Ethnocultural Community Support Program*
* The application, final reporting, and deadline for the Ethnocultural Community Support Program have been updated. Changes to the program are outlined below.
The Ethnocultural Community Support Program (ECSP) supports the open exchange of cultural practices, traditions, languages and customs of Manitoba’s ethnocultural communities. ECSP supports the goals of Manitoba’s Multiculturalism Act by providing grants to eligible Manitoba-based not-for-profit ethnocultural community organizations through two award streams:
- Programming: to support core activities promoting cultural exchange that are delivered by the organization on an ongoing or recurring basis (examples include but are not limited to: cultural celebrations, heritage language instruction, cultural expression, etc.)
- Special Initiatives: to support a one‑time event of special importance (example: commemorative anniversaries, dedications/recognitions) or to pilot a program that meets the objectives of ECSP.
- Levels of Support
- Eligible Organizations
- ECSP Guidelines
- Deadlines
- How to Apply for ECSP Funding
- Reporting Requirements
- Other Grants and Resources
Levels of Support
ECSP will cover eligible costs incurred between April 1 and March 31 up to a maximum of:
- $25,000.00 for Programming; and
- $10,000.00 for Special Initiatives
Successful applicants may receive less than amounts requested. Amounts awarded are based on the availability of funds, the eligibility of proposed costs, the applicant's capacity to use the funds effectively, the amount of community involvement of the applicant organization, and other sources of funding.
Eligible Organizations
Eligible organizations must be a Manitoba-based ethnocultural organization and meet the following criteria:
- be incorporated as a not-for-profit for at least a year and in good standing with federal or provincial registering agency;
- have clearly defined objectives, mission or mandate to preserve ethnocultural heritage or practices stated in its constitution and/or by-laws;
- have an accountable board of directors (including an executive committee) who meets regularly and serves without remuneration; and
- have an organizational plan, annual budget and established financial accountability policies and practices.
If a Manitoba-based ethnocultural organization wishes to partner with another community group in delivering a core program and/or special project, the primary applicant must be an ethnocultural organization that meets the program eligibility criteria.
ECSP will give priority to programs, activities or projects that contain one or more of the following components:
- Anti-racism: to combat racial stereotypes and discrimination;
- Multiculturalism: to support cultural diversity, including inter-cultural and inter‑faith understanding and connection through encouraging cooperation and partnership between cultural communities;
- Multigenerational engagement: to support activities that bring together and celebrate all generations as well as those that target youth and seniors specifically.
ECSP Guidelines
The ECSP Guidelines (PDF) outline the program’s purpose, deadlines, objectives, levels of support, eligibility criteria, eligible costs, and applicant responsibilities.
Deadlines
In 2023, ECSP transitioned to a single annual intake. The annual deadline is March 31.
Applicants interested in funding for activities occurring between April 1 and March 31 are required to submit an application, as well as any outstanding final reporting for previously-funded activities, by this deadline.
If a deadline date falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the deadline is the following business day.
*Organizations that received funding through the October 2022 intake were contacted regarding a transition plan to bring them (and their final reporting) into alignment with this new funding cycle.
It is strongly recommended that first time applicants discuss their proposed activities with Strategic Policy Branch staff at least two months prior to the application deadline. If either the application or final report date falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the deadline is the following business day.
Applications and final reports must be received on or before the following dates:
- Applications: March 31
- Final Reports: April 30
How to Apply for ECSP Funding
STEP 1) Review the Program Guidelines (PDF)
STEP 2) Complete the Application Form (PDF)
- Download the fillable forms and save it on your desktop.
- Using Adobe Acrobat (a free downloadable application), fill in and save the required information in all fields.
- Check that all information has been provided prior to printing the forms and having it signed.
- Please ensure that all information requested is provided using the checklist on the first page. Incomplete applications may result in a decision to decline funding.
Financial Overview:
Additional Programs:
You may apply for funding for as many programs as you wish. If your organization is requesting funding for more than three programs, please add another copy of the chart to your application.
STEP 3) Submit the completed ECSP Application:
E-mail the completed application form and attach all supporting documents to strategic.policy@gov.mb.ca. Please ensure that all files are clearly labelled and, where applicable, PDFs.
You should receive an automated email confirming receipt of your application shortly after your submission. If you do not, please contact our office at 204-945-5632.
Reporting Requirements
STEP 1) Complete the Final Report Form (PDF)
Download the fillable pdf and save it on your desktop. Using Adobe Acrobat (a free downloadable application), fill in and save the required information in all fields. Check that all information has been provided and saved before you print the form and have it signed.
STEP 2) Submit the completed Final Report:
E-mail the completed final report form and attach all supporting documents to: strategic.policy@gov.mb.ca. Please ensure that all files are clearly labelled and, where applicable, PDFs.
Final Report Financial Overview:
Additional Programs:
If your organization received funding for more than three programs, please add another copy of the chart to your final report.
