KAPWA
Building future connections hub
RISE UP 2025 MENTORS
Community Partners
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Community Partners 〰️
Grants & Bursaries
Program: Filipino-Canadian National Scholarship Program (FCNSP)
Aim: To empower Filipinx-Canadian youth by reducing financial barriers to post-secondary education and recognizing excellence in academics, arts, leadership, and community service
Target Audience: Filipinx-Canadian students pursuing post-secondary studies across Canada
Special Highlights: Offers scholarships in categories such as Academic Excellence, Arts & Culture, Community Leadership, First Generation, and Legacy; provides networking opportunities with industry professionals and community leaders
How to Participate: Eligible students can apply online by submitting a personal statement, supporting documents, and, for certain categories, creative portfolios or proof of community impact
Website: https://filcannationalscholarship.ca/
Program: Kickback Youth Empowerment Programs
Aim: To empower underserved youth through sports, arts, and mentorship, using sneaker culture as a tool for engagement and growth
Target Audience: Youth aged 13–17 in underserved communities across Toronto and surrounding areas
Special Highlights: Distributes sneakers, offers sports and arts programs like Run Club and filmmaking workshops, and provides mentorship and leadership development
How to Participate: Youth can apply or join programs through Kickback’s website or community partners; program details vary by season
Website: https://kickback.org/
Program: Merit Award Bursary Program
Aim: To inspire and financially support high school students continuing their education despite personal or financial challenges
Target Audience: Grade 11 and 12 students from participating schools in Toronto and Peel regions who plan to pursue further education
Special Highlights: Offers bursaries up to $5,000, mentorship opportunities, and access to a supportive alumni network
How to Participate: Eligible students apply online annually, submitting teacher references and demonstrating academic and community commitment
Website: https://www.meritaward.ca/
Program: Youth Cultural Incubators Stabilization Initiative
Aim: Help fund cultural youth mentorship programs in Toronto for 3 years
Target Audience: Toronto Youth
Special Highlights: Aims to provide support for many years.
How to Participate: Apply online. Next application window is 2025
Program: Cultural Festivals Funding
Aim: Funding to cultural projects, events, etc
Target Audience: Toronto Youth
Special Highlights: Funding specific to events
How to Participate: Apply via email. Next application window is Fall of 2024
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/grants-incentives-rebates/arts-culture-grants/
Program: Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund
Aim: Direct mentorship by professionals to Filipino Canadian scholars in various fields.
Target Audience: Ontario
Special Highlights: Investment style funding
How to Participate: Must apply 8 months before event
Website: https://www.ocaf.on.ca/application/
Program: Resilient Communities Fund
Aim: The Resilient Communities Fund supports community-based organizations that deliver programs and services in Ontario and need funding to recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability.
Target Audience: Ontario
Special Highlights: Minimum $10000 / Maximum $100000
How to Participate: Apply online, application window unknown, last window was Oct 2023
Website: https://otf.ca/our-grants/resilient-communities-fund
Program: TCDSB (Toronto Catholict District School Board) Proudly Pinoy Student Education Bursary
Aim: Fund significantly underrepresented Filipino/a/x students
Target Audience: FILIPINO/A/X YOUTH
Special Highlights: 2 x $5000
How to Participate: Must complete application form
Mentorships & Programs
Mentorship Program: Golden Balangay Awards
Aim: Recognize outstanding Filipino Canadians for contributions and achievements.
Target Audience: Filipino Canadians across fields.
Key Activities: Awards ceremony
Special Highlights: Values of solidarity, harmony, bravery.
How to Participate: Community nominations
Website: goldenbalangayawards.com
Mentorship Program: UPAAT Mentoring Program
Aim: Enhance professional/personal development of Filipino-Canadian university students.
Target Audience: Filipino-Canadian university students.
Key Activities: Mentoring on skills, goals, careers.
Special Highlights: Overcoming fears, learning from failures.
How to Participate: Program enrollment.
Website: philippinereporter.com
Mentorship Program: UPAAT Speed Mentoring Event
Aim: Direct mentorship by professionals to Filipino Canadian scholars in various fields.
Target Audience: GTA university students.
Key Activities: Speed mentoring, career talks
Special Highlights: Career planning encouragement despite challenges.
How to Participate: Event participation for career insights.
Website: upaatoronto.com
Mentorship Program: Kabangka Mentorship Program
Aim: Connect young Filipina/o/x-Canadians with leaders in their fields.
Target Audience: Young Filipina/o/x-Canadians interested in professional, academic, or personal growth.
Key Activities: 6-month mentoring in professional career, academic pursuits, or personal identity exploration
Special Highlights: Focus on professional, academic, and identity intersections; minimum monthly meetings.
How to Participate: Application required; open to Kabangka members with a September to March commitment.
Website: kabangka.org
Communities
Communities: SIBOL Filipino Canadian PRIDE Network
Description: A volunteer-led community of Fil-Can LGBTQI+ in Toronto focused on professional development, learning, networking and support.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/sibol.pridenetwork?igsh=MWk3dWpiZzltMGFoMg%3D%3D
Communities: ka.likha.saan
Description: A platform celebrating and empowering Filipinx-Canadian design culture
Winnipeg, Canada
Website: https://www.instagram.com/ka.likha.saan?igsh=MXVuaWJsbnZtdm1rMA%3D%3D
Communities: Kabangka - Filipinx-Canadian Youth Org
Description: 🇵🇭🇨🇦Youth-led & youth-serving
🍁National not-for-profit
🗳Founders & Organizers of @pinoysonparliament & Kabangka Mentorship
✌️Become a member!
