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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!

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Equity Project

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Who is eligible?

  • Grassroots organizations and emerging non-profits supporting immigrants and refugees in Atlantic Canada that are not currently funded by IRCC.

  • Groups that have not had equal access to funds and resources.

  • Groups that serve and are led by equity-deserving individuals.

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​

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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 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

Call for Proposals Documents
Application Deadline

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

Support Sessions Dates

  • December 2 In person Consultation cancelled due to weather conditions 

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  • December 4, Charlottetown, PEI

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  • December 8, Fredericton, NB - Cultural Center- doors open at 5:45 pm event starts at 6pm- 7:30pm 

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  • December 9, Online, English session

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  • December 10, Halifax, NS

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  • December 11, Online, French session

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  • December 12, Online, Cape Breton, NS

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  • December 16, St. John’s, NL

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  • January 8, Online Q&A

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  • January 13, Online Q&A

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

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Want to make sure you receive our communications related to this project?

If you’re in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador or Prince Edward Island, please contact Jennifer Mah, the Equity Project Lead, at jmah@araisa.ca

If you’re in New Brunswick, please contact Dorcas Tshimenga, Equity Stream Project Coordinator, at dorcas.tshimenga@nbmc-cmnb.ca

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