Civic Engagement for Social Change Funding Opportunity (Canada)

Deadline: 02-Jun-2026

Civic Engagement for Social Change funding by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen democracy, advance equity, and empower communities through education, advocacy, and collective action. The program prioritizes underserved groups, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. Eligible applicants include Canadian charities and nonprofits working on systemic social change and inclusive community development.

What is Civic Engagement for Social Change?

Civic Engagement for Social Change is a funding approach that supports initiatives aimed at:

• Strengthening democracy and active citizenship

• Promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice

• Empowering communities to create systemic change

Key Definition: Civic Engagement

Civic engagement refers to individual and collective actions designed to:

• Influence public decisions

• Address social issues

• Improve community well-being

This approach connects personal transformation with community action and policy-level change.

Core Focus Areas

1. Active Citizenship and Democracy

• Encouraging participation in civic processes

• Protecting democratic values and institutions

2. Social Justice and Human Rights

• Addressing inequality, discrimination, and marginalization

• Promoting gender justice and human rights

3. Community Transformation and Belonging

• Strengthening social cohesion

• Building inclusive and connected communities

4. Responding to Polarization

• Promoting respectful dialogue

• Reducing societal divisions

5. Systems Change and Advocacy

• Influencing policies and governance systems

• Driving structural reforms

6. Intersectional Justice Areas

Projects may address:

• Poverty and economic justice

• Climate justice

• Housing and social inclusion

• Indigenization, decolonization, and rematriation

Key Approaches and Methods

Popular and Adult Education

Projects use participatory learning methods such as:

• Workshops and training sessions

• Learning circles and group discussions

• Community-led knowledge sharing

Participatory Action Research

• Communities analyze their own challenges

• Develop solutions based on lived experiences

• Amplify marginalized voices

Capacity Building

• Leadership and mentorship programs

• Communication and organizing skills

• Support for activists and social movement leaders

Types of Activities Funded

• Workshops and trainings

• Community gatherings and forums

• Network-building initiatives

• Arts-based learning and storytelling

• Participatory research projects

• Advocacy campaigns and policy development

Priority Communities

The Foundation prioritizes initiatives led by or serving:

• Black communities

• Indigenous communities

• People of Colour (BIPOC)

• Marginalized and underserved populations

These groups are recognized for their critical role in driving equitable social change.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Organizations must:

• Be registered Canadian charities or not-for-profit organizations

• Align with the values of the Catherine Donnelly Foundation

• Work in underserved or high-need communities

• Demonstrate potential for replicable impact

Preferred Criteria

• Strong community engagement

• Inclusion of equity-seeking groups

• Collaborative partnerships

Why This Funding Matters

Strengthens Democracy

Encourages participation, dialogue, and civic responsibility.

Advances Equity

Addresses systemic inequalities affecting marginalized communities.

Builds Community Power

Supports collective action and grassroots leadership.

Drives Systemic Change

Targets root causes of social, economic, and environmental challenges.

How It Works

Project Design Approach

Projects typically:

1. Start with community experiences and knowledge

2. Use education and dialogue to analyze issues

3. Develop collective strategies for change

4. Lead to advocacy or policy influence

Scale of Impact

• Individual empowerment

• Community transformation

• Systems-level change

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify nonprofit or charity status in Canada

• Ensure alignment with civic engagement and social justice goals

Step 2: Define the Problem

• Identify a clear social or systemic issue

• Focus on underserved or marginalized communities

Step 3: Develop a Community-Centered Proposal

Include:

• Participatory approach

• Clear objectives and outcomes

• Community involvement strategy

Step 4: Plan Activities and Impact

• Outline workshops, trainings, or advocacy actions

• Define measurable results

Step 5: Build Partnerships

• Collaborate with other organizations or networks

Step 6: Submit Application

• Follow Foundation guidelines

• Ensure complete and clear documentation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of community involvement

• Weak connection to civic engagement

• Overly broad or unclear objectives

• Ignoring systemic or root causes

• Limited focus on equity and inclusion

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Center lived experiences and community voices

• Demonstrate clear pathways to systemic change

• Use participatory and inclusive approaches

• Highlight replicability and scalability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is civic engagement in this context?

It involves community participation, education, and collective action to address social issues and influence change.

2. Who can apply for this funding?

Registered Canadian charities and nonprofits aligned with social justice and civic engagement goals.

3. What types of projects are funded?

Workshops, trainings, advocacy initiatives, participatory research, and community-building programs.

4. Are collaborations encouraged?

Yes, partnerships with like-minded organizations are strongly encouraged.

5. Which communities are prioritized?

Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, along with other underserved groups.

6. Does the program support policy change?

Yes, projects targeting policy development and systems change are eligible.

7. What makes a proposal successful?

Strong community engagement, clear impact, and alignment with equity and justice principles.

Conclusion

The Civic Engagement for Social Change funding stream by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation provides a powerful platform for organizations to drive meaningful and lasting change. By supporting community-led initiatives, participatory learning, and systemic advocacy, the program strengthens democracy, advances equity, and empowers marginalized voices. Organizations that prioritize inclusion, collaboration, and long-term impact are best positioned to succeed.

For more information, visit Catherine Donnelly Foundation.