Manitoba has opened applications for the 2026 Orange Shirt Day Fund, offering up to $1 million to support community events that honour residential school Survivors and advance truth‑telling across the province. The fund helps Indigenous nations, schools, municipalities, and community groups develop programming for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The province says the funding is designed to strengthen local education efforts, support Survivor‑led initiatives, and ensure communities have the resources to host meaningful events. Last year’s fund supported 74 projects across Manitoba, ranging from school‑based learning activities to large community gatherings and cultural ceremonies.
Eligible groups can now apply through the province’s online grant portal, the same system used for other Arts, Culture and Sport programs. While the government release did not include the link directly, the application portal is available here:
👉 Apply here: Orange Shirt Day Fund 2026 Application Form
The province notes that the fund is open to a wide range of organizations, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, non‑profits, educational institutions, and local governments. Projects may include public events, cultural programming, workshops, or initiatives that promote awareness of residential school history and honour Survivors and their families.
For Westman communities — including Brandon, Neepawa, Carberry, and surrounding First Nations — the fund offers an opportunity to expand or enhance local Orange Shirt Day activities. The province encourages early applications to ensure groups have time to plan ahead of the September 30 observance.
