Overview

The Transforming Systems Grants (TSG) will fund organizations advancing systemic change by addressing the root causes of inequality and supporting those most affected to shape their own futures. TSG is intended to support organizations that prioritize intersectionality, allyship and mutual liberation in their efforts to challenge oppressive systems. These grants of $300,000 offer flexible, operational funding for three years to qualified donees, registered non-profit societies and community co-operatives operating in BC.

For a complete list of key terms and definitions, please see page 7 of the application guide.

Purpose of Funding

This funding was designed to support operational costs, rather than specific projects, to provide organizations with the flexibility to use the funding to meet their own needs and priorities.

Funding is intended to support existing work and can be used for one or more of the following:

• Sustaining, deepening, and/or expanding current operations and initiatives;
• Building or expanding networks or strategic partnerships; and/or,
• Amplifying reach and effectiveness.

Available Grants

Transforming Systems Grants has a funding commitment of approximately $9 million. There are 30 awards available. Each award is $300,000, divided into equal payments of $100,000, to be distributed over three years.

Eligibility

We encourage interested applicants to review pages 3 & 4 of the application guide to understand the eligible activities and expenses this grant program funds.

To be eligible for a Transforming Systems Grant, your organization’s primary purpose must be for community benefit AND must meet one of the following criteria:

• Your organization is a qualified donee operating in British Columbia.
• Your organization is a registered non-profit society that has been operating in British Columbia since January 1, 2024.
• Your organization is an unregistered non-profit society that has been operating in British Columbia since January 1, 2024, that will have society registration by February 28, 2025.
  • If becoming a registered non-profit society is a barrier for your organization, please contact us at admin@vancouverfoundation.ca  
• Your organization is a community service co-operative operating in British Columbia.

Not sure if your organization is eligible? Take our short online eligibility quiz to determine if this grant is the right fit for your organization.

Info Sessions

On November 21st, 25th, and 27th, and December 3rd and 4th, we hosted live information sessions for applicants to learn more about TSG and connect with staff.

View the presentation slides here.

How to Apply

1. Review the Application Guide.
2. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria .
3. Set up an account or log into the online grant management system to submit your application by January 14, 2025, at 5pm PT.
   • Need help creating an account? You can watch this instructional video to get started.
4. Wait to hear Stage 1 decisions, communicated via email.

To see steps for Stage 2 of the application process, please review page 5 of the application guide.

Selection Process

1. After Stage 1 closes on January 14, staff will assess applications to confirm eligibility and alignment to funding priorities.
2. Applications will be sorted and assigned to either a large urban population centre or a smaller population centre, rural and/or remote communities.
3. Applications will be randomly selected to determine which ones advance to Stage 2.
4. Selected applicants will be invited to Stage 2 to provide more information by submitting a written or oral application.

Contact

If you have questions about the Transforming Systems Grants, including how to navigate or troubleshoot the online grant management system, please email us at grants.admin@vancouverfoundation.ca