Racial Equity Fund
WRCF is committed to using our resources to advance racial equity in our community.
Racialized communities are being disproportionately affected by inequities. Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) is dedicated to taking the necessary steps toward advancing racial equity in our community. One action that is part of delivering on that commitment is the Racial Equity Fund – dedicated to supporting meaningful, positive action which advances the work of organizations serving people in Waterloo Region who are Indigenous, Black and people of color. Funds distributed are intended to assist those most impacted by the ongoing and systemic racial disparities that exist in our community.
The Racial Equity Fund reinforces WRCF’s approach to encouraging self-led activities. Decisions for this fund are made by a committee of volunteer community members who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or as a person of color. They have developed the funding guidelines and will review applications and determine funding recipients and allocations.
In 2023, approximately $400,000 was provided to 29 local organizations that are led-by and serve people across Waterloo Region who are Indigenous, Black and people of colour. Read our press release.
If you would like to support the Racial Equity Fund, and have your donation assist with funding applications that WRCF receives, please click here to make your donation.
How can our organization apply?
The Racial Equity Fund accepted applications between July 24, 2023 and September 4, 2023 at 11:59 pm (EST). Applications are now closed.
Guidelines to help you apply
The maximum amount to apply for is $20,000. Funding must be used before December 31, 2024
Organizations receiving funding must be located in Waterloo Region
Applications will be considered from:
Organizations that are Indigenous-led, Black-led or led by a person of color, serving a community or communities in Waterloo Region that have been impacted by racial inequities
Organizations doing work in support of a community or communities that have been impacted by racial inequities, if the project that will be receiving funding is led by an individual or individuals who are Indigenous, Black, or a person of color. These applications will be prioritized lower in our review process, because we believe leadership is an important component of advancing racial equity in our community
To determine if your organization is eligible, and to understand how the funding can be used, access the Funding Guidelines (pdf)
Download a Budget Template (xls)
If you want to download a copy of the application so you can see all the questions before you apply, you can access it here: Application (pdf).
If you want to view and download the evaluation form you would complete if you received funding, you can access it here: Evaluation (pdf)
If your organization plans to apply through an agreement with a Fiscal Partner, here is a link to information to assist you: wrcf.ca/fiscal-partnership
Evaluation criteria:
Applications must be in line with the Fund’s objective to advance racial equity.
You have clearly articulated the impact – in terms of outcomes, forecasted short-term and long-term impacts of the project in Waterloo Region.
Evidence that feedback from project participants is included in the designing, evaluating and delivery of the project.
Evidence that the organization has made efforts to attract diverse populations/supporting a marginalized community.
Clearly articulated budget that defines what the funds will be used for.
As part of the review process, committee members will review your website, social presence and other public communication activities to learn more about your organization and your approach to equity serving work.
If you have any questions, contact Blessing Akpan at blessing@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806.
(Note: You have the option of submitting a paper or verbal application. If you prefer to submit a verbal application, please contact Blessing no later than August 11, 2023 at 5:00 pm (EST) to set up a time to do this.)
Information Session: Racial Equity Fund
We hosted an informational webinar on August 9, 2023. You will find a recording of the video below.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
WRCF gathers data to connect local impact to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Applications to the Racial Equity Fund will ask charities to indicate which one(s) your funding requests align with. (Note: Responses to this question will not be a factor in the review and potential funding of an application).
Visit the United Nations website to learn more about the 17 UN SDGs by clicking the button below.
Here is a list of organizations that received support through the Racial Equity Fund in 2023
A Womb With a View
Adventure4Change
African Women's Alliance of Waterloo Region
Anishnabeg Outreach Employment and Training Inc.
Canadian Rohingya Development Initiative
Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region
Child Witness Centre
Crow Shield Lodge
Family & Children's Services of the Waterloo Region Foundation
Kinbridge Community Association
Kind Minds Family Wellness
Levant Canada
Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region
Muslim Women of Cambridge
Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo
Preston Heights Community Group
Rhythm & Blues Cambridge
Somali Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (SCAWR)
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
SPECTRUM
The Canadian Helpers Society
The Freedom Marching Project
United for Literacy
University of Waterloo
Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
Wilfrid Laurier University (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigenization Coalition)
Women of Dignity International
YMCA of Three Rivers (Midwestern Ontario)