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RISE Fund delivers impact and growth: Council report highlights success and future vision

- Oct 28, 2025

The City of Kitchener’s RISE Fund, launched in 2022, has demonstrated significant impact in supporting Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities. The current budget of $150,000 will be sustained through 2025 and 2026, with a proposal for a long-term, sustainable funding model anticipated in 2027. 

Over its first three years, the RISE Fund invested a total of $396,789 directly into community-led initiatives. These investments have supported 54 projects delivered by 43 local groups and organizations, collectively reaching and benefiting more than 6,000 Kitchener residents. 

A recent Council report outlines five key recommendations to guide the RISE Fund’s future: 

  1. Refine eligibility criteria 

  1. Optimize funding categories 

  1. Adjust the funding intake period 

  1. Enhance capacity building 

  1. Re-evaluate the selection committee structure. 

The first four recommendations are scheduled for implementation in 2026 and are expected to deliver immediate, measurable benefits. 

“The RISE Fund is a powerful example of how targeted investment can uplift communities and foster meaningful change,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Council is proud to support initiatives that reflect the diversity, creativity and resilience of Kitchener’s residents. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building an inclusive city.” 

The RISE Fund has helped build stronger, more connected communities by supporting initiatives that directly respond to local needs and lived experiences. 

“It’s rewarding to see the impact of the RISE Fund in our community,” said Yesenia Torres, Senior Equity Advisor, City of Kitchener. “We continue to hear firsthand from residents and grassroots organizations about the powerful work being done across Kitchener. The outcomes we’re seeing show how meaningful, community-led initiatives can create lasting change.” 

For more information about the RISE Fund and grant recipients, visit Kitchener.ca/RISEFund 

To read the full Council report, read the Finance and Corporate Services Committee 
Agenda: https://pub-kitchener.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=1333fe16-64a7-48ac-8a90-577038e7fc3d&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=10&Tab=agenda 

 

For more information:   

Katie Rieger   

Communications and Marketing Associate   

City of Kitchener   

media@kitchener.ca 

 

About the RISE Fund:  

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. The RISE Fund enables community groups and not-for-profit organizations to prioritize the needs of the communities they serve. 

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