Grants and Programs

Through our grants and programs, Inspirit champions people and projects that are shifting the balance of power by challenging and changing the norms and narratives that have historically dictated racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural representation. 

We work collaboratively with partners—both grantees and other organizations—in the Canadian arts, media, and philanthropic sectors to create pathways and platforms that help build narrative power and dismantle systemic barriers. 

We prioritize working with organizations led or deeply shaped by Indigenous, Muslim, Black, and racialized voices, with the goal of developing ecosystems that increase access, opportunities, and power for a broad range of communities. 

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Grants

Each year, we distribute a select number of research, project, and organizational grants to Canadian-based organizations, primarily within the arts and media sectors. Funding ranges from one-time Seed Grant amounts of $10,000 to multi-year Organizational Grants of up to $100,000 per year. 

We prioritize organizations led or deeply shaped by Indigenous, Muslim, Black, and racialized voices and recognize intersectionality across identities and issues. 

We occasionally make grants focused on advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the impact investing field. These grants are foundation-led and by invitation only. 

Read more about our granting themes and how to apply. 

Programs and Partnerships

We collaborate with strategic partners on special projects and programs that help create infrastructure required to build narrative power. We often leverage our funding by supporting collaborative funding models and projects, as well as research partnerships. 

From time to time, we also create initiatives through our own programming. In 2021, we launched the Narrative Change Lab, an incubator focused on supporting the development of narrative strategies by historically underserved communities. Our inaugural theme is Reimagining Muslim Narratives in Pop Culture. 

Learn more about the ongoing work of the Lab.

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Guiding Principles 

Trust-Based Relationships
We focus on building honest, respectful, and reciprocal relationships with partners, and operate with a spirit of support and collaboration. 

Continuous Learning
We seek to learn with our partners on an ongoing basis to strengthen our mutual efforts and strategies. We embrace opportunities for learning and self-reflection, and try to remain nimble to better act and respond to complex challenges. 

Flexibility
We recognize that our partners are best positioned to determine what is required to advance their work. Our funding comes with minimal restrictions to better meet evolving needs and contexts.