B.I.G. – Black Ideas Grant: Bridge and Build 2023

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

B.I.G. Black Ideas Grant: Bridge and Build 2023

The Black Ideas Grant is a pivotal investment geared towards propelling solution-oriented initiatives led by Canada's Black communities. This substantial $8.9 million investment is not only B.I.G, but also a strategic initiative, a catalyst for immediate impact, and a reservoir of insights crucial for future transformative programs.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Due to the volume of applications, applicants will receive notification of final decisions in April/May 2024

Our Approach

FFBC is a first-of-its-kind institution, and our goal is to understand, recognize, and celebrate solutions-making in Black communities. But first, we must look to communities to help inform future funds and programs. We need the voice and expertise of all Black communities. Our unique approach embraces a Participatory Grantmaking Process —a process grounded in interconnectedness and shared improvement. We recognize the power of community voices, and we want yours to shape our future funds and programs.

This approach places significant emphasis on the knowledge, creativity, experiences, and ideas of those closest to the desired outcome of the programming. All applications will be reviewed by Black community members, including applicants.

FFBC also recognizes that there is historic and important work supporting communities that face the highest barriers and least access to funding in climate justice, disability justice, and gender justice. This includes 2SLGBTQI+, women and girls, trans community members, those living on low incomes, those living with disabilities, those who are d(D)eaf, newcomers, migrants, those who were formerly incarcerated, and those who are food insecure. FFBC is committed to supporting intersectional, anti-oppressive, decolonial, justice-oriented approaches that bridge and build a future where all Black communities thrive.

The Black Ideas Grant is a testament to community collaboration, but it's also a beginning. We're on an iterative journey, eager to shape future multi-year funding initiatives inspired by this pilot. Join us as we rewrite the story of empowerment, celebrate solutions, and build a future where every Black voice is heard, and every Black community thrives.