Participatory Grantmaking Initiative
Funding available to support initiatives for migrant and refugee communities
Grant focus and amounts
Navigate to learn more:
Organizations working in refugee and migrant-centered sectors can sometimes get stuck in the status quo, becoming part of the same systems that they are trying to change.
People, especially those with lived experience as migrants and refugees, leading new or ongoing grassroots and innovative initiatives that challenge systemic inequities find it hard to launch and go unsupported. These are the types of initiatives and projects this grant will support.
Through this grant program, we will offer flexible funding using simplified processes and minimal reporting requirements. You will also have access to support and advice on building a strong application. Successful grant applications will also receive support and advice on planning, implementation, and network building for a year after the grant has been disbursed.
Our 2025 grantees have now been selected!
Types of initiatives
Focus of the projects
This grant will support projects or initiatives that tackle systemic issues experienced by racialized refugee and migrant communities in British Columbia.
Community-centered initiatives
We seek initiatives that:
- Are led by and for the community, and draw on the lived experiences and expertise of racialized migrants who intimately understand the challenges and opportunities within their communities.
- Center historically excluded and marginalized groups, ensuring that those who have been left out of funding opportunities have a chance to access funds.
- Include diverse voices and break down barriers to participation for marginalized groups.
- Recognize and embrace the intersectionality of identities and experiences, such as race, gender, faith, immigration status, and ability.
Welcome both new and existing projects
- Whether your project is already running or just starting, this grant is for you. We want to support initiatives that need resources to keep growing or bring new ideas to life.
Types of organizations
- We welcome applications from individuals, collectives, grassroots groups and organizations (including non-profits, social enterprises, co-operatives, etc.)
- Formal registration or prior grant application experience is not required – we value your passion, community experience, and ideas, and will be supportive along the way.
Grant funding is intended for use between April 2025 – March 2026, but we are open to discussing adjustments if needed.
Flexible funding
We trust you to know what’s best for your project or initiative. The grant funding comes with few restrictions and can cover different costs related to programming, operations, etc.
Simplified processes
Our application process is simple – just a 1-2 page application. You can apply through writing, audio, or video – whichever works best for you. We don’t need academic-level language or a rigid writing structure, and English fluency will not affect our decision.
Minimal reporting
We want you to focus on your work, not paperwork. Reporting will be minimal and focused on the appropriate use of grant funds. We do not expect extensive impact reports and will work with you to find the best way to share your progress and story with us.
Application support
We are here to help you create a strong application. Each week during the application period, we will host open office hours and individual online support sessions to answer questions and support you with thinking through your project or initiative.
Post-grant support to grantees
For a year after disbursement, our team will offer advice and support on project planning, implementation, network building, and finding additional resources.
Grant amounts
We offer three types of grants, open to individuals, groups/collectives, registered nonprofits and charities, and social enterprises.
For social enterprises considering applying for the grant, we would like to emphasize the importance of being an enterprise that is clearly addressing challenges faced by racialized migrant communities in British Columbia and is focused on shifting systems that create these issues.
For non-registered individuals and groups, please review the “Tax-related Implications” section below.
All grant amounts are available to new and ongoing projects or initiatives. We have also listed the number of grants available in each category. While the final allocation may vary, we believe it can be helpful to know this information to guide your decision on the amount to apply for.
Small Grants
$10,000 – $20,000
8 – 10 grants offered
Medium Grants
$20,000 – $60,000
6 – 8 grants offered
Large Grants
$60,000 – $80,000
2 grants offered
Some Advice regarding Grant Amounts:
Here are some of our recommendations for which grant sizes might suit different types of initiatives. These are not mandatory requirements and you are welcome to apply to any of the three grant types. In case the decision-making group makes a decision to fund a different amount than what you apply for, we will have a conversation with you on ways to manage that.
- If you are new to developing your project or are just starting your initiative, we recommend applying for the Small Grants level.
- For new social enterprises that have been established within the last 1-2 years, we also suggest the Small Grants level. These enterprises should be created by and for racialized migrant communities and focus on addressing challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
- For grants over $20,000, individuals should be mindful of potential tax implications. In these cases, we encourage you to apply with or in partnership with a group or collaborators to help manage this.
- For Large Grants level, we recommend applicants to be registered organizations to better handle the funding and tax responsibilities of larger amounts.
Note on tax implications
If you are applying as an individual, please note that grant funds may be considered taxable income under Canadian tax laws. We recommend consulting a tax professional to understand how this might affect your financial situation.
If you receive funding, we can guide you to resources to help you navigate tax requirements. Additionally, we can guide you to resources to explore options for formal registration, which could help mitigate certain tax implications depending on your project’s structure and goals.