Canadian Race Relations Foundation launches $3 million National Anti-Racism Fund

BY PAUL JUNOR

Since it was created in 1996, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) has been making a difference in the fight for social and racial justice and  to end racism in Canada.

According to its website at www.crff-fcrr.ca, “It is Canada’s leading agency, dedicated to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society.”

On Tuesday, January 5^th, the CRRF announced the launch of a $3 million National Anti-Racism Fund for “Developing, sharing, and applying knowledge and expertise to eliminate racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society.”  In order to be eligible for the funds applications must be in alignment with one or more of the following themes of objectives of the CRRF, which are:

1. Systemic racial barriers
   Reducing barriers to inclusion by addressing systemic racism in education, healthcare, the justice system, public services, employment, and public life.
2. Research and education
   Promoting and increasing availability and accessibility of date, evidence, and community insights on race relations in Canada.
3. Public awareness
   Informing public policies by highlighting systemic and institutional barriers.
4. Cultural and intercultural community building
   Creating cross-cultural opportunities through discussions and dialogue on race, religion, building awareness, and collaborations.

Furthermore, projects or events that are approved should be able to fulfil these objectives:

• Increase public awareness of public policy issues related to race relations, anti-racism or anti-hate nationally, regionally, or in local communities
• Increase public awareness of Canada’s cultural diversity
• Increase awareness of factors such as race, culture, ethnicity, or religion that may be hindering full participation of the entire Canadian population in society and the economy
• Increase knowledge and capacity within communities to address racism and discrimination

There are three types of funding available within the National Anti-Racism Grant:

1. Project-based applications
   These are geared to organizations working on anti-racism or anti-hate projects.
2. Event sponsorship applications
   These are geared to organizations with coordinating events that align with CRRF’s themes.
3. Youth initiatives sponsorship applications
   These are geared to organizations, which focus on youth anti-racism initiatives.

The application portal opened on Tuesday, January 4^th, 2022, and will close on Friday, January 28^th, 2022, for project-based applications. Other applications will stay open until December 2022. Project-based funding ranges from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000.. There are certain limitations that apply to what the funds can and cannot be used that should be considered.

Mohammed Hashim, Executive Director of CRRF states in the press release, “We believe that community initiatives are often the catalyst for societal change. Giving much-needed funding to community organizations who often do the heavy lifting in anti-racism movements is an essential step in making Canada more racially equitable.”