RFP details Posted 23 hours ago
OCASI is pleased to open its 2026-2027 Call for Proposals for the Equity Stream Fund, investing in projects led by grassroots community organizations (GCOs) to improve the well-being of equity-seeking communities across Ontario.
About the Equity Stream Fund Program:
The Equity Stream Fund is a three-year initiative funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program aims to strengthen the capacity of incorporated and unincorporated Grassroots Community Organizations (GCOs) led by and serving equity-seeking communities across Ontario.
Through the Equity Stream Fund Program, OCASI serves as an intermediary to provide funding and capacity-building support to GCOs. This program specifically targets GCOs not currently funded by IRCC, reinforcing their vital role in Ontario's immigrant and refugee-serving sector.
Investments made through the Equity Stream Fund extend beyond project funding. Grant recipients receive capacity building through training and opportunities for collaboration and networking.
Project Eligibility:
Proposed projects under the Equity Stream Program must focus on enhancing the capacity of GCOs to serve immigrants, refugees, and equity-seeking communities in Ontario. Projects should address a community need/issue not currently funded by another source and align with one or both of the following focus areas:
- Organizational Capacity Building - Strengthening internal systems to enhance participation in the settlement sector.
- Service Capacity Building - Increasing the capacity to deliver equitable, effective, and efficient services to equity-seeking communities.
Key Details
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for funding, your organization/group must:
Be an incorporated Grassroots Community Organization actively operating in Ontario for at least two consecutive years with an annual operational budget of less than $1 million.
Be an unincorporated Grassroots Community Organization actively operating in Ontario for at least two consecutive years with an annual operational budget of less than $1 million.
Funding Period:
Funding will be provided for projects running from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Application Available in:
Applications can be submitted in either English or French.
Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 19 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be considered.
Information Sessions:
OCASI will host two virtual information sessions to provide information on the CFP process and address applicant questions:
Session 1: Virtually via Zoom
- Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
- Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Register here
Session 2: Virtually via Zoom
- Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
- Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Register here
Simultaneous interpretation in English and French
Questions or concerns?
Email Yasin Samim or Isabella Hong at equityfund@ocasi.org
We look forward to your proposals to empower equity-seeking communities across Ontario!
How to apply
How to Apply?
Review the CFP Program Guidelines for Incorporated or Unincorporated GCOs.
Click HERE for CFP Program Guidelines for Incorporated GCOs
Click HERE for CFP Program Guidelines for Unincorporated GCOs
- Register or sign into OCASI’s CFP Portal
- Click on the "Submit a Proposal" button
- Select “Incorporated” or “Unincorporated” Funding Stream under the Applications section on your dashboard.
- Complete the required fields in your application (do not forget to save your progress).
- Click the “Save & Submit” button