River Philip Foundation - Performing and Visual Arts

Overview of the River Philip Foundation - Performing and Visual Arts program:

The River Philip Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that offers grants to Canadian registered charities working to address root causes of social, economic, and environmental challenges. The foundation takes a systems-change approach, supporting organizations that are actively working to shift power dynamics, improve equity, and build sustainable, inclusive communities. Grant funding is typically awarded to initiatives that focus on long-term impact and community leadership, especially those involving marginalized populations such as Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, and other racialized groups. Applicants must demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing social justice through direct action, policy change, or community-based initiatives. The foundation supports a variety of project types, including those related to youth engagement, racial equity, housing justice, food sovereignty, and economic inclusion. The foundation is particularly interested in organizations that collaborate across sectors and prioritize lived experience, cultural knowledge, and grassroots leadership in their strategies. Grants may support operational costs, project funding, or capacity-building efforts. The River Philip Foundation does not publish fixed grant amounts or deadlines; instead, it invites eligible charities to submit letters of inquiry throughout the year, which are then reviewed on a rolling basis. Organizations are encouraged to align their proposals with the foundation’s guiding principles, which include transparency, trust-based philanthropy, and long-term partnership building.

Benefits of the River Philip Foundation - Performing and Visual Arts program:

• Flexible funding that can support projects, operations, or capacity-building
• Emphasis on long-term systems change and social impact
• Focus on equity, community leadership, and power-sharing
• Encourages culturally rooted and community-informed initiatives
• Trust-based funding approach with fewer administrative barriers
• Support for collaboration and cross-sector innovation
• Prioritizes initiatives led by or serving Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities

Eligibility criteria of the River Philip Foundation - Performing and Visual Arts program:

• Must be a Canadian registered charity with a valid CRA registration number
• Must demonstrate alignment with the foundations mission to address systemic inequities
• Projects must focus on community-based solutions and systems change
• Priority is given to initiatives serving marginalized populations, including Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, people with disabilities, newcomers, and low-income populations
• Organizations must be able to demonstrate impact, collaboration, and community involvement
• Both small and large charities are eligible, including those with limited fundraising capacity