June 26, 2025
Applications are now open for the City of Edmonton’s 2025 Anti-racism Grant Program, a key action under the City’s Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Strategy.
Through this program, the City is providing $1.7 million in funding to support community-led efforts that build understanding, challenge discrimination and strengthen connections among Edmontonians. These grants empower local leaders, not-for-profit organizations and grassroots researchers to develop initiatives grounded in lived experience and driven by local priorities.
The CSWB Strategy recognizes that safety and well-being are about more than the absence of harm. They require inclusive systems, community leadership and meaningful steps to address inequity. One of the strategy’s seven pillars is anti-racism, which calls on the City to work in partnership with communities to confront racism and create lasting change.
Now in its third year, the Anti-racism Grant Program supports education, storytelling, innovation and community connections across the city. Projects may focus on shifting public perspectives, celebrating cultural knowledge, breaking down systemic barriers or building leadership capacity in racialized communities.
Funding is available through five streams:
- Community Activation (Up to $15,000 and $325,000 of total funds available)
Supports community events and projects led by and for youth or seniors. Prioritizes initiatives that bring people together across cultures and generations to build relationships and advance anti-racism learning.
- Local Anti-racism Capacity Building/Innovation (Up to $30,000 and $450,000 of total funds available)
Funds initiatives that reduce barriers, promote healing and support systemic change. May include advocacy training, organizational development or partnerships between diverse communities.
- Local Community Participatory Action Research (Up to $40,000 and $375,000 of total funds available)
Supports research led by communities affected by racism to identify local needs and develop community-informed responses.
- Shifting the Perspective (Up to $50,000 and $350,000 of total funds available)
Open to not-for-profit media and storytelling organizations. Supports projects that amplify underrepresented voices, challenge harmful narratives and foster understanding through journalism, film or digital media.
- Countering Anti-Black Racism (Up to $50,000 and $200,000 of total funds available)
For community groups looking to advance actions in the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan through collaboratives and/or partnerships.
About CSWB
The City of Edmonton’s CSWB Strategy is a long-term commitment to building a more inclusive, connected and equitable city. Approved by City Council in 2022, the strategy focuses on addressing the root causes of social issues through seven pillars, including anti-racism, reconciliation, equitable policies, and safe and inclusive spaces. The CSWB Strategy guides how the City works with communities to improve quality of life and create conditions where everyone can thrive.
