Deadline: 24-Oct-2025
The City of Kitchener has launched the RISE Fund Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity as a community grant designed to support grassroots efforts that reduce inequities and improve opportunities and well‑being for Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Kitchener.
The fund has an annual budget of $150,000, split into two funding rounds of $75,000 each. Organizations or groups may receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, while event funding (for single or series events) is capped at $5,000.
The grant supports projects, programs, events, or capacity building that directly serve and empower racialized or Indigenous people in Kitchener. Eligible expenses vary by funding stream: for capacity building, costs such as professional development, software or technology, or internal policy development may qualify. For project or program funding, eligible costs include staff time, materials, venue and equipment rental, outreach, accessibility supports, and communications. Core operational costs, capital expenses (like renovations or purchasing large equipment), and activities unrelated to the specific initiative are not eligible.
Formal and informal groups may apply, so long as they are led by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous or racialized, and serve those communities in Kitchener. Applicants must submit a budget, agree to reporting and evaluation obligations, and ensure their project contributes to decreasing inequities, increasing opportunities, or improving well‑being of the target communities. Applicant groups may be new or existing, but projects must clearly show impact. While applicants outside of Kitchener may apply, their proposals must convincingly demonstrate how their work will benefit Kitchener residents.
Decisions are made by Kitchener’s Equity & Anti‑Racism Advisory Committee, which includes community members representing historically underrepresented groups. Staff provide administrative support, but do not vote. Applicants are assessed based on clarity of need, potential impact, feasibility, sustainability, budget transparency and alignment with the fund’s goals. Successful recipients enter into a grant agreement with the City and are required to submit a final financial report within eight months, unless alternate timelines are approved.
The RISE Fund is an important resource for community-led initiatives seeking to bring meaningful change in equity and inclusion across Kitchener.
For more information, visit City of Kitchener.
