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RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity
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.
Project and/or program funding: projects organized by the group or organization
Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
Staff and personnel costs such as salaries or honorariums for project coordinators or guest speakers
Supplies and materials directly linked to the project or program
Venue and equipment rental costs for program delivery
Accessibility and interpretation supports
Communications and outreach costs, such as the design and printing of posters, flyers or digital media
Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to:
Core operations costs
Capital costs such as renovations, construction, or the purchase of land, buildings, vehicles or large equipment
Unrelated expenses that are not directly connected to the project or program, such as professional development
We will consider other requests as long as they still fall within the broader criteria of the grant.
If you are uncertain about the eligibility of an expense, we encourage you to reach out to staff for clarification.
Eligibility
This grant is open to informal not-for-profit organizations or community groups in Kitchener. The group/organization can be newly formed for the purpose of a specific project or is a pre-existing group undertaking a project.
While all community groups and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply, we will prioritize funding for newly emerging groups and organizations operating for five years or less, or Indigenous groups and organizations.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet and demonstrate the following application criteria:
the group or organization is led by leaders who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or racialized
the group or organization serves Black, Indigenous and/or racialized individuals and/or groups in Kitchener
the group or organization clearly demonstrates their contribution to one or several of the following:
reducing inequities by addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity-based approaches
increasing opportunities for participation, connection, and access to resources
enhancing the well-being of Black, Indigenous and other racialized community members in Kitchener
the project or event takes place in the City of Kitchener and clearly demonstrates how it benefits Kitchener residents
the group or organization can demonstrate through a budget how they propose to use the funds
the group or organization agrees to report back upon completion of the project or event, including accountability of all revenues, expenses and proof of purchases
the group or organization agrees to complete an evaluation following the conclusion of the project or event
the group or organization recognizes the City’s contribution in any promotional literature (i.e. posters, social media, website)
Ineligible projects and resources include:
projects or events whose leader(s) do not identity as Black, Indigenous or racialized.
projects or events that do not serve Black, Indigenous or other racialized communities in Kitchener.
projects or events that do not contribute to decreasing inequities, and increasing opportunities and the wellbeing of Black, Indigenous or other racialized communities in Kitchener.
for-profit organizations, businesses, social ventures and enterprises who generate an income.
projects or events that do not take place in the City of Kitchener and do not serve Kitchener residents.
projects or events led by a single person.
post-secondary institutions, including student associations and/or student groups.
research projects.
groups and organizations whose activities may breach the Ontario Human Rights Code or the Charter of Rights.
groups and organizations whose activities include conversion practices.
Staff will review applications as they are received to confirm that eligibility requirements are met. Only applications that meet all criteria will move forward in the selection process.
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
Applications for the 2026 funding cycle are being accepted until Monday, September 14, 2026.
If you have any questions as you prepare your application, please see our grant writing tips and tricks, including a quick start guide to assist you in the application process.
Within the application form, you are able to save your progress and return to it later to continue your application. Use the "Save Progress" button on the bottom-right of the application form to save your progress. To easily return to the application form at a later time, bookmark the page or send yourself a link to the form using the dialogue box provided when you click "Save Progress."
Use the Quick Start Guide to help determine whether your event, project, or initiative is eligible for the RISE Fund. Refer to the guide while completing your application to help ensure your submission includes the required information.
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 redi@kitchener.ca.
If you have questions about the grant process or completing the application form, please email Amanda Drumond.
Assessment process
The City of Kitchener Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (REDIAC) is the selection committee for this grant. This committee includes 10 community members representing voices who have been historically underrepresented or excluded, specifically those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, and the intersections of these identities.
Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information about the established criteria, such as community needs, impact, measurable outcomes, feasibility, creativity, sustainability and budget clarity. Proposals will be evaluated solely based on the information submitted on the application.
Staff provide facilitative and administrative support. City staff do not have voting privileges in the grant selection.
Grant agreements
All RISE Fund recipients are required to sign a contract with the City of Kitchener, outlining the terms of the agreement per the regulations set by the City Solicitor.
A final financial report must be submitted within 9 months of receiving the City-issued cheque, unless an alternative timeline has been discussed and approved. During this period, the City may also request a status update on the funded initiative.
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 the Customer Service Centre at City Hall.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please email Amanda Drumond.
Yes, you may apply. However, your application must clearly demonstrate how your project will directly benefit Kitchener residents, particularly Black, Indigenous and racialized communities. While organizations outside Kitchener are eligible, priority may be given to those based in and connected to Kitchener.
We anticipate notifying applicants by December 2026. During the assessment period, City staff may contact you for clarification or additional information. All applicants will receive an outcome notification, regardless of the decision.
All applications are reviewed through a transparent, community-informed multi-step process to ensure fairness and alignment with the goals of the RISE Fund.
The selection process typically involves the following steps:
Eligibility Review: City staff review all submissions to confirm they meet the basic eligibility requirements, including alignment with the grant’s criteria, completion of the application, and required documentation. Staff will follow up with applicants if submissions are incomplete and clarify when eligibility requirements are unclear.
Evaluation by a Selection Committee: Eligible applications are reviewed and evaluated by a resident selection committee composed of members of the City’s Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The committee members bring a wide range of lived and professional experiences, and are deeply committed to supporting community initiatives. Each application is evaluated individually and collectively, based on the eligibility and established criteria such as community impact, measurable outcomes, feasibility, creativity, sustainability and budget clarity.
Funding Recommendations: Based on the Selection Committee’s evaluations and the available budget, funding recommendations are made. In some cases, the panel may recommend partial funding or request clarification before making a final decision.
Approval and Notification: Final funding decisions are approved by the City. All applicants, successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome by email. We anticipate notifying applicants by December 2026.
Agreements and Reporting: Successful applicants will be required to sign a funding agreement and agree to any reporting or evaluation requirements.
Funded projects must begin after funding has beenapproved and a funding agreement has been signed. Expenses incurred before approval may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Due to the volume of applications, detailed feedback may be limited. However, applicants are encouraged to reapply in future funding cycles and attend any information sessions offered.
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.
