CRRF’s National Anti-Racism Fund: Working together to build a more anti-racist Canada

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) seeks to support organizations to combat racism, promote events and education, and build a more anti-racist society. The $3 million National Anti-Racism Fund (the Fund) will be disbursed over two years, which is a valuable contribution to the continuation of CRRF's mission: developing, sharing, and applying knowledge and expertise to contribute to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society. Who or what is eligible for the Fund? Applications must align with one or more of the following themes and objectives:

1. Systemic racial barriers: Reducing barriers to inclusion by addressing systemic racism in education, healthcare, the justice system, public services, employment, and public life.
2. Research and education: Promoting and increasing availability and accessibility of data, evidence, and community insights on race relations in Canada.
3. Public awareness: Informing public policies by highlighting systemic and institutional barriers.
4. Cultural and intercultural community building: Creating cross-cultural opportunities through discussions and dialogue on race, religion, building awareness, and collaborations.

In addition, projects or events should be designed to achieve one or more of the following results:

• Increase public awareness of public policy issues related to race relations, anti-racism, or anti-hate nationally, regionally, or in local communities;
• Increase public awareness of Canada's cultural diversity;
• Increase awareness of factors such as race, culture, ethnicity, or religion that may be hindering full participation of the entire Canadian population in society and the economy;
• Increase knowledge and capacity within communities to address racism and discrimination.

Guidelines There are three types of funding within this grant. Each funding stream has different criteria and different amounts of available funding. All proposals for projects, events, or initiatives must include a detailed schedule, with a completion date no later than December 31, 2023. 1. Project-based applications  The CRRF encourages all organizations working on anti-racism or anti-hate projects to apply to "Project-based" funding. Projects must align with one or more of the Fund’s key themes and achieve one or more of the expected results.  Eligibility

• This stream of funding is available to Canadian registered charities. (as recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency)
• Incorporated non-profit organizations may only apply with a registered charity acting as their trustee.

1.2. Available funding and flow of funds  Funding available for any project within the "Project-based" Fund can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000. Applicants can expect a portion of funding once the funding is awarded, with an additional amount (up to 20%) deposited once final reporting is completed and submitted. The CRRF will work with successful applicants to establish the flow of funds according to specified deliverables. 2. Event sponsorship applications CRRF encourages organizations to apply to the National Anti-Racism Fund if they are coordinating events that align with one or more key themes and achieve one or more of the expected results. 2.1. Eligibility This stream of funding is available to:

• Canadian registered charities (as recognized by the Canadian Revenue Agency)
• Incorporated community-based non-profit organizations

2.2. Available Funding and Flow of funds a)  Event sponsorship applications Available funding for any proposed event is up to a maximum of $25,000. CRRF will work with successful applicants to establish the flow of funds according to deliverables. The majority (up to 100%) will be provided upon contract signing. A final report (including the release of any remaining funding, if applicable) is expected within two months (60 days) of completion of the event(s). 3. Youth initiatives sponsorship applications CRRF encourages applicants organizing youth anti-racism initiatives to apply to this funding stream. The initiatives must align with one or more key themes and objectives and achieve the expected results of the National Anti-Racism Fund.  3.1. Eligibility This stream of funding is available to:

• Canadian registered charities (as recognized by the Canadian Revenue Agency)
• Incorporated community based non-profit organizations
• Grassroots and recognized student groups  

3.2. Available Funding and Flow of funds The amount of funding for any proposed youth anti-racism initiatives will be up to a maximum of $2,500. Funding will be provided upon contract signing, and a final report is expected after the completion of the initiative. The Fund's limitations

• Applicants will only be eligible for funding under the "Project-based" application stream to a maximum of one project;
• Applicants will only be eligible for funding under the Event and Youth anti-racism stream to a maximum of two applications;
• Applicants can apply for the same Project, Event, or Youth initiatives twice within the Fund period;
• Applications for initiatives currently receiving funding through either the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives (CSMARI) Program or the Anti-Racism Action Program (ARAP) – administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage - will only be considered if the application is to extend or expand the existing initiative.

