Canadian Women’s Foundation Feminist Futures Grants 2027–2031 – Apply for $200,000
The Canadian Women’s Foundation Feminist Futures Grants 2027–2031 are now accepting Letters of Intent from eligible organizations in Canada working to support young people, advance gender equality, prevent violence and strengthen youth leadership.
Through its new Feminist Futures strategy, the Canadian Women’s Foundation is offering two four-year funding streams: Shifting Futures and Next Waves. Successful organizations can receive $50,000 per year for four years, for a total of $200,000.
Approximately 20 grants will be awarded, with around 10 grants available through each funding stream. The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent is 29 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
About the Feminist Futures Grants
The Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Feminist Futures strategy is based on the understanding that young people are essential catalysts for gender justice. The strategy places youth at the centre of the Foundation’s broader efforts to advance economic justice and end gender-based violence.
The grant program supports initiatives that provide direct programming for young people, as well as collaborative projects and networks that strengthen the capacity of organizations serving youth.
Applicants can apply through one of two funding streams, depending on the focus and age group of their proposed program.
Shifting Futures Grants
The Shifting Futures Grants support programs for young people of all genders aged 13–29.
The grants focus on helping young people build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships free from violence and harm.
Funded initiatives can create safe and supportive environments where young people develop emotional wellbeing, learn effective communication and practice setting healthy boundaries.
Programs may be delivered in schools or community settings.
In-school programs can include activities delivered during school hours as part of the curriculum, as well as programs operating in school environments, including after-school programs.
Community-based programs can operate outside school hours in locations such as community centres, organizational premises or housing common areas.
The Foundation can support both universal programs, which may be delivered to all students within a particular grade or community, and selective programs, which serve a specific group or community of young people.
Next Waves Grants
The Next Waves Grants support programs serving girls and gender-diverse young people aged 9–17.
The funding aims to help participants develop confidence, leadership skills and a strong sense of self while pursuing their interests and becoming the next generation of changemakers.
Funded initiatives should create safe and culturally grounded spaces where young people can connect with their communities and develop practical skills to become confident decision-makers and active changemakers.
Programs funded under Next Waves must use at least one of several specified approaches. These include:
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- Physical literacy and sports
- Leadership and life skills
- Media and digital literacy
- Social and environmental justice
- Indigenous culture and teaching
This stream may therefore be particularly relevant to organizations delivering youth leadership, STEM, sports, digital literacy, cultural or social justice programs.
Grant Amount and Funding Period
The Feminist Futures Grants provide significant multi-year support for successful organizations.
Grant amount: $50,000 per year
Funding period: Four years
Total potential funding: $200,000
Expected number of grants: Approximately 20
Expected grants per stream: Approximately 10
Funding period: 2027–2031
The four-year structure allows organizations to plan and deliver programs over a longer period rather than relying solely on short-term funding.
Important Application Deadlines
Organizations interested in applying should take note of the following dates:
| Application Stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| English Information Webinar | 9 November 2026, 1:00 p.m. EST |
| French Information Webinar | 10 November 2026, 11:00 a.m. EST |
| Letter of Intent | 29 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Full Proposal | 25 February 2027, 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Funding Decisions | June 2027 |
| Funding Period | 2027–2031 |
The full proposal stage is by invitation only. Organizations must first submit a Letter of Intent and be invited to continue to the full proposal stage.
How to Apply
Before submitting an application, organizations should carefully review the Grant Guidelines for Applicants and the Application Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions.
Applicants should identify the funding stream that best corresponds to their proposed program. Shifting Futures is intended for programs supporting young people aged 13–29 of all genders, particularly initiatives focused on healthy relationships and preventing violence and harm.
Next Waves is designed for programs serving girls and gender-diverse youth aged 9–17, with a focus on confidence, leadership, identity and changemaking.
Applicants should clearly explain their proposed activities, target participants and how the initiative aligns with the objectives of the selected funding stream.
Organizations can access the application portal through the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Feminist Futures webpage. Those with an in-progress application can log in through the online application system.
Support
For questions about the Next Waves Grants, applicants can contact nextwaves@canadianwomen.org.
For technical difficulties with the online application portal, applicants can contact citech@canadianwomen.org.
The Foundation encourages applicants to review all available guidance documents before submitting their Letter of Intent.
Conclusion
The Canadian Women’s Foundation Feminist Futures Grants 2027–2031 offer an important funding opportunity for organizations supporting young people and advancing gender justice in Canada.
With grants of up to $200,000 over four years, the program can provide substantial long-term support for initiatives focused on healthy relationships, violence prevention, girls’ empowerment, leadership, STEM, sports, digital literacy, social justice and Indigenous culture.
Eligible organizations should review the application requirements and begin preparing their Letter of Intent well before the deadline.
Application deadline: 29 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
