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People in B.C. will see stronger, more inclusive communities as local organizations can now apply for provincial grants that back projects fighting racism and promoting multicultural understanding.

Photo by Jaana Björk

New grants will help counter racism, promote inclusivity

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:28 PDT, Tue September 16, 2025

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People in B.C. will see stronger, more inclusive communities as local organizations can now apply for provincial grants that back projects fighting racism and promoting multicultural understanding.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in their community,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “By investing in community-led projects, we’re giving organizations the tools they need to bring people together, celebrate diversity and make lasting progress against racism.”

The annual B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program provides eligible organizations with as much as $5,000 to cover costs for projects that help reduce systemic racism and/or promote multiculturalism through education, awareness and interactions. Examples of projects that have received funding include cultural celebrations, educational workshops, film festivals, anti-hate helplines and other activities that promote equity and inclusion.

Applications for grants will be accepted until 5 p.m. (Pacific time) on Oct. 14, 2025.

Priority will be given to applications from organizations led by or serving Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities. To be eligible, projects must begin by April 1, 2026, and be completed by March 31, 2027. Successful recipients will be notified by March 2026.

“The grant we received gave new hope to Afghan newcomers to B.C. who fled war and lost children and families to violence,” said Ahmad Safwan, president, Afghan Community Society of Nanaimo, which received a $5,000 grant in 2024-2025. “It enabled us to create programs that helped them heal, rebuild their lives and feel included in Nanaimo. We were also able to educate newcomers about how B.C. values multiculturalism and respects diversity. It showed our community that despite hardship, there is compassion, solidarity and a brighter future attainable here in Canada.”

Since its launch in 2015, the grant program has provided nearly $3 million to more than 650 projects in B.C., helping organizations support Indigenous and racialized people, and build a more welcoming and equitable province. In 2025, the program distributed a total of $300,000 to 60 projects.

“These grants help amplify the voices of people working on the front lines of anti-racism,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “We know that local organizations are the heart of this work. By investing in these projects, we’re strengthening our anti-racism networks across B.C. and realizing a future where our diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.”

The grants program is part of the province’s ongoing work to fight hate and foster inclusion, alongside initiatives such as the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, the Anti-Racism Act and the Racist Incident Helpline.