Capacity-building Grants for Indigenous-led Collectives & Grassroots Groups

Applications for 2023 funding have re-opened for a limited time. Apply by December 4.
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The City of Toronto’s Indigenous Affairs Office invites Indigenous-led grassroots groups and collectives to apply for capacity-building grants, which can be used to create new projects, enhance existing programs or improve group operations.

Groups can apply for one grant of up to $20,000. There is a total of $450,000 available for this year’s grant program.

  • Must be an Indigenous-led* grassroots group or collective.**
  • Grassroots groups or collectives must have a bank account in their group name to receive the funds or have a trustee.
  • Programs and activities must operate on a not-for-profit basis and take place in Toronto.
  • Groups that previously received a Capacity-Building Grant for Indigenous-led Grassroots Groups and Collectives in 2022 can apply for a second grant in 2023 once their current project is completed and their final report is submitted.
  • Collectives or grassroots groups with City of Toronto staff members cannot apply.
  • Funds cannot be used for fundraising events, donations to charitable, political or religious organizations, or debt repayment/deficit funding.
  • Grant recipients will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance of Anti-Harassment/Discrimination City Policy.

* Indigenous-led groups have a majority of leadership that self-identify as First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis. For example, two out of three or four out of seven members of a collective must be First Nations, Inuit or Métis. At least 50 per cent of membership is First Nations, Inuit or Métis.

** Grassroots groups or collectives have two or more community members working together under a group name either on a single project or on an ongoing basis

Complete the application form by December 4, 2023.

The City is committed to supporting grassroots groups and collectives that may require assistance in completing their application.

To submit by video or interview, or if you require other accommodations, please email Indigenous@toronto.ca or call 416-278-4639 to determine an alternative approach.