Grassroots Accelerator Program
Grassroots In Conversation Event Registration
Our ‘Grassroots in Conversation’ event is a relationship-building pilot that will bring together grassroots organizations and leaders across the Prairies and Northern Territories (PNT) before GAP officially launches applications.
We want to understand what grassroots organizations need to thrive, from their perspective, and create a space where they can connect with each other. This event will inform how GAP designs its capacity-building offerings, outreach strategies, and application process in a way that is responsive, relational, and equity-rooted.
Register for an Upcoming Event Here
The Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP) is a collaborative initiative between Centre for Race and Culture (CFRAC), Gateway Association (Gateway), and Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) which supports grassroots organizations led by and serving equity-deserving communities across prairies and northern territories: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories.
What is a grassroots organization?
A grassroots organization is a community-driven group created and led by self-advocates and individuals with a deep passion and commitment to enacting positive (social) change. These organizations are closely connected to the communities they serve and are often at the frontlines, responding to community needs, crises, and other challenges.
Why was GAP created?
Grassroots organizations, particularly those working with migrant women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, racialized people, individuals with disabilities, youth, and seniors, are often serving newcomers in their communities. The aim of the GAP is to strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations to increase their participation in the newcomer-serving sector.
Through funding, coaching, and tailored supports, the GAP will help grassroots organizations to:
- Strengthen their internal organizational systems
- Increase their ability to deliver community-informed programs for newcomers
- Build connections and long-term sustainability for grassroots organizations
GAP has two components:
1. The Grassroots Collective
An open network for all grassroots organizations in the region.
- Connect with other Grassroots
- Share knowledge and resources
- Learn from each other’s experiences
If you are a grassroots organization in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, or the Northwest Territories, big or small — you are welcome here.
2. Funding + Capacity Building
Funding and tailored support for grassroots organizations that meet certain criteria:
- Are incorporated/registered
- Have an annual operating budget under $500,000
- Are led by and serve equity-deserving groups (for example: racialized newcomers, migrant women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, youth)
- Already serve newcomers, or want to expand their work to support newcomers
Who should get involved?
- If you are a grassroots group in the Prairies or Northern Territories, you can join the Grassroots Collective to connect and share.
- If your group meets the criteria above, you can also apply for funding and additional support through GAP.
Note: If you are not selected for the GAP funding, you can still be part of the GAP Grassroots Collective, a network offering training, tools, and peer learning opportunities.
Why it’s important
Grassroots organizations are powerful pioneers of systemic change in their trusted communities. Compared to larger or more established organizations, grassroots groups often have less access to stable funding, training, and other supports. These barriers can affect their ability to expand and to support newcomer communities whose needs are diverse and constantly changing due to things like world events, political changes, or crises.
The Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP) was created to help address these systemic challenges. GAP provides tools, resources, and systems to help grassroots organizations strengthen their work and continue supporting newcomer communities in meaningful, lasting ways.
Through funding, coaching, and tailored capacity-building supports, the GAP helps organizations:
Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP): Application Process for Funding + Capacity-Building
We know applications can sometimes feel overwhelming. At GAP, we want the process to feel simple, supportive, and easy to access.
Applications open October 1, 2025. Please visit this webpage once applications open.
Who Can Apply?
Grassroots Organizations that:
- Are incorporated/registered
- Have an annual operating budget under $500,000
- Are led by and serve equity-deserving groups
- (for example: racialized newcomers, migrant women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, youth)
- Already serve newcomers, or want to expand their work to support newcomers
Expression of Interest
Step 1: Expression of Interest opens from October 1st to November 30th, 2025.
You’ll tell us about your organization in the way that works best for you. There are a few options
- Fill out a short online form or PDF
- Have a phone or video call with GAP staff
- Send us a short voice note or video (up to 5 minutes)
We’ll also ask you some questions about your purpose, who you serve, your team, and what support would make your work stronger so that we can get to know you better.
Follow Up Conversations
Step 2: Follow-up conversations from December 2025 to January 2026
If your organization meets the basic criteria, we’ll invite you to a 45-to-60-minute conversation. This will be a chance for us to get to know each other, share more about GAP, and talk about your ideas for how funding or other supports could help your work.
Notice of Selection
Step 3: Selection (Mar 2026)
Through a fair and collaborative process, we’ll select up to 15 grassroots organizations. Each selected group will receive up to $150,000 in funding plus tailored supports to build their capacity. Organizations not selected will still be welcome to connect with us and join learning opportunities or communities of practice.
Our Commitments:
- We’ll keep the process simple and in plain language.
- You can apply in the way that works best for you.
- We’ll respect your time and realities.
- We’ll offer support, whether or not you receive funding.
The Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP) is a collaborative initiative between Centre for Race and Culture (CFRAC), Gateway Association (Gateway), and Alberta Association for Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA).
