B.C. opens applications for anti-racism and multiculturalism grants

The application period for the 2026-27 B.C. Inclusive Communities Grants is now open, offering grassroots organizations across the province one-time grants of up to $5,000 for projects that promote anti-racism, inclusivity and multiculturalism.

The Province is accepting applications for the revamped BC Inclusive Communities Grants (BC-ICG) program from Sept. 15 to Oct. 19, 2026. About $300,000 will be distributed to support approximately 60 projects.

Eligible projects must begin on or after April 1, 2027, and be completed by March 31, 2028.

Supporting community building throughout B.C.

The BC-ICG supports projects that encourage participation, connection and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds, while helping address racism and discrimination.

The program replaces the former B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program, which operated from 2015 to 2025.

An independent evaluation conducted in 2025, with extensive community input, identified several areas for improvement that have been incorporated into the new program, including:

Clearer guidelines and a simplified application process.

Greater support for grassroots, Indigenous and racialized community-led organizations.

Expanded access for non-profit societies serving people who experience racialization because of their faith, in addition to organizations serving racialized and Indigenous communities.

Separate funding streams for urban and rural communities.

The new program offers two funding pathways: one for urban communities, including Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria, and another for rural and remote regions, including the Interior, northern B.C., the Kootenays and coastal communities.

The Province says the rural stream is intended to help address inequities faced by organizations dealing with isolation and limited resources.

The BC-ICG will also prioritize smaller non-profits and support grassroots projects that are community-led and community-serving. Data collected under the Anti-Racism Act, the Anti-Racism Data Act and the Racist Incident Helpline will help inform the selection of targeted initiatives.

Other anti-racism initiatives include the Racist Incident Helpline, which connects people who have experienced racism with community support and resources, and the Province’s first Anti-Racism Action Plan, published in June 2026.

The plan outlines commitments by core ministries to remove racist barriers that affect Indigenous and racialized people’s access to government programs and services. To apply for a 2026-27 BC Inclusive Communities Grant, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/multiculturalism/bc-icg To learn more about the 2025-26 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33656