Deadline: 30-Mar-2026

The 2026 Racial Equity Grants Program in Waterloo Region provides funding to Indigenous, Black, and people of colour-led organizations to strengthen social infrastructure and advance racial equity. Grants support ongoing or new community-based initiatives that foster connection, inclusion, and belonging in shared public spaces. Organizations can apply for Spark grants ($5,000–$10,000) or Scale grants ($10,001–$30,000), with funding available for projects between July 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027.

About the Program

The Racial Equity Grants Program is administered by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund. It aims to address systemic racial inequities by supporting organizations led by and serving Indigenous, Black, and people of colour communities. The program focuses on strengthening social infrastructure through meaningful, sustained, community-based initiatives that foster belonging, trust, and inclusion.

Key Objectives

• Foster belonging and connection within groups of shared identities

• Encourage collaboration between organizations to expand opportunities, skills, and networks

• Enhance shared spaces to increase usage and community engagement

• Advance racial equity by supporting organizations that serve and are led by racialized communities

Understanding Social Infrastructure

Social infrastructure refers to shared spaces, experiences, and resources that enable community members to:

• Connect and build trust

• Participate in civic and cultural life

• Develop a sense of belonging and wellbeing

Funding supports initiatives in publicly accessible spaces such as libraries, community centres, parks, and public squares. Activities must foster inclusion, safety, respect, and accommodation for all participants.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organizations must:

• Be based in Waterloo Region, serving Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot, or Woolwich

• Be Indigenous, Black, or people of colour-led, with the majority of leadership self-identifying as such

• Include:

  • Registered charitable organizations

  • Qualified donees recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency

  • Nonprofit organizations working with a Charitable Partner

  • Grassroots organizations without a Charitable Partner that have served the community for more than one year

Grant Details

• Total funding available: Approximately $250,000

• Grant types:

  • Spark grants: $5,000–$10,000

  • Scale grants: $10,001–$30,000

• Eligible project period: July 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

• Only one application per organization is allowed across Arts, Community, and Racial Equity Grant streams

Types of Funded Activities

• Ongoing or new initiatives that strengthen social infrastructure

• Collaborative programming between two or more organizations

• Enhancements to shared community spaces

• Projects must build sustained relationships; funding cannot support one-off events

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Check eligibility: Ensure your organization is based in Waterloo Region and primarily serves racialized communities

2. Select grant type: Spark ($5,000–$10,000) or Scale ($10,001–$30,000)

3. Develop project plan: Describe how your initiative strengthens social infrastructure, fosters connection, and advances racial equity

4. Prepare budget and timeline: Include eligible expenses occurring between July 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027

5. Submit application: Between February 23, 2026, and March 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST

6. Coordinate with partners: If applicable, demonstrate collaboration between organizations to maximize impact

Tips for a Successful Application

• Highlight community impact and measurable outcomes

• Emphasize collaboration and network-building

• Provide evidence of inclusive and accessible practices

• Demonstrate sustained engagement, not one-off events

• Clearly define how shared spaces or programs will strengthen social infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?
Organizations based in Waterloo Region led by Indigenous, Black, or people of colour, including registered charities, nonprofit organizations with a Charitable Partner, or grassroots groups serving the community for over one year.

2. What types of projects are funded?
Ongoing or new initiatives that strengthen social infrastructure, foster inclusion, and promote collaboration in shared public spaces.

3. What grant amounts are available?
Spark grants: $5,000–$10,000 | Scale grants: $10,001–$30,000

4. Can funding be used for one-off events?
No, funding must support initiatives designed to build sustained and meaningful relationships.

5. When can project expenses be funded?
Eligible expenses must occur between July 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027.

6. How many applications can an organization submit?
Only one application is permitted across the Foundation’s Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants streams.

7. What is social infrastructure?
Social infrastructure includes shared spaces, experiences, and resources that enable connection, civic participation, and community wellbeing.

Conclusion

The 2026 Racial Equity Grants Program empowers Indigenous, Black, and people of colour-led organizations to strengthen social infrastructure and foster racial equity in Waterloo Region. By funding collaborative, inclusive, and sustained initiatives, the program helps communities connect, build trust, and thrive in shared public spaces, contributing to a stronger, more equitable social fabric.

For more information, visit Waterloo Region Community Foundation.