to financial security, vibrant planet, connected communities, and better health
- TELUS Community Boards – funds local projects in health, education, and technology access
- Bell Let’s Talk – focuses on mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and service access
According to The Art of Obtaining Grants, successful corporate proposals focus on measurable impact and brand alignment (Guyer et al., 2022).
Community Foundations
Best for: Local nonprofits, grassroots initiatives, pilot projects.
Community foundations are regional funders managing local endowments and donor-advised funds. In Canada, some options include:
- Community Foundations of Canada – umbrella for over 200 local foundations across the country
- Toronto Foundation – prioritizes equity, community resilience, and social innovation
- Foundation for Black Communities – invests directly in Black-led organizations and initiatives
- Black Opportunity Fund – supports Black Canadian individuals and businesses through grants and partnerships
Community foundations are often more approachable and willing to fund newer or smaller organizations. Strong relationships and clear community impact are key.
Foundations & Sector-Specific Funders
Best for: Researchers, healthcare practitioners, educators, artists, and identity-based organizations.
Some funding sources specialize in specific sectors, such as health, academia, arts, or identity-affirming work. Notable examples:
- Ontario Arts Council / Canada Council for the Arts – for artists and arts organizations
- CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) – for medical research and health system innovations
- Foundation for Black Canadians, Black Opportunity Fund, and other BIPOC-focused funders – for social justice, entrepreneurship, and community health
These funders often support pilot projects, early-career professionals, and innovative practices.
Grant Databases
Best for: Exploring a wide range of opportunities quickly and strategically.
Use databases to filter by location, eligibility, and sector. Examples include:
- GrantStation – a subscription-based platform offering curated listings for nonprofits
- Canada.ca/grants – the federal government’s searchable portal for public funding
- Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grant Portal – includes upcoming deadlines and guidance
Databases save time and help you discover funders you may not have considered.
Newsletters
There are tons of grant newsletters out there, subscribing to our newsletter is one of the best ways to stay ahead of funding opportunities! Each month, we share a curated list of upcoming grants that could align with the goals and missions of Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) organizations. Whether you’re a grassroots group or an established non-profit, our grant highlights can help you find the right funding to support your community impact. Don’t miss out—get the latest opportunities delivered straight to your inbox
Looking for Grants to Apply to This Month? Check out our article!
References
Bauer, D. G. (2011). The “How To” Grants Manual: Successful Grantseeking Techniques for Obtaining Public and Private Grants (6th ed.). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Guyer, R. A., Schwarze, M. L., Gosain, A., Maggard-Gibbons, M., Keswani, S. G., & Goldstein, A. M. (2022). Ten strategies to enhance grant-writing success. Surgery. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2022.03.010