We’re excited to share our 2025 Toronto's Vital Signs grantees. These organizations were chosen for their visionary work in tackling our city's inequities. They are poised to further strengthen their real and measurable impact for Torontonians—from increasing access to culturally relevant food to ensuring people with disabilities can fully participate in the arts.
Fundholder support created more grants
This year, we received a record number of applications, showing both the immense need in our city and the incredible work being done to address it. In response to this overwhelming demand, 16 of our generous fundholders stepped up—contributing an additional $45,000 to the funding pool. Thanks to their support, we were able to fund 27 organizations— three more than originally planned.
Meet the 2025 Grantees
These organizations span diverse sectors and communities, but all are tackling some of Toronto’s most pressing challenges—from youth empowerment to gender equity to food insecurity. Each grantee has demonstrated deep commitment to community impact.
Registered charity and nonprofits with charitable trustees
- Aura Freedom
- Adornment Stories (trustee: M4BJ)
- Black Food Sovereignty Alliance (BFSA)
- BREATHE Midwives
- Comeback Catalyst
- Flaunt It Movement (trustee: Success Beyond Limits)
- Hijabi Ballers (trustee: Lay Up Basketball)
- Inner City Outreach
- Iranian Women’s Organization of Ontario
- It Gets Better Canada
- M.I.N.D. Program Moving in New Directions Inc.
- Music Share for Seniors
- Next Generation Arts
- Oneness Education Foundation
- Project: Humanity Inc
- Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers (trustee: FoodShare Toronto)
- Turtle Protectors/Mishiikenh Gizhaasowin (trustee: FoodShare Toronto)
- Xenia Concerts
Incorporated nonprofits
Grant Selection Committee
We are grateful to our board, staff and community leaders who volunteered their time to the Toronto Vital Signs Grant Selection Committee process.
- Amanda Coombs, Executive Director, Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Centre
- Andrea Milatovic, Peter Gilgan Foundation
- Arman Hamidian, Santis Health
- Aruna Dey, Toronto Foundation staff
- Elle De Lyon, Program Director, R.I.S.E. Edutainment
- Jo Alcampo, Community Literacy Worker & Collective Member, Parkdale Project Read
- Julia Girmenia, Project Director, MakeWay Charitable Society- Not Far From The Tree
- Kimber Kunimoto, Toronto Foundation staff
- Kira Allen, b current Performing Arts
- Margaret Afekafe, Nia Centre for the Arts
- Nicole Nunes, Toronto Foundation staff
- Phylicia Davis-Wesseling, Toronto Foundation staff
- Steve Kuwahara, Toronto Foundation board