Flexible, general operating grants of $150,000 to invest directly into BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or engaging organizations in B.C.

Status: Applications open on January 12, 2026.

Key Dates:

January 12, 2026: Stage 1 applications open through our online grant management system.

February 9, 2026: Stage 1 applications close at 5 pm PT. 

February to April 2026: Stage 1 applications reviewed by Vancouver Foundation staff and Community Advisors. 

End of April 2026: Invitations sent via email to select organizations to submit a Stage 2 application (oral or written submission). Declined applicants from Stage 1 will also be notified via email.  

May 2026 to June 2026: Stage 2 applications close on June 12, 2026, at 5pm PT. 

June to July 2026: Stage 2 applications reviewed by Vancouver Foundation staff and Community Advisors. 

End of July 2026: Final decisions communicated via email to all Stage 2 applicants. 

Overview

The LEVEL BIPOC Grants Program invests in the leadership capacity of BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaging organizations operating in B.C. These grants of $150,000 offer flexible, operating funding for three years to registered charities and registered non-profit societies. This funding can be used to cover costs that will contribute to their operational sustainability and adaptability to continue supporting the changing needs of their communities over time. 

These grants aim to close the funding gap by increasing access to funding for organizations serving marginalized communities. By providing multi-year operational grants, these grants aim to support BIPOC-led, BIPOC youth-led, and/or youth-engaged organizations to strengthen and sustain their organizational capacity, allowing them to focus on their programs, services, and impact.

Available Grants

These grants are $50,000 each year for three years of funding. These grants are to be used in whatever way supports their organizational priorities and needs, which can include (but are not limited to): 

  • Operating costs
  • Capacity building
  • Staffing costs
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Service delivery costs
  • Technology investments

Eligibility

To be eligible for a LEVEL BIPOC Grant, organizations must identify as "BIPOC-led" and must ensure the following criteria are met:   

  • Your organization is either a registered charity  OR registered non-profit society  (including community service co-operatives) operating in B.C. since January 1, 2025, and has (or will have) society incorporation or charitable registration by April 30, 2026, 
  • Your organization's primary purpose is to operate for community benefit  in B.C., 
  • Your organization is BIPOC-led, meaning at least two-thirds (67%) of your organization's leadership team* and/or board/non-conventional governance structures are held by individuals who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour; 
  • * Leadership team is defined by those in leadership positions. For volunteer-run organizations, leadership positions include all roles on the Board or other unconventional governance structures (e.g. Flat Hierarchy). 

When applying, organizations will be asked to self-identify as BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaged. To be considered eligible, organizations must: 

  • Meet all BIPOC-led eligibility requirements outlined above, and, 
  • Your organization is led by individuals aged 19 to 30, or,  
  • Your organization actively empowers BIPOC youth to significantly influence the organization's policies, practices, strategies, and decision-making processes. 

For definitions like BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaged, please review the glossary on page 9 of the application guide

How to Apply 

There is a two-stage application process for LEVEL BIPOC Grants. Stage 1 is a written application through our online grant management system. For Stage 2, select applicants will be invited via email to submit either an oral or written application. 

Step 1: Review all grant application resources including the application guide and FAQ. 

Step 2: Complete the eligibility quiz . 

Step 3: When applications open, complete and submit the Stage 1 online application  before February 9, 2026 at 5pm PT.   

More information about Stage 2 applications can be found in the application guide.

Info Sessions 

Register to attend one of our information sessions to learn more about eligibility, how to apply, and to connect live with the granting team.  

  • January 7 at 3:30pm to 4:30pm PT – RSVP here   
  • January 13 at 10:00am to11:00am PT – RSVP here  

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

Contact

If you have any questions about LEVEL BIPOC Grants, please email us at level@vancouverfoundation.ca .