City hosting information sessions on Kitchener’s RISE Fund

The City is hosting one virtual and two in-person information sessions on its Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund.

The community grant provides support for Black, Indigenous, and racialized community-led organizations, programs, initiatives, or events designed to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for those communities in Kitchener. This opportunity is open to registered charities, not-for-profit organizations, as well as new and grassroots groups.

Upcoming in-person information sessions:

• Tuesday, February 18, 2025; 10 – 11 a.m., Huron Community Centre (80 Tartan Street), Kitchener. Free on-site parking is available, and the centre is located on the GRT bus route. Register on Eventbrite.

• Thursday, February 20, 2025; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Kitchener City Hall. On-site parking is available, and parking passes will be provided. The City Hall is located on the GRT bus route. Register on Eventbrite.

The virtual session will be hosted on:

• Tuesday, March 18, 2025; 7 – 8 p.m. via Zoom. Register on Eventbrite. The Zoom link will be sent via e-mail upon registration.

Each session will be divided into 30-minute mini-sessions that will review the application process and grant cycle, followed by information on the selection process. The session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A period. Participants are welcome to attend the in-person sessions with their children, though please note that childcare will not be provided.

Since 2022, the City’s RISE Fund has awarded $325,000 in grants to Black, Indigenous and other racialized community-led programs, projects and events. In 2025, the RISE Fund has a budget of $150,000 with $75,000 available this funding cycle, and with the following maximums and minimums:

• maximum annual grant amount for groups: $10,000

• minimum annual grant amount for groups: $1,000

• maximum for events: $5,000

To learn more about the RISE fund, visit www.kitchener.ca/RISEFund.