In 2024 we have two primary deadlines for accepting grant proposals: 

• Round 1 Deadline: May 15, 2024.    

Grant Application Portals will open April 2, 2024. Round 1 decisions will be made by the end of June 2024.

• Round 2 Deadline: October 9, 2024.   

Grant Application Portals will re-open July 15, 2024. Round 2 decisions will be made by the end of November 2024. 

Occasionally, we accept proposals outside of these windows for time-sensitive events and opportunities closely linked to Inspirit’s mission. These requests should be submitted to grants@inspiritfoundation.org and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

We typically distribute a maximum of 30 grants per year, including grants to pre-existing grantees. This includes grants under all programs.

We have no set grant amount; however, different grant programs offer different ranges. We trust organizations to ask for what they need, within the guidelines for the different granting streams. We look at factors such as other funding sources, the size and scope of the project, and organizational budget. As part of the application process, we work with applicants to identify a grant amount.   

Please note: Due to factors such as the number of requests and budget availability, we are not always able to provide the full amount requested to successful applicants.  

The maximum grant amount per year is currently $100,000.   

No. We reserve a certain percentage of funding for qualified donees (such as registered charities and registered First Nations Bands).  

We are flexible in partnering with non-qualified donees provided they align with Inspirit’s mission. Non-qualified donees are entities such as nonprofits, grassroots organizations and businesses that have not received charitable designation from the Canada Revenue Agency.  

Occasionally, we provide funds to a charitable trustee who holds the funds for informal groups, non-profit organizations, and registered businesses. The trustee administers the grant and is accountable for legal and financial responsibilities on behalf of the non-registered partner.  

Please contact us for more information if your organization is not a registered charity or access the guidelines developed by the CRA to support the philanthropic sector in working with philanthropy.

We use a combination of unsolicited applications and staff-led research and outreach to identify new partners. We consult with grantees, funding partners, and multiple industry networks to learn about new organizations and opportunities to address critical gaps in the landscape. 

In addition to criteria listed in Grant Programs  and Priority Granting Areas, we seek the following: 

• Strategic Fit 

We grant to organizations carrying out work that aligns with Inspirit’s mission and values, and priority granting areas. 

• Innovation 

We welcome innovation and creativity. Inspirit is often an early or first funder for projects and organizations showing promising approaches. We look to “de-risk” projects and, where possible, support grantees to access other funders. 

• Industry focus 

We look at how an organization’s work aligns with other grantees and Inspirit’s program areas. Although this is evolving, we are currently engaged in field-building activities in screen-based industries, community-led journalism, and research relevant to our priority areas.  

• Geography 

Inspirit’s work is national in scope, and we strive to fund organizations in different parts of Canada. Although your work may be more locally focused, we prioritize organizations that demonstrate impact, or show potential to have influence beyond their geographic scope. 

• Influence

We fund organizations strongly connected to the communities they serve and that have the potential to drive their sector toward more equitable practices and outcomes. This might include advancing new industry practices and policies, generating resource flows to underserved communities, influencing industry culture, and more. 

• Organization Size and Stage of Development

When making funding decisions, we consider the size of an organization, including the number of staff, volunteers, budget, and internal infrastructure. Inspirit tends to fund smaller organizations – typically with budgets under $1 million – that demonstrate high potential to grow or deliver impact, strengthen internal capacity, and attract additional revenue. 

Yes. We welcome inquiries throughout the year; however, due to volume and capacity constraints, we are not always able to respond quickly. Please send an email to grants@inspiritfoundation.org with a brief introduction and information about your work. 

Absolutely. Due to volume, we cannot automatically provide feedback to all applicants, but we will try to offer feedback when asked.  

Inspirit’s principles for journalism funding: 

To uphold the highest standards of ethical support for journalism, Inspirit adheres to the following principles:   

• Transparency & Donor Recognition: Inspirit publicly names all funding partnerships with journalism organizations on our Grants page. As well, we require grantee partners to publicly name Inspirit as a supporter of their work on published materials and communications – print, digital, audio, and other media – as well as website, annual report, and other public facing materials where appropriate. This is for transparency. 
• Editorial Independence and Integrity: Inspirit does not endorse, influence, edit, or vet content produced by journalist partners in advance of or following publication. Inspirit funding does not imply editorial involvement or endorsement of the content produced. 
• Journalistic Ethics: Inspirit requires that grantee partners employ all applicable ethical and/or journalistic standards applicable to the production and publication of content.  

We encourage partners in the journalism and philanthropic sectors to develop and publicly share policies for upholding ethics and integrity in journalism-related activities. Below are some resources that have been helpful to Inspirit:  

• Guidance on Philanthropic Funding of Media and News (American Press Institute) 
• Ethics Guidelines (Canadian Association of Journalists)   
• Sample Ethics Policy (PressForward)