Black-Mandated Funding Framework

Applications are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is September 22 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon). Apply here. (opens in new window)

 

The Black-Mandated Funding Framework aims to address funding gaps and historical underinvestment in community organizations and groups that serve Toronto’s Black communities. The model provides an equity-centered approach to addressing anti-Black racism in the City’s community funding processes.  

The Black-mandated Funding Framework is grounded in the following principles:   

  • Enabling an ecosystem of support for Black community groups  
  • Ensuring City accountability and accessibility  
  • Advancing equity and self-determination

To be considered for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate and meet all the eligibility criteria below. 

 

Black-Mandated Funding Framework – B3 Organization or Group Eligibility Self-Assessment    

A Black-mandated organization or group (also referred to as a B3) is assessed based on four key criteria, which include the following:   

  • Governance – Black-led: Is led by a majority of staff and board members who self-identify as Black or of African descent   
  • Population – Black serving: Primarily serves Toronto’s diverse Black communities   
  • Mandate of Mission – Black-focused: Has a mandate that explicitly states that they serve Black communities and are grounded in Black / African-centered approaches across services and programs   
  • Community Accountability and Trust: Responds to community needs and continually develops and maintains relationships with the communities being served or other Black-mandated organizations and groups (e.g., partnerships)   

To be eligible to apply for the Black-Mandated Funding Framework grant program, your organization must align with the definition of a Black-mandated (B3) organization as described above and can be either a grassroots group or an established organization.   

Grassroots Groups

B3 grassroots group: A community–driven B3 group that can be resident-led or youth-led. Grassroots groups do not need to be incorporated non-profits and do not need to have recent audited financial statements.  Successful grassroots group applicants will need to work with a trustee organization. 

For grassroots B3 groups, eligible applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria: 

  • Identify as a community-driven B3 group that can be resident-led or youth-led. Note that grassroots groups do not need to be incorporated non-profits and do not need to have recent audited financial statements.  Successful grassroots group applicants will need to work with a trustee organization. More information about trusteeship and a definition of trustee are available in the grant guidelines.
  • Your group must be accountable to a leadership team that must consist of three or more members or staff who are residents of Toronto and who do not reside in the same household. This leadership team must direct and lead the decision-making on behalf of the group 
  • Must be based in the city of Toronto, with a postal code that begins with M without exception 
  • Acknowledge that grant supported activities must take place in Toronto.  Indigenous groups (including Afro-Indigenous groups) may apply for funding specifically for Indigenous-based cultural or land-based activities outside of Toronto as per the City of Toronto Grants Policy 
  • Be in good standing with the City of Toronto.  This means your organization must comply with the Toronto Grants Policy and that your organization must not be indebted to the City of Toronto or any of its agencies, boards, and/or commissions, or be in default of terms and conditions of any agreement (including any previous grant agreement) with the City of Toronto. Your group must be up-to-date on all requirements of any City of Toronto funding received in the past, including reporting. 
  • The primary applicant (group lead) for your Toronto Grants, Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP) application must self-identify as Black or of African descent  
  • Have proven financial and program/project management experience 
  • Demonstrate effective grant management and administrative capacity  
  • Have proven ability to manage the project (i.e. administrative oversight, financial processes and procedures) 
  • Be willing to work collaboratively with a trustee for financial management and capacity-building mentorship and support  
  • Report on the use of the grant funds to the City as requested and/or outlined in the approved funding agreement 
  • Maintain records/documentation for auditing purposes for up to seven years and, where applicable, work with your trustee to maintain documentation for up to seven years  

Note: The organization or group must not be indebted to the City or be in default of the terms and conditions of any agreement (including any previous grant agreement) with the City of Toronto or any of its any division, agencies, boards or commissions. 

Established Organization

B3 established organization: Organizations that are incorporated non-profits or registered charities that have at minimum two recent audited financial statements (within the last two years).  Your organization’s most recent audited financial statements must be uploaded to TGRIP organizational profile. Note: Applicants will need to upload supporting documentation to verify the self-assessment eligibility criteria before accessing the full application (including a copy of your strategic plan, operational plan, by-laws, articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, a document that includes your website link and/or 211 profile). The City will verify the information provided in the self-assessment. Letters of support are not needed.    

For B3 established organizations, eligible applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria: 

    • Have proven financial and program/project management experience 
    • Demonstrate effective grant management and administrative capacity  
    • Have proven ability to manage the project (i.e. administrative oversight, financial processes and procedures) 
    • Be willing to work collaboratively with a trustee for financial management and capacity-building mentorship and support 
    • Report on the use of the grant funds to the City as requested and/or outlined in the approved funding agreement 
    • Maintain records/documentation for auditing purposes for up to seven years and, where applicable, work with your trustee to maintain documentation for up to seven years  

     

    Note: The organization or group must not be indebted to the City or be in default of the terms and conditions of any agreement (including any previous grant agreement) with the City of Toronto or any of its any division, agencies, boards or commissions. 

