The following funding opportunities are available for shelters and transition houses supporting women and children fleeing violence:

Fundraising Support From WSC

WSC is providing one-on-one fundraising sessions for shelters and transition houses across the country (prioritizing associate members). These sessions are offered in English but include familiarity with Quebec philanthropy as well as funders nationwide. The sessions can be up to 1 hour in length and are currently being offered on Thursdays; simply visit our Calendly page to sign up for a timeslot. If you are seeking fundraising direction, motivation, or collaboration – this may be a place to start.

WSC’s Shelter Ready Fund

The Shelter Ready Fund has now closed the first application period for VAW shelters and transition houses across the country. The application period will reopen in early 2024. For more information on the scope of the program, click here.

Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program

Public Safety Canada (PS) is working to build a safe and resilient Canada and has a renewed commitment to the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program (SIP). The SIP provides time-limited funding and support for communities at risk of hate-motivated incidents and hate-motivated crimes to enhance physical security at their gathering spaces. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until March 31, 2024, or until all funding has been allocated. More information here.

CMHC Canada Greener Affordable Housing program 

Affordable housing providers will get the help they need to make their multi-unit (5+) residential buildings more energy efficient and climate resilient. Under the Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH) program, the Government of Canada is investing $1.2 billion over four years to support the completion of deep energy pre-retrofits and/or retrofits to existing affordable housing that serve low- and moderate-income households and those in greatest need. Deadlines may vary.

Google Ad Grants

For non profits to raise awareness, attract donors, and recruit new volunteers using Google search ads. Google Ad Grants shows your message to people searching for nonprofits like yours. Each qualifying nonprofit has access to up to $10,000 per month in search ads. More information here.

Grants through the Canadian Women’s Foundation

The Canadian Women’s Foundation has regular grants cycles for which VAW shelters and transition houses are eligible. You can search their programs here.

National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) Fund 

The federal government and the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) have announced $281.5M in funding to address the need for safe and affordable urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing projects that support Indigenous Peoples living away from their traditional communities (off-reserve) across Canada. Applications open on November 24, 2023 and close on Applications close on January 12, 2024. More information here.

New Horizons for Seniors Program – Pan-Canadian Stream

The federal government is now accepting applications from organizations interested in receiving funding from the pan-Canadian stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The objective of this program is to invite eligible organizations to submit an application that broadly describes a concept for a collective impact plan that will measurably increase the social inclusion of vulnerable seniors. Eligible organizations can apply for $1 million to $5 million, for more information click here.

Response and Recovery COVID-19 Federal Funds

Women’s Shelters Canada is responsible for distributing $79 million of this funding to eligible VAW shelters and transition houses (THs) across the country, with the exception of shelters/THs located in Quebec or funded by Indigenous Services Canada. The funding has all been allocated. If you have any questions about your funding, please contact the WSC Grants Team at grants@endvaw.ca.

Rapid Housing Initiative

Capital contributions for the rapid construction of new housing and/or acquisition of existing buildings for rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing. Offered by the National Housing Strategy. To learn more, visit the CMHC website.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding

This funding opportunity aims to support the federal government’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda by strengthening partnerships and engagement with Canadians. There are two call for proposal streams: Contributions Stream and Grants Stream. Both streams are currently open with a closing date of January 12, 2024.