Ethnocultural Community Support Program

Overview of the Ethnocultural Community Support Program program:

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.

Benefits of the Ethnocultural Community Support Program program:

• 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

Eligibility criteria of the Ethnocultural Community Support Program program:

• Eligible organizations must be a Manitoba-based ethnocultural organization and meet the following criteria:
• Be a Manitoba-based ethnocultural community organization whose activities are open to all Manitobans;
• Be incorporated as a not-for-profit for at least one year and in good standing with a federal or provincial registering agency;
• Have written and duly approved by-laws that include clearly defined objectives, mission or mandate to preserve, promote, and share ethnocultural heritage among all Manitobans;
• Have an accountable board of directors who meet regularly and serve without remuneration;
• Be able to demonstrate financial standing of the organization. If the organization is operating with a deficit, the applicant must submit a deficit reduction plan with the application (see bottom of budget template)
• 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 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.
• The following organizations are not eligible for ECSP:
• Religion-based institutions and organizations including churches, synagogues, mosques,
• Temples, places of worship;
• Political parties or affiliates with express political/ideological objectives;
• Federal, Provincial or Municipal government departments and crown agencies;
• Schools, day cares, colleges, universities and affiliates;
• Professional performing arts groups;
• Arts-based festivals;
• Organizations whose primary purpose may include social services**;
• Agencies whose primary purpose is grants allocation; and
• Past grant recipients who have reporting requirements still outstanding.
• Ineligible programs/activities may include, but are not limited to:
• ECSP special initiative projects/activities that have been funded before;
• After-school programs/ educational support/tutoring/homework clubs;
• Newcomer settlement support services such as housing programs to immigrants and refugees,
• Employability and skills training, networking, computer classes;
• Summer camps or overnight camps;
• Programs or projects that do not provide a broad community benefit and/or have restricted or
• Limited public access;
• Projects, programs outside of Manitoba;
• Folklorama related activities and costs;
• Games and sports that are not traditional in nature;
• Religious services or proselytizing;
• Researcher/consultant related expenses and activities.