Guidelines to help you apply

Approximately $300,000 is available to grant in 2024. The maximum amount to apply for is $20,000. Funding must be used before December 31, 2025.

• Organizations receiving funding must be incorporated, located in Waterloo Region, and serving Waterloo Region residents

• Applications should show how their project will support Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region

• Applications will be considered from:

• Organizations that are Indigenous-led, Black-led, or led by a person of colour, 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 colour. 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)

• Include a Financial Statement or Financial Letter of Explanation (pdf)

• 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 your organization plans to apply through an agreement with a Fiscal Partner, download, fill out, and submit this form with your application

Committee Review criteria:

• Applications must be in line with the Fund’s objective to advance racial equity.

• Link to social infrastructure. You have clearly shown how your activity will foster connection and increase civic engagement of racialized communities.

• You have clearly articulated the impact – in terms of outcomes, forecasted short-term and long-term impacts of the activity in Waterloo Region.

• Evidence that feedback from participants is included in the decision making, designing, evaluating, and delivery of the activity.

• 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.

Evaluation Report:

If you receive funding, your organization will be required to submit an evaluation report before January 31, 2026. See a copy of the Evaluation report (pdf), so you know in advance what questions you would need to respond to.

If you have any questions, contact Blessing Akpan at blessing@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806 ext 206.

(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 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to set up a time to do this.)

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.