Multicultural Initiatives Fund: Major Project Support for Cultural Engagement (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Apr-2026

The Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Major Project Funding supports impactful cultural initiatives in Saskatchewan that advance multicultural engagement, Anti-Oppression, Intercultural Connections, and Truth and Reconciliation. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants of up to $15,000 for projects that demonstrate strong community involvement, partnership documentation, and measurable cultural impact. Priority is given to northern, rural, underserved, and equity-denied communities.

Overview

The Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Major Project Stream provides funding for culturally significant projects that strengthen:

• Ethnocultural and multicultural engagement

• First Nations and Métis cultural initiatives

• Intercultural and cross-cultural collaboration

• Anti-Oppression work

• Truth and Reconciliation efforts

The program supports initiatives that enhance cultural development and community wellbeing across Saskatchewan.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: $15,000

• Geographic focus: Saskatchewan

• Project scope: Major cultural initiatives with measurable impact

• Eligible costs: Activities that retain, advance, and celebrate cultural traditions

Projects must demonstrate clear community engagement and documented partnerships.

Core Funding Streams and Focus Areas

Applicants must select the stream that best aligns with their project outcomes.

1. Anti-Oppression

Supports initiatives that:

• Address power, privilege, and systemic discrimination

• Use trauma-informed approaches

• Develop tools, training, and educational resources

• Amplify marginalized voices

• Improve access to respectful and inclusive services

2. Intercultural Connections

Funds projects that:

• Foster meaningful interaction between communities

• Promote cultural exchange and dialogue

• Strengthen inclusive community integration

• Encourage cross-cultural understanding

3. Truth and Reconciliation

Supports initiatives that:

• Advance healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples

• Address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action

• Incorporate trauma-informed practices

• Demonstrate First Nations or Métis leadership

• Share truths about historical harms, including residential schools

• Provide formal partnership documentation with Indigenous communities

Applicants under this stream must clearly identify the specific Calls to Action addressed.

Project Requirements

To qualify, projects must:

• Demonstrate significant cultural impact

• Show clear community-identified needs

• Include documented community involvement and consent

• Provide evidence of strong partnerships

• Benefit Saskatchewan residents

• Include measurable outcomes

Competitive events are not prioritized.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be registered non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan

• Have a primarily cultural mandate in:

  • Arts

  • Heritage

  • Multiculturalism

  • Cultural Industries
    Or demonstrate significant cultural engagement

• Have operated for at least one full fiscal year prior to the deadline

• Be in good standing with Information Services Corporation (ISC)

• Have no overdue grant follow-ups

• Provide a signed annual financial statement submitted to ISC

Organizations must demonstrate governance stability and compliance.

Priority Considerations

Preference is given to:

• Projects in northern, rural, or underserved communities

• Initiatives led by equity-denied communities

• Cultural organizations with a primary cultural mandate

• Applicants with limited prior access to SaskCulture funding

• Organizations without significant operational funding in the previous year

• Non-competitive initiatives

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure your organization meets all registration, operational, and compliance requirements.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Stream

Choose between:

• Anti-Oppression

• Intercultural Connections

• Truth and Reconciliation

Select the stream that best reflects your project’s primary outcomes.

Step 3: Develop a Strong Project Plan

Your application should include:

• Clear project objectives

• Community-identified needs

• Evidence of community engagement

• Formal partnership documentation

• Detailed budget (up to $15,000)

• Measurable impact indicators

Step 4: Provide Required Documentation

Submit:

• Signed annual financial statements

• Proof of ISC good standing

• Partnership agreements (especially for Truth and Reconciliation stream)

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Ensure all materials are complete and accurate to avoid disqualification.

Why This Fund Matters

The Major Project Stream plays a critical role in:

• Strengthening Saskatchewan’s cultural diversity

• Supporting Indigenous leadership and reconciliation

• Addressing systemic discrimination through community-led solutions

• Encouraging intercultural dialogue

• Expanding cultural access in underserved regions

It promotes sustainable cultural development rooted in equity and inclusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to provide documented community consent

• Weak evidence of partnerships

• Not clearly identifying Calls to Action under the Truth and Reconciliation stream

• Submitting incomplete financial documentation

• Proposing competitive events as the primary activity

• Choosing a funding stream that does not align with project outcomes

Clear documentation and alignment are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to $15,000 per eligible project.

2. Who can apply?

Registered Saskatchewan non-profit organizations with a cultural mandate or significant cultural engagement.

3. Are Indigenous-led projects eligible?

Yes. Projects demonstrating First Nations or Métis leadership are strongly supported, especially under the Truth and Reconciliation stream.

4. Are competitive cultural events eligible?

They are not prioritized under the Major Project Stream.

5. Must partnerships be documented?

Yes. Evidence of partnership agreements and community engagement is required.

6. Can projects address multiple streams?

Yes, but applicants must select the stream that most accurately reflects the primary intended outcome.

7. Is financial compliance required?

Yes. Organizations must be in good standing with ISC and have no outstanding grant follow-ups.

Conclusion

The Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Major Project Funding provides up to $15,000 to support culturally impactful initiatives across Saskatchewan. By advancing Anti-Oppression, Intercultural Connections, and Truth and Reconciliation, the program strengthens community relationships and promotes inclusive cultural development.

Eligible organizations should prepare strong partnership documentation, demonstrate measurable impact, and align their project clearly with the chosen funding stream to maximize success.

For more information, visit SaskCulture.