Apr 21, 2025
Tyler Boyce, Brittan Hudson, and Zoë David-Delves
This national report by The Enchanté Network outlines key findings and recommendations from the Rainbow Resilience Fund, which supported 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in preventing and responding to hate crimes across Canada. Drawing on insights from grantee roundtables, Funding Equality offers a comprehensive guide for funders, policymakers, and community leaders on how to create safer, more resilient 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
The Funding Equality (2025) report is a comprehensive research study led by The Enchanté Network, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQI+ association, in collaboration with David-Delves Consulting.
It analyzes the outcomes of the Rainbow Resilience Fund (RRF) — a national initiative providing one-time grants of $10,000–$25,000 to organizations combatting hate crimes and fostering community resilience.
Drawing from Knowledge Sharing and Impact Assessment Roundtables with funded organizations, this report identifies critical lessons, challenges, and solutions for supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities amid rising hate and discrimination.
Key Highlights
Why This Project Is Necessary
Canada has seen a 64% rise in police-reported hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI+ people.
The project addresses urgent needs for safety, funding flexibility, and long-term sector resilience.
Landscape of Anti-2SLGBTQI+ Hate Crimes
71% of organizations reported responding to growing anti-2SLGBTQI+ sentiment.
65% cited specific hate-motivated incidents — including hate speech, cyberattacks, and physical violence.
Recipients and Impact
Over 30 organizations received RRF funding, representing every province and territory.
Projects ranged from anti-hate campaigns to community safety planning, rural outreach, and intersectional healing programs.
Key Findings & Recommendations
Funder Flexibility: Allow qualitative reporting, storytelling, and trauma-informed evaluation.
Partnerships & Co-Development: Prioritize collaboration, especially with Indigenous and rural communities.
Capacity Building: Fund staff training, mental health supports, and volunteer coordination.
Community Healing & Joy: Invest in programming that centers rest, art, and celebration—not just trauma.
Digital and Physical Safety: Support cyber-protection and infrastructure for safer community spaces.
Sustainability: Shift toward multi-year funding models that enable long-term planning.
National Scope & Legacy
Funded organizations spanned the entire country—from Vancouver Pride and Fernie Pride Society to Northern Mosaic Network, Alter Acadie NB, and Maggie’s Toronto.
The report serves as a blueprint for funders, allies, and policymakers to design equitable grant programs grounded in community expertise.