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

• 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

• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and funds allocated in three rounds throughout the year, with deadlines to apply for each round on March 21, June 21 and September 21, 2023.
• Groups are encouraged to apply early as funding may be allocated before the final September 21 deadline.
• Applying early also gives groups an opportunity to receive feedback and resubmit their applications, if necessary.
• Groups have one year to deliver their project from the date funding is received.

Applicants must complete the application form by September 21, 2023.

To submit your application 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.

Indigenous Affairs Office staff can provide support in completing applications and answer any questions about the application process.

Grassroots groups and collectives can also discuss their application through the Indigenous Affairs Office monthly “Tea Talk” sessions, which are open office hours that give community members the opportunity to speak with staff in the Indigenous Affairs Office. Tea Talks take place on the first Thursday of every month between 1 and 4 p.m. Please contact the Indigenous Affairs Office to book a session.