Transforming Systems Grants (TSG) support organizations addressing the root causes of inequality and allow those most affected by unfair systems to shape their own futures.   

Status: Applications open on June 8, 2026.

Key dates:

  • June 3, 10, 15, and 25: Online information sessions.  
  • June 8: Stage 1 applications open online at 9am PT for both grant streams: Explore and Influence. 
  • July 6: Stage 1 applications close at 5pm PT. 
  • July-September: Stage 1 application review for both grant streams. 
  • Mid- to late September: Stage 1 decisions shared by email to all applicants.                          
  • September 10-October 19: Influence stage 2 applications open.  
  • October-November: Influence stage 2 application review.  
  • Mid-December: Influence stage 2 decisions shared by email to all stage 2 applicants. 

Overview

Transforming Systems Grants (TSG) support organizations addressing the root causes of inequality and allow those most affected by systems that create unfair conditions to shape their own futures.  The grant’s funding supports efforts that influence one or more of the six conditions of systems change : policies, practices, resource flows, relationships, power dynamics, and mental models.

Purpose of funding

The 2026 program includes two funding streams: Explore and Influence. They support organizations at different stages of changing systems: those beginning to explore root causes and those ready to test, deepen, or expand their influence.

Available grants

TSG will award around $9.5 million for the 2026 cycle. 

  • Explore grants — around 10 grants of up to $50,000
  • Influence grants — around 30 grants of up to $100,000 per year for up to three years 

Eligibility 

To apply for TSG (Explore or Influence), your organization must serve a community benefit (as defined by the federal government ) and meet one of the following criteria:   

If your organization received a Transforming Systems Grant in 2024, you are not eligible to apply again until 2027, which is the final year of your funding.   

Each organization may submit only one application. This keeps the process fair and accessible because TSG uses randomized selection. If you have multiple funding requests, Vancouver Foundation staff are available to discuss which one is the best fit for TSG. 

How to apply 

Explore and Influence grants 

Step 1: Read this guide, attend an information session, and take the online eligibility quiz.
Step 2: When applications open on June 8, log into the online grant management system to access the application portal. 

  • Returning applicants: Log in using your existing username and password.
  • New applicants: Create a profile using the “Register Here” button at the top left of the portal. You can watch a short video on “How to Create a User Account” for guidance.
  • Forgot your password? Use the reset option on the login page and check your spam/junk folder for the reset email. 

Step 3: In the portal, go to the “Apply” section (top right) and select 2026 Transforming Systems Grants for the grant stream you wish to apply for (Explore or Influence).
Step 4: Complete and submit your Explore (full application) or Influence (stage 1) application by 5 pm PT on July 6, 2026. A confirmation email from “@smartsimple.ca” will be sent after submission.
Step 5: Final Explore decisions and Influence stage 1 decisions will be emailed to applicants bymid to late September 2026.

Influence grants (stage 2)

If you are invited to submit an Influence stage 2 application: 
Step 6: Log into the online grant management system to complete and submit the full online application by October 19, 2026.
Step 7: Final Influence decisions will be emailed to applicants by mid-December 2026.

Information sessions 

Register to attend one of our information sessions to learn more about eligibility, how to apply, and connect live with the granting team. Please note, you will need a Zoom account to register.

A recording of the session will be posted later for those unable to attend. 

Resources

Contact

If you have any questions about Transforming Systems Grants, please email us at [email protected]