Pro-Bono Service Offering

Changemark is announcing the launch of a program to provide no-cost proposal and grant writing services to non-profit, community based, organizations offering harm reduction services in the area of substance use. We’re dedicating $100,000 in professional services to support this critical work. Eligible organizations are now invited to apply.

Please share this announcement with the community-based harm reduction service providers in your network!

Canada is nine years into a public health emergency, with over 50,000 lives lost due to toxic drug poisonings since 2016. Ongoing shifts are taking place in provincial and federal funding priorities, and as a result, evidence-based harm reduction programs have experienced a decrease in funding. Altogether, this has left a gap between community need and the availability of services. Those on the frontlines providing immediate response cannot be left behind.

Changemark is offering pro-bono services in the following areas:

• Grant Writing: Our team of experienced grant writers supports you in writing, structuring, information gathering, and ultimately crafting compelling grant proposals that truly tell your story and aim to maximize your likelihood of success. We can also support copy-editing, budgeting, administrative and technical aspects of grant applications, enabling your team to focus on developing a strong project plan.
• Grant Research & Prospecting: We conduct comprehensive research to find funding opportunities that match your organizational goals and provide practical recommendations on priorities and next steps.
• Fund Development Strategy: We work with you to help navigate the grant and funding landscape, co-developing tailored funding strategies aligned with your organization’s needs, capacity and strategic goals.
• Grant and Proposal Writing Training & Support: We offer your team foundational skills, tools, and strategic guidance to develop confidence in grant writing, enabling you to craft strong proposals independently.

Eligible Organizations

Non-profit, community-based organizations offering harm reduction substance use-related services are invited to apply. Eligible organizations are community-led, driven by lived and/or living experience and local priorities.

Due to the enduring impacts of colonialism and systemic racism, toxic drug-related deaths and events have disproportionately impacted First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples. As a result of funding disparities and inequitable access to life saving supports, people living in Northern, rural, and remote locations are also disproportionately impacted. Changemark will prioritize applications from Indigenous-led organizations or those offering services and programs in First Nations and Métis, Inuit communities.

We will also give priority to groups supporting other underserved populations disproportionately affected, including Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, youth, trades workers, sex workers, people experiencing housing insecurity and/or poverty, those recently incarcerated, people who have lived experience with the child welfare system, and individuals with co-occurring mental health challenges.

Application & Review Process

Organizations are invited to apply for a limited number of pro-bono service spots, selected through a formal review process. Members of the selection committee include Indigenous reviewers, community advisors, and Changemark representatives. The community advisors have experience receiving substance use services, either currently or in the past, and are familiar with working with community non-profits, either as volunteers or staff. If the number of eligible applications exceeds our available budget, and we have achieved national representation, selection will be made by lottery system with members of the review committee present. The final step of the review process will be a meet-and-greet conversation with the Changemark team to ensure alignment with applicant organization’s needs. Services will be delivered within a 12-month timeframe.

All grants written for Indigenous led organizations and in Nation are led by Indigenous Grant Writers with settler ally support.

To apply, please complete an application no later than 5:00pm July 25th, 2025. Applicants will be informed by October 1st, 2025.

If there are any questions with the application or if you require any support, please contact: probono@changemark.ca