      The Program and Service Delivery stream funds community and social service programs addressing priorities identified by Toronto’s diverse Black communities. Eligible B3 grassroots groups and established organizations may apply for up to $40,000 annually for two years to support program delivery. Please Review the Grant Guidelines on pages 4-6 for full details including the specific priorities. 

      The Capacity Building stream helps organizations strengthen internal structures, skills, processes, and resources to improve effectiveness, meet community needs, and build long-term resilience. Eligible B3 grassroots groups and established organizations may apply for up to $40,000 annually for two years. Please Review the Grant Guidelines on pages 6-7 for full details including the specific priorities.  

      Examples of eligible costs include:

      • Staff salaries and benefits 
      • Staff training   
      • Honoraria for volunteers, volunteer training and recognition   
      • Rental fees for space   
      • Disability accommodation costs  
      • Permit costs  
      • Liability insurance   
      • TTC tickets 
      • Accessible transportation 
      • Hydro / Utilities 
      • Childminding   
      • Equipment rentals   
      • Food   
      • Consultants   
      • Purchase of service expenses (e.g.  data analysis or IT contractors, web design, printing, local artist fee, certified trainers, software licenses, etc.) 
      • New technology, including financial management tools   
      • Social media tools   
      • Website tools 
      • Supplies and materials   
      • Accreditation   
      • Interpretation and translation  (e.g. live captioning, plain language editing, CART captioning, etc.) 
      • Easy Read materials 
      • Braille production 
      • Large print 
      • Audio description 
      • Accessible PDF remediation  
      • Accessible web development  
      • Attendant services 
      • Support workers 
      • Personal care support 
      • Scent-free accommodations 
      • Sensory supports 
      • Quiet rooms 
      • Evaluation   
      • Small capital costs (e.g. assistive technology, hearing loop systems, computers, tablets, chairs, etc.)    
      • General overhead administration costs 

       

      Costs may only be considered eligible if they are:  

      • Incurred by the organization during the term of the approved grant funding agreement and in the case of goods, received during the term of the funding agreement (that is, expenses are incurred and received during the approved funding period)  
      • Directly related to, and required to achieve the expected results of the project  
      • Note: There should be little to no cost for participants in grant funding activities.   

        All grant applications must be submitted online through the Toronto Grants Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP). Organizations that do not have a TGRIP account should register for one by clicking the “Register Here” button on the TGRIP log-in webpage (https://cot.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp) 

        • For accessibility support and accommodation (e.g., documents in alternate formats, sign-language interpreters, off-hour meetings), please e-mail Daniella Castello, Agency Review Officer, Community Funding at Daniella.Castello@toronto.ca 

          

        Steps to Apply 

        • Select one funding stream to apply to. Applicants can only apply to one stream.    
        • Attend an optional grant information session and/ or virtual drop-in office hours session if you have questions about the application process.   
        • If your group already has a TGRIP account, you can log into your TGRIP account to access the BMFF grant application, found under “My Funding Opportunities.”  Please make sure to update your organizational profile if any information has changed since you last logged on. The funding opportunity will be visible on your dashboard on July 28th, 2026. 
        • Please note, if you are registering as a Grassroots group, please select “grassroots” and “resident-led” in the organizational profile when describing your group.    
        • If registering as an “established” organization or group, please select established only.  
        • Complete and submit your Black-Mandated Funding Framework grant application, including your project budget and work plan, on TGRIP. 

        Information Sessions

        Virtual information sessions will walk applicants through the Black-Mandated Funding Framework grant program guidelines and online application form, including the project work plan and budget. City staff will also provide grant writing tips and best practices. Registration is encouraged but not required for information sessions.

        For accessibility support and accommodation (e.g., documents in alternate formats, sign-language interpreters, off-hour meetings), please e-mail Daniella Castello, Agency Review Officer, Community Funding at Daniella.Castello@toronto.ca 

        Date and Time Virtual Link and Log-in Information
        Wednesday, August 12, 2026

        6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

        		 Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/210420165656725?p=OhZobgPs92JMeugQoh

        Meeting ID (Access Code): 210 420 165 656 725  

        Passcode: DS2EK9gE 

        Dial in by phone: +1 647-749-7152 

        Phone Conference ID: 792913077# 
        Friday, August 21, 2026

        2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

        		 Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/277077119108550?p=pbIydUAcuCW1aSZE15  

        Meeting ID (Access Code): 277 077 119 108 550  

        Passcode: f2Pj38BR  

        Dial in by phone: +1 647-749-7152 

        Phone Conference ID: 519 779 798# 

         

        Virtual One-On-One Appointments: Application Support

        Virtual one-on-one application support sessions are available by appointment only. To book a session, complete the registration form using the link below, then email communityfunding@toronto.ca  to confirm your appointment time. Each applicant group may book one appointment. Please note that City staff cannot provide detailed reviews of applications. They can answer general questions about project eligibility and how well your project aligns with the BMFF grant program goals. 

