We are thrilled to announce the call for proposals for the 2025 MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrants!
What are the MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrants?
The MCIS Language Advocacy Microgrants, established in 2024, are designed to support initiatives that promote language rights as fundamental human rights. These grants fund a variety of projects, including arts-based advocacy for minority language education, digital language accessibility initiatives and campaigns that promote language rights.
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.
Past Winners
In May 2024, MCIS Language Solutions awarded three Language Justice Microgrants to notable “Language Keepers” initiatives for their outstanding contributions to language advocacy. These microgrants are designed to further develop the chosen initiatives and enhance their efforts in promoting language rights as human rights and just language policies.
The winner of the microgrants in 2024, Dr. Rebekah R. Ingram, Dr. Kahente Horn-Miller and the Kanyen’kehá:ka Mapping Collective, created an initiative committed to the preservation and revitalization of the Kanyen’ké:ha language and cultural heritage. Read more about it in our previous blog post: MCIS Awarding Micro-grants of up to $20000 to Language Advocates
Grant Details
First Place: $10,000
Runners-Up: $5,000 each for two projects
Additional Benefits: Membership in the Language Access Coalition of Canada and an invitation to serve on the Advisory Board for selected applicants.
Judging Criteria
The grants will be judged based on five key criteria:
Language Advocacy: Effectiveness and equitability of the proposed project.
Community Impact: Improved access to essential services and well-being of language communities.
Innovation: Novel approaches in the field of language advocacy.
Scalability: Potential for community growth and adaptability to other regions.
Feasibility: Viability of the implementation plan and strategic partnerships.
Eligibility
The award is open to individuals, groups, and entities such as grassroots organizations, coalitions, academic groups, nonprofits, and community agencies. Applicants must have a history of actively working to promote, preserve, or protect language access as a human right.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025, through our online portal.
All supporting documentation, including project timelines, budgets, and partner commitments, should be included. Winners will be announced at the annual MCIS Language Impact event in May 2025