MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrants 2026
The MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrants 2026 Recipients!
2026 MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrant Recipients
MCIS Language Solutions is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrants.
This year, MCIS is awarding two $10,000 microgrants to initiatives that advance language access, equity, participation, and advocacy. The selected projects reflect the importance of language rights and the need for communities to be informed, heard, and understood.
The main objectives of these grants are to increase access to vital services, enhance the well-being of language communities, and promote innovation in language advocacy.
MCIS is proud to support these initiatives and the community leadership behind them. We look forward to learning from the work as the projects move forward and to sharing updates on their progress, outcomes, and impact.
2026 Microgrant Recipient – 1
Reception House Waterloo Region
Project: SkillSpeak – Voices at the Margins: AI-Powered Language Training Tool for Refugees with Low/No Literacy
Grant Amount: $10,000
Reception House Waterloo Region returns as a Microgrant recipient to build on the early development and testing of SkillSpeak, an oral-first language access and learning tool designed for refugees and newcomers with low or no literacy. In its next phase, the project will focus on strengthening and scaling the model, supporting participants in navigating services, engaging with community supports, and building confidence in communication. The project will also generate learning and tools that can support broader accessibility, public benefit, and language justice goals.
2026 Microgrant Recipient – 2
University of Alberta – Kayathiri Ganeshamoorthy
Project: Between Silence and Misunderstanding: How Language Barriers Undermine Patients’ Access to Healthcare in Alberta
Grant Amount: $10,000
This healthcare-focused initiative examines systemic language barriers within Alberta’s healthcare system. Using community-informed research, the project will identify communication gaps affecting patient access and understanding and develop tools and recommendations to support more equitable access to care.
MCIS language solutions social purpose governance gathering
How MCIS social purpose thrives
MCIS sustainable development goals
MigrahackTO
Community Hackathon on Migration Data
Most journalists and community members have never attended a hackathon. Most programmers have never worked on immigration issues. Migrahack brings them together. Who is Migrahack for? Digital journalists, non-profits, developers interested in social data, community and activists, and more.
At #MigrahackTO, participants combine data & journalism to delve into immigration issues. They get trained in data visualizing tools, form diverse teams and use the power of data to understand and visualize impactful, evidence-based narratives.
International Translation Day
In May 2017, the United Nations has officially declared September 30th International Translation Day, recognising “the practical contribution of language professionals, both in conference servicing and in the field.. including in the maintenance of peace and security, peacekeeping, the promotion of human rights and operational activities for sustainable development”. Join us on September 30th for a celebration of International 2017 Translation Day where you will have an opportunity to share your perspectives on how new technologies are disrupting the translation field and transforming your role;
network with colleagues and meet MCIS’ Translation and Translator Training teams over a delicious lunch and see a screening of documentary on meditation and mindfulness, as one of the ways to manage disruptions by increasing awareness and clarity.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate your day in the company of colleagues who believe that #LanguageRightsMatter!
Learn more about MCIS 2017 International Translation Day Event – the Future of Work
Hacking the Future of Canada’s Language Industry
MCIS Language Solutions Develops Innovative Solutions for the Language Sector.
Toronto, Ontario, July 21, 2017 – A passionate crowd of language service providers, tech professionals,entrepreneurs and engaged citizens descended on the Centre for Social Innovation yesterday to hack the future of Canada’s language industry.
There for MCIS Language Solutions’ The Future of Language Services (Un) conference, these
participants learned about and discussed some of the challenges faced in Canada and around the globe as we increasingly communicate and engage across the world’s hundreds of languages. Read the Report.
MCIS Translator Training Program
MCIS is currently developing a unique language independent training program for translators in languages of lesser diffusion with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. MCIS’ Translator Training will increase the prosperity of linguistically diverse Ontarians by building their skills and knowledge, thereby helping them become professional translators. The training will offer equal access to translation training opportunities to speakers of all languages as well as build our community’s capacity to provide qualified translations in all languages to meet both local and global needs.
Social Impact of Translation Manifesto
Translators use their words to fight social injustice and advocate for freedom of expression. Translation has always had a significant role in society. Alongside interpretation, translation bridges communication between individuals from multilingual civilizations. Translators actively bridge the communication gap and blur borders, allowing for people to cooperate, collaborate and understand each other.
Docs for Change
MCIS and the DOC Institute developed a unique program using documentary films and film-making to encourage community dialogue, inspire civic engagement, and combat isolation. The program was designed to teach the fundamentals of good social documentary filmmaking as well as techniques in community building. This included the basics of journalism—getting and finding a good story and learning how to tell it with accuracy and integrity.
Food for Language
MCIS Language Solutions’ collaborative cookbook was created to raise funds for Community Kitchen Program at Sandgate Shelter in York Region. This is a collection of personal stories and recipes in four main categories (appetizers, mains, sides and desserts) shared by MCIS Language Solutions and Sandgate Shelter. The collection attempts to capture transforming vocabularies and their dynamic relationship. The book reminds us how food transcends cultures and contributes to the quality of the multicultural fabric of Canada and global citizenship.