RACIALIZED YOUTH INNOVATION (RAYI) Micro Grants 2025–2026 – Applications Now Open

Omran Aburayya
4 days ago
3 min read

If you are a young changemaker from a racialized or underserved community in Toronto or its environs with an innovative idea to uplift your community, the RAYI Micro Grants 2025–2026 might be your chance to bring that idea to life. Launched by the Canadian Center for Community Advancement (3CA) and funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada Service Corps, the RAYI initiative supports youth-led community-based projects through mentorship and financial backing. Applications are now open and accepted on a rolling basis starting May 1, 2025.

📌 RAYI Micro Grants Summary

Location: Toronto and surrounding areas, Canada
Host Institution: Canadian Center for Community Advancement (3CA)
Type: Not academic; project-based youth engagement
Target Group: Racialized and underserved youth (youth from visible minorities)
Fields of Focus:
- Environmental preservation
- Civic and democratic engagement
- Youth resilience
Award Value and Coverage:
- 14 micro grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000
- Additional support including mentorship and training
Duration: Project must be completed by March 16, 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling basis from May 1 to December 19, 2025
Project Start Date: Upon approval (grants reviewed monthly)
Eligible To: Youth-led groups with racialized youth leadership (formal or informal)

🧭 RAYI Overview

The RAYI Micro Grants support 14 community-based projects led by youth, focused on three critical streams:

Preserving the Environment: Projects may include community gardening, recycling initiatives, or clean-up campaigns.
Promoting Civic and Democratic Engagement: Proposals might involve non-partisan election awareness, civic education, or youth town halls.
Strengthening Youth Resilience: Activities could range from mental health programs to physical activities like community sports.

The initiative doesn't stop at funding; it connects youth with professionals for training and mentorship and encourages them to reflect on their journeys from concept to implementation. Projects must serve at least 10 youth beneficiaries.

🎁 Benefits of the RAYI Micro Grants

Micro grants of $2,000–$5,000
Access to training and mentorship
Free support via bi-monthly webinars and one-on-one guidance
Coverage for eligible costs including:
- Venue rental
- Honorarium and speaking fees
- Transportation (e.g., TTC tokens)
- Promotion and outreach
- Youth engagement activities
Connection with a wider network of community-minded youth and leaders

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for RAYI funding, your project must:

Be youth-led (formal or informal group)
Be led by a youth from a racialized or visible minority background
Serve a minimum of 10 youth beneficiaries
Take place in Toronto or nearby areas
Align with at least one of the three core streams

📌 Note: Only one application per group will be considered, and grants are awarded until funds are exhausted.

📄 Application Procedure

📂 Required Documents:

Project proposal (aligned with one RAYI stream)
Description of the team and beneficiaries
Budget outlining eligible expenses

How to Apply:

Applications open May 1, 2025 and close December 19, 2025
Apply via the official RAYI project page
Webinars are available for application guidance—Register here

🧾 Additional Notes

Projects must not include expenses for alcohol, cannabis, unrelated vehicle rentals, or partisan activities.
Budget reallocations above 20% require written approval.
Applications submitted in a given month are reviewed by the second week of the following month.