Purpose:

In June 2023, the federal government proclaimed that the first Friday of June (June 7, 2024) will now be recognized as the National Day against Gun Violence. The goal of the national day is to raise awareness and encourage national discussion about the causes and effects of gun violence. In alignment with this proclamation, the City is launching the Community Healing and Unity Grants. This one-time, city-wide funding opportunity will support initiatives and activities that promote peace and the reduction of gun violence in the City of Toronto. Through community-led commemorative activities and events, these grants will honour the collective memory of those lost to gun violence, showing solidarity with affected families, lost ones and communities.

This funding opportunity aims to provide a space for collective healing, remembrance, peace, unity and the acknowledgement of the impact of gun violence across the City of Toronto. Funding will support communities in building their own capacity to share their stories about the impact of gun violence and community resilience.

The Community Healing and Unity Grants will provide eligible applicants with the opportunity to apply for up to $15, 000. 00 in funding. Applicants must demonstrate that their project(s), promote healing, peace and build awareness around the impacts of Gun Violence, and honour the collective memory of those lost to gun violence through collaborative activities. Projects should focus on healing, peace and unity and should remain broad to support the community’s collective healing. Applicants must be a not-for-profit group  in order to be eligible to receive this grant and are encouraged to work in partnership with residents, grassroots groups and other community stakeholders.

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Eligibility:

The activity or initiative must meet all of the following:

1. Involve grassroots group/organization located in Toronto.
2. Group consists of 3 or more members,
3. Must have experience in running community-led events.
4. Must be willing to work with The Neighbourhood Group as their trustee.
5. Must be located in of one SafeTO zones or TO Wards Peace program areas.
6. Priority will be given to groups that are inclusive of all neighbourhoods in the zone, cross-community collaborative and demonstrates outreach that reflect all neighbourhoods.

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Key Dates:

• March 21^st, 2024: Grant Call Opens

March 28^th, 2024 12:00 - 1:00pm

• Virtual grant info session #1
• Zoom Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85854407805
• Meeting ID: 858 5440 7805
• Call in Number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kn9gekOqh

April 3^rd, 2024 6:00 - 7:00pm

• Virtual grant info session #2
• Zoom Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83430870617
• Meeting ID: 834 3087 0617
• Call in Number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbXK5UNd8y

April 19^th, 2024 at Noon:

• GRANT CLOSES

April 2024: Grant review process

• Note: Your group may be contacted during the first two weeks of April for clarifications on your projects. Group leads should regularly check their emails.

Week of April 29^th, 2024:

• Funding announcement and release of funds.

May 18^th – 22^nd, 2024:  

• Orientation and Training with Trustee (The Neighbourhood Group)

June 7^th, 2024 – June 14^th, 2024:

• Majority of project activities take place.

June 15^th, 2024 – June 30^th, 2024:

• Other project activities completed.

July 30^th, 2024:

• Final Report Due
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How to Apply:

Applicants are welcomed to visit the following link to fill out their online application form:

Community Healing and Unity Grants (chkmkt.com)

The Grant Guidelines can be found here: Community Healing and Unity Grant Guidelines - FINAL.docx

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Contact Information:

Should you have any questions about the Community Healing and Unity Grants, please contact:

Pauletta Frater - Supervisor, TO Wards Peace - Pauletta.Frater@toronto.ca

Tyreek Philips - Program Coordinator - Tyreek.Phillips@tngcs.org

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