Alberta is reopening grant programs that support community projects celebrating cultural diversity and fighting racism.

The Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grants provide $13.5 million over three years to help community organizations deliver projects that reduce discrimination, foster inclusion and support attraction and retention of a diverse workforce, according to a Government of Alberta news release.

Grant applications are open until Dec. 19. An information session is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen says the government is committed to connecting with multicultural communities and keeping Alberta welcoming for all.

Ethnocultural Grant Program

The program supports projects that build inclusive communities and bring people from different backgrounds together.

Grants up to $50,000 are available for projects creating opportunities to build connections with ethnocultural and Indigenous groups. Grants up to $15,000 support projects celebrating diversity.

Ida Beltran-Lucila, president of Philippine Arts Council Alberta, says the grant was instrumental in bringing the Contemplating the Tapestry of Filipino Canadian Connections art exhibit to life.

“The exhibit celebrated the diverse cultural narratives, shared histories and interconnected experiences between the Filipino and Canadian communities,” Beltran-Lucila says.

Anti-Racism Grant Program

The program helps communities build capacity to combat discrimination and address racism.

Grants up to $10,000 support projects that educate Albertans and build organizational capacity for anti-racism work. Grants up to $5,000 go to projects raising awareness of racism and its impacts.

Matthew Gaye, president of Cycle of Trust, says the funding was vital to accomplishing the organization’s mission.

“The financing made it possible for us to pay knowledgeable speakers and facilitators, guaranteeing that our programs had an impact,” Gaye says.

Eligibility

Programs are open to Alberta-based non-profit organizations, including multicultural and faith-based groups, First Nations and Metis Settlements, post-secondary institutions, schools and school boards.

In 2024-25, the programs provided $5.5 million to nearly 200 community groups. The programs supported more than 230 organizations in 2023-24.

Registration is open for the Oct. 21 information session, where more program details will be provided.