Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC)•Articles by: tenikajones

Author: tenikajones

Foundation for Black Communities Unveils $9.5M Black Ideas Grant 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

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

The Foundation for Black Communities Recognizes Quebec Recipients of the $9.1 Million Black Ideas Grant 

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]