Vancouver Foundation: LEVEL BIPOC Grant program returns for 2026

Stage 1 Deadline: opens Jan 12 & closes February 9, 2026 (5pm);

The LEVEL BIPOC Grants Program invests in the leadership capacity of BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaging organizations operating in B.C. These grants of $150,000 offer flexible, operating funding for three years to registered charities and registered non-profit societies. This funding can be used to cover costs that will contribute to their operational sustainability and adaptability to continue supporting the changing needs of their communities over time. 

These grants aim to close the funding gap by increasing access to funding for organizations serving marginalized communities. By providing multi-year operational grants, these grants aim to support BIPOC-led, BIPOC youth-led, and/or youth-engaged organizations to strengthen and sustain their organizational capacity, allowing them to focus on their programs, services, and impact.

Eligible Applicants:

To be eligible for a LEVEL BIPOC Grant, organizations must identify as “BIPOC-led” and must ensure the following criteria are met:   

• Your organization is either a registered charity  OR registered non-profit society  (including community service co-operatives) operating in B.C. since January 1, 2025, and has (or will have) society incorporation or charitable registration by April 30, 2026, 
• Your organization’s primary purpose is to operate for community benefit  in B.C., 
• Your organization is BIPOC-led, meaning at least two-thirds (67%) of your organization’s leadership team* and/or board/non-conventional governance structures are held by individuals who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour; 
• * Leadership team is defined by those in leadership positions. For volunteer-run organizations, leadership positions include all roles on the Board or other unconventional governance structures (e.g. Flat Hierarchy). 

When applying, organizations will be asked to self-identify as BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaged. To be considered eligible, organizations must: 

• Meet all BIPOC-led eligibility requirements outlined above, and, 
• Your organization is led by individuals aged 19 to 30, or,  
• Your organization actively empowers BIPOC youth to significantly influence the organization’s policies, practices, strategies, and decision-making processes. 

For definitions like BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaged, please review the glossary on page 9 of the application guide. 

These grants are to be used in whatever way supports their organizational priorities and needs, which can include (but are not limited to): 

• Operating costs
• Capacity building
• Staffing costs
• Employee assistance programs
• Service delivery costs
• Technology investments

Grant Amount: These grants are $50,000 each year, for up to three years of funding.

Upcoming Info Sessions:

NOTE: Join Vancouver Foundation staff for an informative session about the LEVEL BIPOC Grants 2026: