The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund is a community grant that provides support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous and racialized communities in Kitchener.
On this page:
- Categories and grant amounts
- Eligibility
- Apply for the RISE Fund
- Staff contacts
- Assessment process
- Grant agreements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Accessibility and translation
- RISE Fund recipients
Categories and grant amounts
The RISE Fund has an annual budget of $150,000, with these maximums and minimums:
- maximum annual grant amount for groups: $10,000
- minimum annual grant amount for groups: $1,000
- maximum for events: $5,000
Groups are eligible for funding within these categories:
- capacity building: groups and organizations can use this funding to provide resources to build and develop internal capacity before launching projects or events
- core operational costs: groups and organizations with core operational costs essential to their work
- event funding: an event organized by the group or organization, or a series of small events over time (maximum $5,000)
- project funding: projects organized by the group or organization
- other: we'll consider other requests as long as they still fall within the broader criteria of the grant
Eligibility
This grant is open to formal and informal organizations or community groups in Kitchener. The group can be newly formed for the purpose of a specific project or is a pre-existing group undertaking a project.
Applicants must meet the following application criteria:
- the organization or group is led by and for Black, Indigenous and/or racialized individuals or groups in Kitchener
- can demonstrate through a budget how groups or organizations propose to use funds, and agree to report back upon completion of the project, including accountability of all revenues, expenses and proof of purchases
- the project, initiative or event will contribute to one or several of the following:
- decrease inequities
- increase opportunities
- increase well-being for Black, Indigenous or other racialized community members in Kitchener
We will not provide grant funding, financial support or any other financial or in-kind contribution to any person, including any individual, body, business, or entity, that hosts, arranges, contributes to or promotes Conversion Practices. Learn more about this policy on LaserFiche.
Apply for the RISE Fund
The application for the Spring 2025 Funding Cycle opens on April 1 and closes on May 1.
Staff contacts
If you have questions about the grant criteria, eligibility, or potential alignment of your project, group or event with the objectives of the RISE Fund, please email Yesenia Torres.
If you have questions about the grant process or completing the application form, please email Amanda Drumond or call 519-783-8989
Assessment process
Our Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee is the selection committee for this grant. This committee includes 9 community members representing voices who have been historically underrepresented or excluded, specifically those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ identified, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and the intersections of these identities.
Applicants are encouraged to elaborate on the initiative’s strategies, measurable outcomes, feasibility, creativity, and anticipated impacts. We can only evaluate proposals based on the information provided.
Staff provide facilitative and administrative support. City staff do not have voting privileges in the grant selection.
Grant agreements
All recipients of the RISE Fund will be expected to sign a contract with the City of Kitchener outlining the terms of the agreement in accordance with regulations provided by the City Solicitor.
Final financial reports must be submitted within 8 months of receiving your city-issued cheque unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon. Within the 8-month timeframe, we may request a status update from the recipient(s).
FAQ
If my group/organization resides outside of Kitchener, can I still apply?
- Yes, you can apply; however, make sure to include within your application how your group or organization will directly serve members of the Kitchener community. Please note that residing in Kitchener does not exclude you from applying, but preference may be given to organizations that are located in and serve Kitchener.
Does my group/organization have to be a not-for-profit or registered charity to apply?
- No, we welcome applications from both formal and informal organizations or community groups in Kitchener.
What is the maximum yearly amount my group/organization can receive?
- The maximum yearly amount an organization can receive is $10,000. As an example, if you apply to RISE in the spring cycle and receive $10,000 then you are no longer eligible for any additional funding that year. However, you are eligible to reapply the following year (next calendar year) for the maximum amount again.
I’ve submitted my application; how long will it take to receive a response from the City?
- You can expect to receive an email from the City within 4-6 weeks after the submission closing date. City staff may reach out to you within that time for additional information.
Accessibility and translation
We are committed to helping with all accessibility requests, including language translation. Applications may be submitted in languages other than English, and translation or interpretation services will be provided upon request. Paper versions of the application are also available upon request for pick-up at any of our community centres or City Hall. If you have any accessibility requirements, please email Amanda Drumond or call 519-741-2200, ext. 7591.
RISE Fund recipients
Open the accordions below to learn about previous RISE Fund recipients.
| 2022 |
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| 2023 |
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| 2024 |
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