Canada: 2021 Community Needs Grants Program

Deadline: 06-Aug-21

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is now accepting proposals for the 2021 Community Needs grants program.

Applicants may apply for funds to cover program costs and/or operational expenses, such as covering staff salaries or relief staff, adapting services for an online environment, piloting a new approach, etc. Proposals will be expected to demonstrate how the funds will be used and how that spending will contribute to efforts to serve women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people in their communities.

Funding Pillars

Provide programs and/or services or lead advocacy initiatives that align with one or more of the Foundation’s funding pillars:

Gender-Based Violence: Organizations that support women, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people, and their children, who have experienced violence, been coerced into sexual and/or labour exploitation, or that work towards violence prevention with teens.
Economic Security: Organizations that aim to improve employability and economic possibilities for women, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people living with low incomes, or who are unemployed or underemployed.
Girls’ Empowerment: Organizations that support girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary youth aged 9-13 years through group activities, in girls-only settings, that empower and build a sense of belonging among participants.
Inclusive Leadership: Organizations that support women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people in developing their leadership skills and provide practical opportunities to hone these skills.

Funding Information

Approximately 24 grants of up to $20,000 each will be allocated.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be incorporated non-profit organizations and have a valid charitable number from Canada Revenue Agency or be a First Nations Band designated as a qualified donee by Canada Revenue Agency.
If your organization does not have charitable status or is not a qualified donee, they can consider an application in partnership with another organization that is a registered charity with a mandate relevant to your proposal. The other organization’s volunteer Board of Directors will have fiscal responsibility for the grant and be legally responsible for ensuring that the funds are spent for the charitable purposes intended. They will be required to sign a letter of agreement and work in partnership with the organization delivering the project.
The Foundation will consider applications from organizations with the following characteristics:
- Significant experience offering programs and/or services or leading advocacy initiatives with/for women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people who face multiple barriers and are underserved, including:
  - Young people
  - People with disabilities
  - Refugee, immigrant, or non-status peoples
  - Older peoples
  - People living on low incomes
  - 2SLGBTQI+ peoples
  - People living in rural, remote, or northern communities
  - Racialized peoples
  - Black peoples
  - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples