Pattison Outdoor is launching its national grant program for the second time.

“Elevating Voices,” spearheaded by the company’s diversity and inclusion committee, gives local non-profit and charitable organizations the opportunity to expand their reach by leveraging the inventory and power of outdoor advertising. The program will distribute $1 million in media space to organizations that promote diversity across Canada – $400,000 in media value will go to one national partner, while six regional partners will each receive a $100,000 grant.

The initiative is open to groups that support different ethno-cultural communities, women’s equality, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and those working on any project that promotes inclusion. Applications must be submitted by March 29.

Pattison first launched the program in 2022 and announced the grantees in August of last year. The national partners selected were Artists Against Racism, the Canadian Mental Health Association and The Forum (pictured), which serves women entrepreneurs. Regional partners were Outside Looking In, an organization that supports and empowers Indigenous youth; The Refugee Centre, which creates long-lasting solutions for the integration of refugees; Fruit Loop Society of Alberta, which raises funds for local community organizations in the Edmonton area dedicated to promoting non-profit groups within the LGBTQ2S+ community; and H.O.P.E Outreach, which provides services that support sex-trade workers, 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous people.

When Pattison launched the program, Steve McGregor, president of the company, said it was meant for organizations that might not otherwise have the ability to access the reach of traditional media.

Its first program, which the company says was a success, received dozens of applications from all over the country.