From the Government of Alberta: 

For the first time, 33 organizations will receive anti-racism community grants to create greater awareness and cross-cultural understanding to reduce racism. The grants are a key recommendation of the government’s Taking Action Against Racism report.

“One of Alberta’s strengths is its diversity. Racism has no place in our province. That is why our government is making life better for all Albertans by supporting projects that are working to combat racism and promote inclusiveness. With these grants, non-profit groups will be able to educate, inform and engage community members across Alberta.”

Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism

“When I met with Albertans to talk about how we can work together to combat racism, I heard loud and clear that the most effective work happens at the community level. All 33 grant recipients have demonstrated that this is, indeed, true. This grant program will help fund community initiatives that fight racism by breaking down barriers. Together, we will work together towards a common goal of ending racism in this province.”

David Eggen, Minister of Education

The Alberta government is providing more than $600,000 through two funding streams. The Community Anti-Racism stream supports projects or initiatives with a broad community focus. The Indigenous Anti-Racism stream is for initiatives specific to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Recipients include the grassroots non-profit Soccer Without Boundaries that delivers multicultural outreach programs as an approach to combating racism and bringing communities together. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, also a grant recipient, advances the rights of Indigenous women through advocacy, education, research and program development. The institute is comprised of First Nation and Metis women who help other women build strong families, and healthy and caring communities.

“We connect new Canadians to the community through the universal language of sport. With people from over 30 countries, including refugee, immigrant and Indigenous kids, this grant will help minority families to feel that they belong.”

Jean Claude Munyezamu, executive director, Soccer Without Boundaries

“We have been working for over 20 years with Indigenous people to address discrimination. With the Rights Path in Action project funded, we will be able to continue our advocacy through a community action team. We are extremely excited to get started on our project.”

Marggo Pariseau, vice-president, Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women

Eligible organizations can apply for matching grants of up to $25,000 for a range of projects including:

  • training and education
  • development of informational resources
  • support services and capacity building

The Alberta government committed $2 million to the Anti-Racism Community Grant program in 2018-19. The application deadline for the next round of grants closes March 1.

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