ARAISA, in partnership with NBMC, aims to work with grassroots organizations to build capacity and support better access to funding.

Grassroots organizations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. They play a critical role in offering support that is culturally responsive and grounded in lived experience. They create solutions that are more likely embraced and sustained by communities because of the deep understanding of the nuances of culture, traditions, and needs. However, they are also under-resourced and facing systemic barriers to funding and stability. Our project aims to change that!

To support organizational growth and service delivery capacity, the Equity Project offers:

  • One-on-one support and mentorship 
  • Group learning sessions  
  • Resources to build organizations’ capacity and funding readiness  
  • Opportunity to receive funding
  • Opportunities for networking and collaboration  

Call for Proposals: Capacity-Building Initiatives for Grassroots and Ethnocultural Organizations Supporting Newcomers

The Equity Project will fund grassroots and ethnocultural organizations across Atlantic Canada to grow stronger, become more sustainable, and build their capacity to support newcomers. Organizations will be funded for up to 21 months for capacity-building activities, while receiving mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. This project will prioritize funding groups led by equity-deserving individuals who are collaborative and strive for sustainability.

Two Funding Streams

  • Stream 1 – Grow ($75,000 – $100,000), to strengthen internal capacity
  • Stream 2 – Connect ($100,000 – $140,000), to collaborate with others to increase collective impact

Eligibility

  • Non-profit organizations (registered non-profits, societies, or charities)

This call for proposals is not open to organizations that are, or have been, funded by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); organizations supporting newcomers outside of Atlantic Canada; individuals; for-profit corporations and businesses; or groups that have an annual operational budget of more than $500,000.

Application Deadline

January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ADT

Call for Proposals Documents

Application Process

Optional Support Sessions

These group sessions are designed to support applicants. They’ll include:

  • walking through the self-assessment tool
  • completing key sections of the assessment
  • networking with other organizations
  • brainstorming potential funding activities

Support Sessions Dates (all sessions are taking place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. local time, unless otherwise indicated)

  • December 4, Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, PEI
  • December 8, Cultural Center of Fredericton, NB
  • December 9, Online, English session Register here
  • December 10, ARAISA office in Halifax, NS, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. AST and 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. AST Register here
  • December 11, Online, French session
  • December 16, St. John’s Alt Hotel, NL Register here
  • January 8, Online Q&A
  • January 13, Online Q&A

Contact the project team at equityequite@araisa.ca for more information and to receive your invitation.

Any questions?

Check out our FAQ or contact equityequite@araisa.ca