The Daylight Fund is an open call granting opportunity to address the safety needs of women, 2SLGBTQ+, and non-binary individuals across Canada. The pilot fund aims to support organizations directly working on gender-based safety issues.
The total amount allocated for the Daylight Fund is $500,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 over one year. The first round of funding will be awarded in Summer 2025.
Applications open March 31 and close April 25, 2025 (12pm PST).
Why Safety?
Safety for women and gender-diverse people means living free from violence, discrimination, and harm in all forms—physical, emotional, and systemic. It ensures autonomy over one’s body, access to supportive resources, and the ability to participate fully in society.
Safety goes beyond protection; it fosters empowerment, dignity, and collective well-being for all. We recognize safety is a complex concept, with many layers to it. The goal of this application is to learn about how your work would create a sense of safety. The Daylight Fund supports initiatives that foster safer environments for women and gender-diverse people, contributing to more secure communities for all.
Selections through Participatory Grantmaking
For the first time, the Houssian Foundation has created a participatory grantmaking committee. The committee will make decisions about the grants. These members bring valuable expertise and lived experience to the process.
Who is eligible?
The Houssian Foundation works exclusively with CRA-registered charities or qualified donees. We do not provide funding for bursaries, scholarships, or individual financial aid, nor for deficit financing, loans, debt reduction, endowments, or political activities.
Can grants be used for operating expenses?
Yes, grants from the Daylight Fund can be applied toward operating costs, specific projects, or initiatives focused on gender-based safety issues.
Can existing grantees apply?
Yes, current and past grantees of the Houssian Foundation are welcome to apply for the Daylight Fund, if they meet the criteria developed for this fund. This is a separate pool of funding, and applying will not affect any existing grant relationships with the Foundation.