Ontario Supports Communities with Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant

Instances of racism and hate have recently become a prevalent issue and topic of discussion. The 2021 annual progress report for Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan identifies a rise in acts of racism and hate across the province. However, provincial bodies, such as the Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD), continue to work with ministers, communities, and organizations to create meaningful change.

“I am proud of our efforts so far and look forward to continuing to work across government and with community partners to address disparities and build a better Ontario – one that is equitable for all, and that creates opportunity for everyone.”

– The Honourable Parm Gill, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism

The Anti-Racism Directorate has launched a program called the Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant (ARAH) to combat hate and racism in Ontario communities by supporting initiatives such as public education and awareness projects. The ARD hopes that this program will help facilitate meaningful dialogues that may resolve disparities between Ontarians.

Funding Amount       

The ARAH grant is providing support through two funding tiers which, collectively, amount to $1.6 million over two years.

Tier One: Partnership Development & Enhancement Projects

Tier one provides a maximum funding allotment of $100,000 per year for joint initiatives designed to build awareness and initiate change at a systemic level.

Tier Two: Independent Projects

Tier two provides a maximum of $40,000 per year for projects that address public education and awareness on a local or population-specific scale.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants for the ARAH program may be eligible if they are in Ontario and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Applicants are community based and not for profit organizations;
• First Nations;
• Tribal councils;
• Provincial territorial organizations; and
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations.

To learn more about eligibility requirements for the ARAH program, please refer to the program page.

Eligible Projects

Project applications for the Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant program should focus on fulfilling one of these three pillars:

Building Capacity

This pillar focuses on building capacity in organizations and communities to identify and act to deter racist and hateful actions. This pillar also supports the delivery of cultural services for families and individuals. Project examples are:

• Supplying training, resources, jobs aids, and courses and workshops;
• Organizational change management; and
• Community programs.

Growing Community

This pillar is primarily concerned with creating opportunities for open dialogues between different cultures, improving service, information, and advice availability for those experiencing hate and racism in the community. Project examples are:

• Strategic partnerships with organizations or groups;
• Relevant events and groups;
• Discussing and sharing best practices; and
• Campaigns to raise awareness.

Deepening Understanding

This pillar is geared toward strengthening the voices of those who have already experienced the impacts of racism through analysis. Project examples are:

• Data collection efforts and research;
• Raising awareness and addressing gaps in data reporting; and
• Countering harmful narratives.

Applicants for the Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant program should clarify in their application, which pillar they are addressing with their project. To learn more about program criteria, review the ARAH program page.

Program Timeline/Deadline

This program is currently open and the program deadline for this intake is November 15, 2021, at 11:59pm.

Exploring Government Funding Opportunities

The Anti-Racism Anti-Hate Grant program offers opportunities for Ontario communities to create real change. To learn more about how this program may be right for your community, get in touch with a Mentor Works representative. Also, there are more funding programs for municipalities available to choose from, should the ARAH program not be the right fit. If your organization is looking for a broader variety of funding opportunities, check out our government funding directory.

We also suggest applicants use this free guide to learn how to navigate the funding process. To discover more about opportunities in funding relief, visit the Mentor Works news page for updates.