$350,000 in funding available through WRCF’s Racial Equity Fund – Applications Open until September 15, 2022

Racialized communities continue to be disproportionately affected by inequities. Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) is committed to using our resources to advance racial equity in our community. As one component of that work, WRCF launched the Racial Equity Fund in 2020 to support the organizations that are led by and serve people across Waterloo Region who are Indigenous, Black and people of colour.

Approximately $350,000 will be distributed, of which $125,000 is being provided through a partnership with the Astley Family Foundation, with additional donations from several WRCF Fundholders and donors. The funds are intended to support those most impacted by the ongoing and systemic racial disparities that exist in our community.

The Racal 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 colour. They have developed the funding guidelines, and will review applications and determine funding recipients and allocations.

“The newly formed Board of Directors of WRCF believes it is critical to continue to have equity as the central value of our organization’s moving forward strategy and supporting actions,” says Lynne Short, Vice President, Waterloo Region Community Foundation. “Having the Astley Family Foundation step up as a lead partner for a second year, and with others recognizing the need and giving their support, we will come close to distributing $1 Million over the past three years directly to assist racialized people across Waterloo Region.”

“Partnering with WRCF again this year on the Racial Equity Fund fits with our continued commitment to seek ways to support racialized youth in Waterloo Region,” says Jennifer Astley-Kinsey, Executive Director, Astley Family Foundation. 

WRCF will accept applications for the Racial Equity Fund between August 2 and September 15 2022. Visit wrcf.ca/racialequity for eligibility and application details.