How it works

This program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations that focus on newcomers and ethno-cultural groups for projects that promote diversity and inclusion. This is to make it easier for newcomers and ethno-cultural communities to fully participate in all facets of life in Ontario.

Eligible projects can receive $1,000 to $8,000 each. Up to $3 million is available this year. Organizations can apply for funding for one project.
Projects must address at least one of the following priorities:

  • civic engagement – facilitate community engagement, social integration and volunteerism to promote inclusion for immigrant and ethno-cultural communities
  • social connections – promote social connections and employment networking, including programs that reduce barriers and increase support for vulnerable groups
  • education and empowerment – promote intercultural understanding and break down barriers to participation in community life and decision-making
  • women’s empowerment – support empowerment by helping women of diverse cultural backgrounds to achieve their full social and economic potential
  • capacity building and partnerships – build the capacity of immigrant and multicultural organizations, and promote collaboration between service providers, to better serve newcomer and ethno-cultural communities

Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:

  • initiatives that recruit, screen, train and match volunteers with refugee or newcomer families to provide practical and social support
  • networking events to connect participants with ethnic and mainstream employers, and with employment training programs in their field of interest or expertise
  • cultural and recreational programming, including programming for vulnerable populations such as at-risk children and youth
  • parenting support groups for newcomer women with a shared culture and language
  • community initiatives, including multi-faith initiatives that promote inter-cultural understanding

Read the 2018-2019 application guidelines

Grant amounts

Stream 1

Grants between $1,000 and $3,000 are available for unincorporated not-for-profits.

Stream 2

Grants between $3,000 and $8,000 are available for incorporated not-for-profits.

Who is eligible

Stream 1

For grants between $1,000 and $3,000, applications can be made by individuals who represent an unincorporated not-for-profit organization that:

  • has activities focused on Ontario’s newcomers and/or ethno-cultural community or communities
  • has been in operation in Ontario for at least one year

Stream 2

For grants between $3,000 and $8,000, applications can be made by incorporated not-for-profit organizations based in Ontario that:

  • have a vision, mission or activities focused on Ontario’s newcomers and/or ethno-cultural community or communities
  • have been incorporated in Ontario continuously for at least one year

Full eligibility criteria are available in the the 2018-2019 application guidelines.

How money can be used

Money can be used for necessary project-related costs.

Eligible expenses directly related to the project may include, but are not limited to:

  • temporary project staff salaries and benefits
  • consultant fees ($2,000 maximum)
  • reasonable and modest speaker fees ($2,000 maximum)
  • interpreting services ($2,000 maximum)
  • purchasing and installing plaques and awards to recognize significant community contributions ($4,000 maximum)
  • costs related to outreach and promotion, workshop materials and supplies, and equipment required for cultural or recreational programs
  • renting public space and equipment for events or organization programming
  • website development/upgrades and computer equipment/software, excluding smartphones ($2,000 maximum)
  • transportation and travel expenses only within Ontario for temporary project staff
  • modest food costs for public events and organization programming, not including alcohol and not for organizational internal staff, subject to the Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive

Timelines

Projects must begin on or after April 1, 2018, and be completed by March 31, 2019.

Apply

The deadline to submit applications is 4:00 p.m. EST on January 23, 2018.

To apply for Stream 1 - Unincorporated Not for Profit Organizations, please get the Stream 1 application form. Once completed, email the application package with all the required attachments to MulticulturalGrants.apply@ontario.ca.

To apply for Stream 2 – Incorporated Not for Profit Organizations, please apply online at Grants Ontario. Alternatively, you can also download the (fillable PDF) Stream 2 application form , complete it and email the application package with all the required

attachments to MulticulturalGrants.apply@ontario.ca

Information sessions

You can attend a teleconference or in-person information session to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Let us know if you're coming by sending us the name of the person who will attend on behalf of your organization, your organization’s name and its email and phone contact information. See our privacy statement for how the information you provide through our website will be managed.

DateTimeCityLocation
Jan 9, 20186:30 - 7:30 p.m.TorontoToronto - Main Street Public Library
137 Main Street
Toronto ON
M4E 2V9
Jan 10, 20186:30 -7:30pmNorth YorkOriole Community Centre
2975 Don Mills Rd W
North York
M2J 3B7
Jan 11, 20186:30 - 7:30 p.m.BramptonBrampton Library, Cyril Clark Branch
20 Loafers Lake Ln
Brampton ON
L6Z 1X9
Jan 16, 20186:30 - 7:30 p.m.TorontoToronto Public Library Dufferin / St. Clair
1625 Dufferin Street
Toronto ON
M6H 3L9
Jan 17, 20186:30 - 7:30 p.m.North YorkMontecassino Hotel & Event Venue
3710 Chesswood Dr
North York ON
M3J 2W4

Contact us

Please contact the Regional Services Branch ministry contact for more information.

Contact a Ministry Regional Advisor by phone toll-free at the following regional offices:

  • Central Region: 1-877-395-4105
  • North Region: 1-800-465-6861
  • East Region: 1-800-267-9340
  • West Region: 1-800-265-2189

Or email your question to multiculturalgrants.inquiries@ontario.ca.

Information in other languages