Government of Canada empowering Black Canadian communities 

Government of Canada empowering Black Canadian communities 

The Voice of Canada News:

The Government of Canada recognizes the contributions of Black Canadians and acknowledges the significant and unique challenges that Black communities face. That is why the Government has been investing in Black-led non-profit organizations through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, so that they can better serve their communities.

Earlier this year the Government of Canada launched a $3 million call for proposals for projects to improve Black-led organizations’ workplaces and community spaces under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. Today, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen, announced the launch of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative’s second call for proposals. 

This call will invest $2.6 million into capacity-building projects for Black-led non-profit organizations. These projects will: 

• help them to diversify revenue sources;
• enhance organizational governance to improve organizational stability; and
• strengthen operational management effectiveness and efficiency.

Three intermediaries—Tropicana Community Services, the Black Business Initiative and Groupe 3737—will be administering the process and disbursing the funds.

This call for proposals will offer Black-led registered non-profit organizations serving Black Canadian communities the opportunity to apply for up to $45,000 for capacity-building initiatives. Details on the application process can be found on each intermediary’s website.

Quotes

“Our Government pledged to address systemic racism, and committed to do so in a way informed by the lived experiences of Black communities. By empowering Black Led and Black serving organizations who provide vital services, we are taking another step towards transformational change.” – Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen

Quick facts

• In 2019, in recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, the Government of Canada invested $25 million over five years into the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. This initiative supports projects that celebrate, share knowledge and build capacity in Canada’s vibrant Black Canadian communities.
• As part of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Government is also supporting the establishment of a Canadian Institute for People of African Descent, the first national institute to advance initiatives that address issues affecting Black Canadians.
• On May 16, 2020, Minister Hussen announced the launch of a $3-million call for proposals to support the capital development of Black-led, non-profit organizations. This call for proposals is now closed and the selection process is underway. 
• On November 23, 2020, the second call for proposals for the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative opened through the intermediaries’ shared application portal. More information can be found on the intermediaries’ websites: Black Business Initiative, Tropicana Community Services, Groupe3737.
• The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative is an important part of the Government of Canada’s work to address systemic racism against Black Canadians.  This includes advancing Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy; creating a $221-million Black Entrepreneurship Program; developing justice reforms, modern policing structures and standards; and enhancing mental health and community supports for young Black Canadians.