FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, Ontario, March 31, 2025 – The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Black Ideas Grant 2.0 program. In a powerful demonstration of support for Black communities across Canada, FFBC has awarded $9.5 million in funding to 161 exceptional Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving (B3) organizations nationwide.

This year’s grant program received an overwhelming response, with over 1,500 applications requesting more than $150 million in total funding—underscoring the critical need for investment in Black communities across Canada.

“The Black Ideas Grant 2.0 program reflects FFBC’s dedication to ensuring Black communities have direct access to the funding and resources necessary to address systemic barriers,” said Marlene Jennings, Foundation for Black Communities Co-Chair. “Whether supporting food security initiatives, revitalizing a community centre, or investing in the arts, our Black Ideas Grant 2.0 is committed to investing in projects that create meaningful and lasting impact within Black communities.”

At the heart of FFBC’s approach is the belief that Black communities best understand their own challenges and solutions. This philosophy drives FFBC’s commitment to listening and responding directly to community needs, allowing those closest to the issues to determine priorities and guide how resources should be distributed.

The grant selection process exemplifies FFBC’s commitment to trust-based philanthropy, centered on transparency and mutual respect between funders and grantees. FFBC relies on Community Selection Circles—committees of external volunteers who review and select grant recipients. This year, more than 252 dedicated volunteers contributed their expertise to the rigorous review process. FFBC extends its deepest gratitude to these volunteers for their invaluable contribution.

Founded in response to the urgent need for a new philanthropic model tailored to Black communities, FFBC is proud to serve as the steward of the historic $200 million Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund—funded by the Government of Canada. As the first institution of its kind, FFBC is committed to ensuring that Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving (B3) organizations have the resources they need to drive meaningful and sustainable change. 

FFBC wishes to thank all applicants for their continued efforts. It is truly inspiring to witness the tremendous work being done by community members across the country. The Foundation looks forward to supporting more organizations in the future and remains committed to being a sustained source of support for Black communities throughout Canada.

FFBC congratulates this year’s recipients of the Black Ideas Grant 2.0 and looks forward to the profound impact they will continue to make across Canada. 

Please find a list of the B.I.G. recipients and their projects here. 

To learn more about FFBC or to join us in our mission, visit www.forblackcommunities.org.

Acknowledging Our Partners

The Black Ideas Grant is made possible through the generous support of our partners, including the Government of Canada, Chagnon Foundation, Laidlaw Foundation, Inspirit Foundation, Definity Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, Calgary Foundation, Sun Life, Suncor, Canadian Tire, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Balsam Foundation, Dragonfly Ventures, and many more.

About the Foundation for Black Communities

The Foundation for Black Communities is Canada’s first ever philanthropic foundation established to support Black-led, mandated and serving charitable and nonprofit organizations across Canada. FFBC works to eliminate systemic barriers and advance the socio-economic outcomes of Black communities through sustainable funding sources and strategic partnerships.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jenny Meya
Communications Manager
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Foundation for Black Communities Unveils $9.5M Black Ideas Grant 

Black communities steer the way to solutions with unprecedented new grant program.

Toronto, ON – October 1, 2024 – The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) announces the launch of the Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 2.0, a $9.5 million initiative designed to support Black-led, mandated, and serving (B3) organizations across Canada. Building on the remarkable success of the inaugural B.I.G. program in 2023, this expanded grant aims to amplify the momentum and enhance the social and economic well-being of Black communities by providing flexible funding for capacity-building, program development, and community spaces.

This year, the Black Ideas Grant offers three strategic funding streams:

1. Core Stream: Up to $30,000 for essential organizational needs.
2. Catapult Stream: Up to $80,000 to launch new programs and initiatives.
3. Community Capital Stream: Up to $200,000 for physical space projects that offer long-term community benefits.

“The Black Ideas Grant represents our commitment to addressing the critical need for sustained investment in Black communities,” said Liban Abokor, Co-Chair of the FFBC Board. “With an increased funding pool of nearly 10 million, we aim to support more organizations and reach even more communities.”

“When we include people, Canada wins. Through the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, we’re creating a sustainable source of funding for Black-led non-profit organizations, ensuring they have the means to address their priorities. This initiative aims to improve the social and economic outcomes of Black communities across the country and is a part of the over $872 million we’ve invested to support initiatives under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent”

– Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera

Applications Open Today

Starting October 1, 2024, FFBC invites eligible organizations to apply for B.I.G. 2.0. The application period will close on November 8, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit https://forblackcommunities.org/black-ideas-grant-b-i-g-2-0-2024/ for detailed information on eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and timelines.

Acknowledging Our Partners

The Black Ideas Grant is made possible through the generous support of our partners, including the Government of Canada, Chagnon Foundation, Laidlaw Foundation, Inspirit Foundation, Definity Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, Calgary Foundation, Sun Life, Suncor, Canadian Tire, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Balsam Foundation, Dragonfly Ventures, and many more.

For More Information

• Visit: FFBC Website 
• Register for virtual information sessions:
  • October 8, 2024 (English)
  • October 9, 2024 (French)

Media Contact:
Jenny Meya
Communications Manager
Foundation for Black Communities
Email: [email protected]

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About Foundation for Black Communities

The Foundation for Black Communities was established to support Black-led, mandated and serving charitable and nonprofit organizations across Canada. FFBC works to eliminate systemic barriers and advance the socio-economic outcomes of Black communities through sustainable funding sources and strategic partnerships.

About Black Ideas Grant 2023:

• Over $9 million in funding supported 107 projects
• Projects were funded in each province and territory in Canada
• Reached over 100,000 Black community members through funded projects
• Over 3,000 applications were submitted, requesting a total of $203 million in funding

FFBC takes transformative action to support Quebec-based Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused organizations through the Black Ideas Grant B.I.G.: Bridge and Build 2023.  

Montreal, Quebec, July 18, 2024 – Today, The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is continuing to take transformative action to support Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) organizations by recognizing the Quebec recipients of the B.I.G. Black Ideas Grant: Bridge and Build 2023. 

The Black Ideas Grant addresses a critical need for sustained funding within Black community organizations.  

“With Quebec being home to the second-largest Black community in Canada, this investment is crucial for fostering continued cultural and economic contributions to the province and country,” Marlene Jennings, FFBC’s Co-CEO.” The B.I.G. Black Ideas Grant is a critical tool to ensure Black community organizations have access to sustained funding and resources to meet the needs of Black Canadian communities.” 

On May 14, 2024, FFBC recognized 107 recipients of the grant at a celebration held in Toronto, ON. Today, FFBC is recognizing the Quebec recipients at a reception held in downtown Montreal. In partnership with the Canadian Federal government, this grant empowers Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) charitable organizations and non-profits with initiatives addressing one of three focus areas: combating anti-Black racism, improving social outcomes, and enhancing economic outcomes for Black Canadians.

The 23 grant recipients in Quebec each provide unique programs specifically designed for Black Canadians, but they all share a common mission: celebrating and empowering Black communities throughout Canada. FFBC is rewriting the story of Black self-determination, celebrating solutions, and building a future where every Black voice is heard, and every Black community thrives.  

Quebec’s Black community is actively engaged in various sectors, contributing to the well-being and growth of the province and the country as a whole. FFBC is committed to investing in and empowering the Quebec Black community, ensuring the community continues to make significant strides across sectors.  With this funding, FFBC is confident recipients will continue to make a profound impact in their respective sectors across Canada. 

About the Foundation for Black Communities 
The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) was established to ensure every Black person can thrive and Black communities have agency in defining their own future. Founded in 2020, FFBC is Canada’s first-ever philanthropic foundation dedicated to ensuring Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused organizations have the sustained resources needed to make a meaningful impact.  

For media inquiries, please contact:  
Leah Sanford  
Director of Communications  
[email protected]