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