FUNDING & GRANTS
Since 2019, SHIFT has funded 54 teams & organizations, distributing over $1.1 million.
Capacity Fund
Up to $2000 available per project, per year
Rolling deadlines: November, February, May and August
This program is for:
- Teams or groups that have previously received funding from SHIFT in the last two years.
- Teams or groups seeking support in building up their capacity, knowledge, and sustainability.
Advocacy & Action Fund
Total of $40,000 available
Closed
Up to $20,000 each, for two projects who have not previously received SHIFT funding
This new progam is for:
- Coalitions or collaboratives striving for a sustainable and socially just Montreal through public policy or institutional advocacy, activism or direct action or mobilization.
- Coalitions or collaboratives working in aligment with SHIFT's mission, values, and basic criteria.
Ongoing Connections Grant (OCG)
Total of $50,000 available
Funding renewals $10,000 per project
You are eligible for the OCG if:
- You are an active member of the SHIFT community and have previously received funding for your socially transformative project.
- You continue to be engaged in work that aligns with SHIFT’s values and mission.
- You need additional financial resources to support your efforts.
How we make funding decisions
All funding at SHIFT is allocated through a participatory process with our Selection Committees, recruited from Concordia University and our community partners. They are responsible for reviewing, assessing, interviewing applicants, and making final decisions about who receives SHIFT funding. No two Selection Committees are the same, ensuring that SHIFT can continue expanding our network and bringing new perspectives into our decision making.
Every Selection Committee member is paid an honorarium for their participation.
Guiding principles
In our ongoing work to design programs and develop processes that are accessible and fair, we allocate funding using the following approaches:
- Provide support: Ease the administrative burden on teams throughout the process by offering advice, coaching, and other support throughout the application process
- Recognize the value of what already exists: Don’t overvalue newness, and make it possible for projects that are already underway to receive support. Continue investing in the sustainability of our partners.
- Keep it simple: Ensure that the application forms are easy to understand and not too burdensome to complete.
- Avoid unnecessary constraints: Don’t over-restrict how funding can be used.
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