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kabangkacanada?igsh=MTMwMGJsODlkaXZiNw%3D%3D
Communities: Centre Kapwa MTL
Description: UNLEARN • UNITE • UPLIFT
Filipinx-Canadian diaspora mental health & wellness through art, movement, & conversations.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/centrekapwa?igsh=NnZqbHl6ejhjempt
Communities: Kapisanan
Description: Kapisanan Philippine Arts and Culture Centre
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kapisanan?igsh=MW93cWxwMmh1MW4zaw%3D%3D
Community Partners
Adhika is a volunteer-run, registered Canadian charity founded in 1985, dedicated to empowering Filipino communities in both Canada and the Philippines. The organization focuses on initiatives such as school feeding programs, disaster relief, cultural education, and women's health advocacy. By fostering pride in Filipino heritage and supporting grassroots development, Adhika aims to enable communities to realize their own goals, wishes, and desires.
Anakbayan North York is a grassroots Filipino youth organization based in Toronto, dedicated to advocating for National Democracy in the Philippines. Established as an official chapter on February 8, 2025, the group engages in political education, community organizing, and cultural events to mobilize youth around issues affecting both the Filipino diaspora and communities in the Philippines.
Combat Science: Warrior Arts of Asia is a Toronto-based martial arts school founded in 2003 that teaches Filipino Martial Arts such as Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima. The school offers trauma-informed self-defense training and cultural education through community programs and workshops. By blending martial arts with creative expression and outreach, Combat Science empowers individuals while preserving Filipino heritage.
Anakbayan Toronto is a grassroots Filipino youth organization in Canada committed to social justice and national democracy in the Philippines. As a chapter of Anakbayan Philippines, it builds community through political education, cultural workshops, and campaigns that address issues facing both the Filipino diaspora and communities in the Philippines.
Filipino Students' Association of Toronto (FSAT) is a student-led organization at the University of Toronto's St. George campus, founded in 2005. FSAT creates a culturally immersive environment through events like Filipino Appreciation Month, Tinikling workshops, and Halo Halo-Ween. Open to all students, FSAT fosters community, celebrates Filipino heritage, and supports personal and academic growth.
FilMet is a student-led organization at Toronto Metropolitan University dedicated to celebrating and promoting Filipino culture. Through events, workshops, and community engagement, FilMet fosters a welcoming space for students to connect, learn, and embrace their heritage. The group also publishes a monthly newsletter, The Dyaryo, to keep members informed and engaged.
Kabangka is a youth-led, national not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Filipino/a/x-Canadian youth through leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. Founded in 2021, Kabangka offers programs like the Kabangka Mentorship Program, the Filipino-Canadian National Scholarship Program, and the annual Pinoys on Parliament conference. These initiatives aim to foster representation across various sectors by creating spaces for youth to connect, grow, and take action within their communities.
Golden Balangay Awards is a national recognition program celebrating the achievements of Filipino Canadians across various fields, including education, entrepreneurship, public service, and the arts. Established to honor excellence and community involvement, the awards aim to inspire pride in Filipino heritage and acknowledge contributions to Canadian society. The annual gala brings together individuals and organizations committed to uplifting the Filipino Canadian community.
Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) is a Toronto-based non-profit umbrella organization representing over a hundred Filipino-Canadian groups. Established in 1997, PIDC fosters unity within the community by organizing cultural events, including the annual Mabuhay Philippines Festival, to celebrate and promote Philippine heritage in Canada.
Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture is a youth-led, charitable community organization in Toronto dedicated to empowering Filipino/a/x youth through arts, mentorship, and leadership development. Since 2003, Kapisanan has provided a brave space for young people to explore identity, foster pride, and engage with their heritage through creative programs and cultural initiatives.
Sibol Pride Network is a volunteer-led community organization based in Toronto, dedicated to supporting Filipino Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals. The network focuses on career development, networking, and providing support to foster a cohesive and empowered community. Through events, workshops, and mentorship, Sibol creates inclusive spaces that celebrate identity and promote professional growth.
Habi Habi Po is a collective of Toronto-based Filipino/a/x artists who focus on building community through traditional textile art practices to preserve Philippine cultural heritage and revive ancestral connections.
Filipinos United for Palestine is a national coalition of Filipino individuals, organizations, and businesses in Canada advocating for a free and liberated Palestine. Through direct action, political organizing, and community education, the network mobilizes Filipinos to support Palestinian self-determination and human rights, following the lead of the Palestinian liberation movement.
Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC) is a Toronto-based non-profit organization founded in 1977 to support Filipino immigrants. Over the past 45+ years, KMC has expanded its services to assist newcomers from diverse backgrounds, offering settlement assistance, employment services, youth programs, and support for women and seniors. With a commitment to equity, compassion, and community engagement, KMC has helped over 70,000 individuals integrate into Canadian society.
Pwrforward is a Toronto-based organization dedicated to elevating Filipino excellence through community engagement. Specializing in program design, event coordination, and digital marketing, Pwrforward creates impactful experiences like the Pinay Summit and Meryenda Mixer. By fostering connections among professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives, they empower the Filipino community to thrive.
Join the mentorship hub!
Please fill out the form if you are an organization who would like to share mentorship opportunities for Filipinx youth