What the Fund will not support:

• For-profit organizations;
• Federal institutions;
• Hospitals and long-term care facilities;
• Individuals;
• Organizations whose purpose is solely related to political activity, as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency;
• Professional associations.

Although these funds may be used for certain overhead costs, the Fund may not be used for:

• Basic shelter beds or transitional housing beds;
• Costs (e.g., loans, grants, or scholarships) that are related to direct financial assistance in the form of payments to individuals or families;
• Partisan political activity that is in direct or indirect promotion of a political candidate or party;
• Rent fees;
• Services covered by provincial health authorities;
• Services provided by medical professionals or regulated health professionals other than social workers or social service workers;
• Support of operating deficits;
• Purchase or investment in real property (real estate, land, buildings).

Overhead and administrative costs directly associated with the project, event, or youth initiative can be requested to a maximum of 15% of the total budget.  Application deadline The application portal will open at 9:00 AM EST on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, and close at 9:00 PM EST on Friday, January 28, 2022, for project-based applications. It will remain open for Event sponsorships and Youth initiative sponsorships until December 2022. Application process Applications will only be accepted through the online application portal. However, for reference, the full applications are available in PDF format for download. Organizations that are interested in applying to the National Anti-Racism Fund are encouraged to download the PDF file to review the application questions and prepare all required information and attachments before submitting their application through the online portal. Click here to access the questions in PDF for the Events and Youth Initiatives Sponsorship Application Click here to access the questions in PDF for the Project-based Application

• Complete the online Application Form;
• Complete the Budget Form;
• Attach all the required supporting documents; and
• Submit your application through our online application form via our website.

Application processing time

1. Online project applications accepted: January 4, 2022 – January 28, 2022;
2. The application portal will remain open until December 2022 for the "Event Sponsorship" and "Youth initiatives sponsorship" stream for ongoing intake;
3. The first wave of grant recipient announcements: March 2022 (approved applicants will be notified of their approval by email).

How do we choose successful applications? We fund projects and events that have clear goals and measurable results. Your application will be evaluated based on the criteria below: Evaluation criteria The following criteria will be used to evaluate all eligible applications:

• The application demonstrates how the project, event, or youth anti-racism initiative contributes to one or more of the program themes and achieves one or more of the expected results;
• The applicant has the experience, human and financial resources, governance structure, and capacity to successfully carry out the project based on past experience;
• The applicant has demonstrated and addressed the need within the local, regional, and/or national context;
• The applicant has planned for the resources needed to successfully deliver the project on time and on budget;
• The project, event, or initiative activities are clearly described and are linked to the goals of the project, event, or initiative;
• The project, event, or initiative is designed to effectively reach its target audience, beneficiaries, and participants;
• The proposed budget is detailed, reasonable, balanced and takes into consideration the efficient and effective use of funds and must indicate if the project can continue even if CRRF was only able to allocate partial funding;
• For the project-based applications stream, the project proposal clearly outlines the evaluation process that used to analyze metrics at the end of the project, which is to be incorporated into the final report due at the end of the project on how the funds were utilized and what are the next steps once the evaluation is completed.

All funded projects and events must be completed by December 31, 2023, and any final reports submitted by February 28, 2024.  Fund awardees' public acknowledgment and branding of the Fund  All successful applicants must publicly acknowledge the financial support received from CRRF through its Fund, including the CRRF logo, in all communications materials and promotional activities. Public acknowledgment text should say the following: “The [TITLE OF YOUR EVENT, PROJECT, YOUTH INITIATIVE] was made possible through the financial support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation's National Anti-Racism Fund.” Informational Webinar Interested organizations are invited to join an informational webinar on January 6 at 1 PM EST and January 19 at 4 PM EST. To learn more about the eligibility criteria and to sign up to attend information webinars, please visit The National Anti-Racism Fund Informational Webinar for registration details.

Click for more information and to apply.