LEVEL BIPOC Grants disperse $6.3 million to 42 organizations with racialized leadership

Illustrations by Chenoa Gao. 

Racialized non-profit leaders in B.C. got a boost this month from LEVEL BIPOC Grants, with $6.3 million granted to 42 BIPOC-led organizations. To be BIPOC-led, organizations must have leadership that is primarily made up of those who are Black, Indigenous, or people of colour.  

The LEVEL BIPOC Grants are core to Vancouver Foundation’s granting strategy, addressing stark inequities in funding. In Canada, previous reports found that one per cent or less of traditional philanthropy funding goes to Black-led organizations and Indigenous groups .  

Funding that communities can count on 

Each LEVEL BIPOC Grant recipient receives $50,000 per year for three years. They may use these operational funds for whatever is most needed to further their mission. By offering both stability and flexibility, the LEVEL BIPOC Grants address the growing need for funding that communities can count on. 

The granting team noticed more organizations are responding to new and unexpected issues affecting those they serve, such as record high wildfires or rising political tensions. “Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by new and emerging issues, so this isn’t a surprise,” said Nina Zetchus, senior manager of the granting team.

Joy and hope a theme this year 

Successful applicants demonstrated a deep understanding of their communities, catering to similarities and differences in culture, language, and identity. Some offered services in languages commonly spoken by those they served. Many brought a sense of joy and hope to their applications, rather than only focusing on needs and challenges. “This was the case, even if the topic they’re working on is a heavy or sad one,” Zetchus said. 

These themes were in nearly all applications, making selection difficult. Demand for LEVEL BIPOC Grants continues to outweigh what’s available, as Vancouver Foundation’s granting team and community advisors evaluated 520 applications — up from 460 in 2024. “All the applications were very worthy and strong. Whether you were declined or not isn’t representative of the value of your work. The work you do matters,” said Zetchus. 

Baobab Seniors Health (left) and Rising Tide Surf (right) are two organizations who received a LEVEL BIPOC Grant this year. Baobab creates spaces for Black elders and youth to connect. Rising Tide Surf teaches Tla-o-qui-aht youth culture, language, and history through surfing. 

Upcoming grant: Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund 

Thank you to everyone who has applied. LEVEL BIPOC Grants will be offered again in 2028. In January, we will be opening the Thriving Indigenous Systems Fund. Vancouver Foundation remains committed to equity, community leadership, and the long-term sustainability of organizations serving diverse communities across B.C.