June 4, 2021
The City of Edmonton is launching a new grant program to support youth, non-profit and local grassroots organizations with the development of anti-racism projects and events. A total of $300,000 in funding will be available in 2021.
The grant program was initiated through the City’s Anti-racism Advisory Committee, whose mandate is to raise awareness and drive action on racism and anti-racism in Edmonton and provide advice to City Council regarding community perspectives on issues relating to racism.
“It is my hope, and the hope of the members of our committee, that these funds help transform the hearts and minds of citizens and communities in Edmonton,” said Shalini Sinha, Chair of the Anti-racism Advisory Committee. “To learn about and stand against our inheritance of systemic and internalized racism, notice our natural position as humans to stand in solidarity and unity together, and experience programs and actions that show us new ways of building our lives and society.”
Grant streams:
Local Anti-racism Capacity Building/Innovation Grants
- (up to $10,000 each; $100,000 of total funds available)
To be used by local grassroots organizations working on anti-racism activities and actions that highlight and combat systemic and structural racism.
Project Ready Matching Grants
- (up to $25,000 each; $75,000 of total funds available)
To be used by community non-profit and local grassroots organizations for anti-racism initiatives that have received approved funding and require a matching contribution.
Local Community Participatory Action Research Grants
- (up to $25,000 each; $50,000 of total funds available)
To be used by communities impacted by racism to support community-led research activities that address local issues and concerns specific to their communities.
Youth Activation Grants
- (up to $500 each; $25,000 of total funds available)
To be used by youth (ages 13-24) to activate and animate anti-racism initiatives, grassroots organizing, and community action.
“The City aims to support as many initiatives and events as possible with these grants to help Edmontonians become more aware of racism and its impacts,” said Rob Smyth, Deputy City Manager, Citizen Services. “With the varied streams of funding, this is a great opportunity for organizations, community groups and individuals to work together to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community.”
Youth Activation Grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis until all funds are exhausted. Recommendations for the Project Ready Matching Grant, the Local Anti-racism Capacity Building/Innovation Grant and the Local Community Participatory Action Research Grants will be brought forward to City Council for approval after the summer break.
A separate stream, the Anti-racism Advisory Committee Admin and Special Projects (up to $50,000 in 2021-22), will be used by the Anti-racism Advisory Committee’s subcommittees for identified needs that align to the program outcomes. Any unused funds will be redistributed to the other streams.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 16, 2021.
