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Providing annual grants to community organizations countering racism

Press Release

April 23, 2026

VICTORIA –

Summary

  • More than 60 community organizations throughout B.C. are receiving grants totalling $300,000 to fund projects countering racism and promoting multiculturalism
  • Funded initiatives include cultural festivals, anti-hate helplines, educational workshops, arts-based programs and Indigenous knowledge revitalization
  • Since 2015, the annual grant program has provided more than $3 million to support more than 700 anti-racism and multiculturalism projects in B.C.

More people in B.C. will see healthier, more inclusive communities as local organizations throughout the province receive grants to fund projects that counter racism and promote multiculturalism.

“The dedicated work by local non-profit organizations to take on anti-racism helps people in neighbourhoods throughout British Columbia feel welcome, safer and connected to their communities,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “By supporting these organizations, the grants further enable the creation of social, cultural and economic opportunities for vulnerable and racialized individuals.”

Through the Province’s annual B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program, 62 community-based organizations are receiving as much as $5,000 each to support projects that fight racism and racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding. Examples of projects receiving funding include cultural celebrations, educational workshops, anti-hate helplines and other activities that promote equity and inclusion.

“Our community partners are leading important work to counter racism and build a healthier, stronger B.C.,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “We’re proud to invest in the people and organizations doing this critical work every day. We will continue to do what is right to bring people together and eradicate racism.

Funded initiatives in B.C.

Projects receiving funding in 2026 include:

  • Dhol Meets Powwow Drums event – Folk Star Arts Academy Society in Surrey will bring together Punjabi and Indigenous artists for collaboration and a joint showcase at Folklore Festival 2026.
  • Red Dresses, Shared Hearts: Threads of Remembrance – BC First Nations Justice Council will host events throughout the province to support the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
  • Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline – Access Pro Bono Society of BC in Vancouver will host events, workshops and produce outreach materials to combat Islamophobia through free legal advice and representation.
  • 24th annual Hope in Shadows Calendar project – Hope in Shadows Society in Vancouver will engage and provide opportunities for creativity and income generation for more than 200 residents of the Downtown Eastside, 50% identifying as Indigenous and 60% as IBPOC.
  • Shine a Light: Building Bridges Along the Highway to Heaven – Richmond Jewish Day School will host an interfaith celebration bringing together students and educators from diverse faith-based schools.

The grants program is part of the Province’s ongoing work to advance multiculturalism and build a more welcoming and equitable B.C. Other government anti-racism initiatives include the Racist Incident Helpline, which connects people who have experienced racism with community support and resources, the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, and the Anti-Racism Act, which aims to dismantle systemic racism in government programs and services.

Quotes:

Erika Cedillo, director of public policy and programs, Inclusion BC –

“This funding will help to bring people together to understand better how racism and ableism overlap in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Navigating Barriers to Inclusion series will promote shared learning and collaboration in communities across BC. Together, we can create lasting change so people with intersecting identities feel respected and included.”

Amber Jehanzeb, director of development, Nisa Foundation –

“Funding like this powers spaces like our EmpowerHER: InvestHER Summit, where women from diverse backgrounds can share their ideas, build confidence and access opportunities to grow. By investing in women entrepreneurs and leaders, we are helping foster inclusion, challenge barriers and strengthen communities. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact reaches far beyond the stage.”

Parm Grewal, executive director, Richmond Multicultural Community Services –

“Grants like this are essential to strengthening inclusive, resilient communities. They enable organizations like ours to amplify diverse voices, foster belonging and address systemic barriers at the local level. Funding like this is critical to advancing equity and inclusion in our communities.”

Quick Facts:

  • Since launching in 2015, the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program has provided more than $3 million to support more than 700 anti-racism and multiculturalism projects in B.C.
  • Each organization is eligible to receive as much as $5,000 to cover direct project costs, such as equipment rental, event materials, workshop fees and food for participants.
  • To be eligible, projects are required to have begun by Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and be completed by March 31, 2027.
  • Applications from organizations led by or serving Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities receive priority consideration.

Learn More:

Contact:

Ministry of Attorney General
Media Relations
604-830-6285

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