RISE Fund
The RISE Fund is a mutual aid initiative by Black Lives Matter Sudbury providing direct financial support to low-income Black individuals in the Greater Sudbury Area. Rooted in community care and collective empowerment, the fund helps address urgent needs.
Artwork credit: Here to Stay Baby, Nia Ekiyor-Katimi, 2021
About the RISE Fund
Launched in 2024, the RISE Fund was created in response to the systemic and economic barriers that disproportionately affect Black communities in Greater Sudbury. It is grounded in the principles of mutual aid, collective care, solidarity, and trust, recognizing that community members are best positioned to identify and articulate their own needs.
The fund provides flexible support to help address pressing expenses such as housing costs, food insecurity, transportation, education, healthcare, and other essentials that contribute to stability and well-being. Beyond immediate relief, the RISE Fund is part of a broader commitment to strengthening community networks and advancing long-term equity.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Identify as Black (including African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Indigenous, Afro-Arab, and Afro-Latinx individuals)
Be low-income
Reside in the Greater Sudbury Area
To date, two funding cycles have been completed, redistributing $10,000 directly back into the community to support individuals and families facing financial hardship.
Round Two Highlights (January 2025)
$5,000 claimed in just 10 minutes.
Majority of recipients: Aged 25–34 (36%), followed by 18–24 (32%)
Top locations: Garson and Downtown Sudbury (12% each)
Average request: $200
Primary use of funds: Groceries (80%)
Round One Highlights (January 2024)
$5,000 claimed in 3.5 hours
27 recipients supported; majority aged 35–44 (59.3%)
Recipients live across Greater Sudbury, most in New Sudbury (22%)
Average request: $150
Primary use of funds: Groceries (70.4%)
Through collective action and resource sharing, the RISE Fund reflects a vision of community-led solutions and sustained social change