Grants to Support Equity, Anti-Racism Initiatives

Press Release

February 20, 2026

The Province is funding 13 community-driven projects across Nova Scotia that address systemic hate, inequity and racism.

“Addressing racism and systemic hate is work that shapes who we are as a province. It speaks to the kind of neighbours we choose to be and the future we want,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Scott Armstrong, Minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. “Building a truly inclusive province is a shared responsibility, and I am so pleased to be able to support these organizations that are driving positive change and strengthening communities.”

About $400,000 from the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism’s Community Network Grant program has been awarded for 2025-26.

The recipients include the Truro Colchester Welcome Network Association for its work to support inclusion and retention of newcomers in the region through expanded community-based programs and services for newcomer youth.

Quotes:

“This grant will strengthen our efforts to retain newcomers in Colchester County – supporting workforce growth and regional prosperity while fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and included.”
— Abhishek Bhatt, co-President, Truro Colchester Welcome Network Association

Quick Facts:

• this is the Community Network Grant program’s third year
• the grant program is a key tool in advancing the goals and objectives in Nova Scotia’s Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy
• underrepresented and underserved groups include the Mi’kmaq and people of Indigenous descent, African Nova Scotians and people of African descent, people with disabilities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers (immigrants or refugees), minority faith-based groups and people who are neurodivergent

Additional Resources:

Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/just/publications/docs/equity-and-anti-racism-strategy.pdf

Dismantling Racism and Hate Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/dismantling%20racism%20and%20hate.pdf

Office of Equity and Anti-Racism: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/equity-and-anti-racism-initiatives

Grants have been awarded to the following organizations and projects:

• Annapolis Valley Historical Society – $10,000 to create an exhibition at the Macdonald Museum in Middleton on John Mitchell, a Black man who was wrongfully convicted of murder in Bridgetown in the 1800s
• Cape Breton Centre for Sexual Health – $18,816 for a pilot program supporting youth that will focus on self-esteem, emotional regulation, healthy relationships and media literacy
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia – $40,000 to create the Reclaiming Identity, Sisterhood and Empowerment program for Black and African Nova Scotian women, girls and gender-diverse people who have experienced systemic oppression, criminalization, incarceration and gender-based violence
• Front Street Community Oven Society – $39,805 to create resources to build rural capacity to address hate, racism and discrimination in the Wolfville area
• Health Association of African Canadians – $40,000 for inclusive, culturally competent fitness programs designed specifically for Black seniors
• Hike Nova Scotia Society – $20,820 to create a hiking club for the blind and partially sighted
• Leading Leaders Society of Nova Scotia – $23,000 for the Black Civic Voices Youth Leadership & Political Literacy Camp that aims to empower youth aged 11 to 17 to develop civic awareness, leadership confidence, and a sense of belonging in public decision-making spaces
• Lucasville Community Association – $40,000 to support a community-based project to document African Nova Scotian heritage, research inequities in land-use planning, and support community-led visioning for the future
• Ndi Igbo Cultural Association – $40,000 to support the AMARA Anti-Racism Through Living Heritage project, a six-month, youth-led project that trains 20 Black youth in Halifax to become peer cultural responders, lead workshops to reduce harm, build belonging and strengthen community
• St. George’s YouthNet Society – $30,000 to support expansion of existing after-school programming for youth aged 7 to 14, while adapting to the needs of community members
• St. Margarets Bay Pride / Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia – $15,950 for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity training for local businesses, monthly arts-based workshops for youth, and hosting the 2026 Pride festival
• Truro Colchester Welcome Network Association – $40,000 to expand community-based programs and services for newcomer youth in Colchester County, including social events, educational workshops, and intercultural training, alongside expanding their buddy system and neighbours without borders subcommittee
• West Hants Pride Society – $37,200 to deliver six free monthly lectures featuring speakers from underserved and underrepresented communities

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