        Register by clicking here: Registration for 1:1 Application Support Appointment 

        Dates available: 

        • August 19, 2026, between 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
        • September 9, 2026, between 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
        • September 14, 2026, between 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
        • September 15, 2026, between 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
        Key Milestone Date/Time
        Grant Application Launches July 28, 2026, 12p.m. (Noon)
        Grant Application Closes September 22, 2026, 12p.m. (Noon)
        Grant Application Review September - November 2026
        Grant Funding Announcements November 2026
        Year 1 Project Implementation December 1, 2026 –  November 1, 2027 
        Year 1 Report November 30, 2027 
        Year 2 Project Implementation December 1, 2027 –  November 1, 2028 
        Year 2 Report November 30, 2028 

        The City of Toronto awarded 1-year and 2-year grants to support community-led initiatives aimed at removing the systemic barriers experienced by Black-mandated organizations, so that they are strengthened to better respond to the needs of Toronto’s Black communities. The 47 organizations awarded grants for 2025 and 2026 are:

         

        Organization Amount for 2025 Amount for 2026 Ward
        b current Performing Arts co $35,000 N/A Toronto-St. Paul's
        Banker Ladies Council $35,000 $35,000 Parkdale-High Park
        Beautifully Minded $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough-Rouge Park
        Black Action Defense Committee $35,000 $35,000 York Centre
        Black Artists' Networks in Dialogue $35,000 $35,000 Parkdale-High Park
        Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention of Metropolitan Toronto $35,000 $35,000 Toronto Centre
        Black Creek Community Farm $35,000 $35,000 Humber River-Black Creek
        Black Creek Youth Initiative $35,000 N/A Humber River-Black Creek
        Black Moms Connection $35,000 $35,000 Eglinton-Lawrence
        Black Women's Institute for Health $35,000 $35,000 Don Valley North
        BrAIDS for AIDS $35,000 N/A York South-Weston
        BREATHE Midwives $35,000 $35,000 Etobicoke North
        Canadian Association of Rwandan Youth Toronto $35,000 $35,000 Toronto-St. Paul’s
        Centre de l’Identité et de la Culture Africaines - CICA African Identity and Culture Centre - AICC $35,000 N/A York South-Weston
        Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth $35,000 $35,000 Spadina-Fort York
        Francophones Pour Un Environnement Durable Inc / EcoAmbassadeurs $35,000 N/A University-Rosedale
        FreedomSchool - Toronto $35,000 N/A Beaches-East York
        Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario $35,000 $35,000 Humber River-Black Creek
        Harriet Tubman Community Organization $35,000 $35,000 Don Valley North
        Heritage Skills Development Centre $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough Centre
        Hope for Refugees International $35,000 $35,000 Toronto-St. Paul’s
        Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment $35,000 $35,000 Etobicoke-Lakeshore
        Lifted by Purpose $35,000 $35,000 Toronto Centre
        Midaynta Community Services $35,000 N/A Etobicoke North
        Musiclinks Community Canada $35,000 N/A York South-Weston
        My Brothers Keeper Parkdale $35,000 $35,000 Parkdale-High Park
        Nia Centre for the Arts $35,000 $35,000 Toronto-St Paul’s
        Parents of Black Children Canada $35,000 $35,000 Willowdale
        Power of Love Foundation Canada $35,000 $35,000 Etobicoke Centre
        Promoting Education and Community Health (PEACH) $35,000 $35,000 Humber River-Black Creek
        RISE Arts and Community Services $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough-Rouge Park
        Rise in STEM $35,000 $35,000 Etobicoke North
        Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre $35,000 $35,000 Toronto Centre
        Safe Place $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough Centre
        San Romanoway Revitalization Association $35,000 $35,000 Humber River-Black Creek
        Somali Women's and Children's Support Network $35,000 $35,000 Etobicoke North
        Stolen From Africa $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough-Agincourt
        Street Voices $35,000 $35,000 Spadina-Fort York
        The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario Canada $35,000 N/A Toronto Centre
        The Blackstone Foundation Library $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough-Agincourt
        The Empress Walk Initiative $35,000 $35,000 Eglinton-Lawrence
        The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data $35,000 $35,000 Spadina-Fort York
        The Public Clinic $35,000 $35,000 Scarborough-Agincourt
        The Sena Project $35,000 N/A York South-Weston
        Ubuntu - Black Trans, Non-Binary and 2Spirit Collective $35,000 $35,000 Toronto-Danforth
        Uzima Women Relief Group International $35,000 N/A Scarborough-Guildwood

         

         

         

        Date modified: July 28, 2026