Black@TED: FFBC’s partnership with TED – a significant milestone in our shared commitment to fostering diversity, empowerment, and positive change for Black Communities worldwide.

Black@TED

FFBC is thrilled to announce our partnership with TED, Black@TED, marking a significant milestone in our shared commitment to fostering diversity, empowerment, and positive change for Black Communities worldwide.

At the heart of FFBC lies a commitment to invest in Black communities and to be a catalyst for systemic change — and to ensure this commitment is shared broadly by all. Our journey is one of innovation, advocacy, and unyielding dedication to rectify underinvestment in Black communities — a testament to the power of proactive engagement and action. 

“At the core of our partnership lies a shared vision to amplify Black voices and ideas. Together, we are embarking on an extraordinary journey to enhance the TED experience for Black attendees. At TED2024, Black@TED provides a platform for Black TED attendees to forge meaningful connections, strengthen allyship, and engage in thought-provoking discussions inspired by the conference and beyond.”

Leah Sanford, Director of Communications, on behalf of FFBC

Partnerships with TED are not merely transactions; they are transformative experiences. Leveraging TED’s global platform and its progressive approach to education and learning through storytelling, this collaboration has the power to reshape narratives, shift cultures, and inspire a community of Black TED attendees, allies, and local community members to collectively create societal and systemic change. 

“TED is excited to partner with the Foundation for Black Communities for the upcomingTED2024 Conference! This collaboration isn’t just about amplifying Black voices and ideas – it’s about creating vibrant spaces where the Black@TED community can thrive and grow. Together we’re not just building networks, but igniting conversations, forging connections, and championing change makers who are redefining what’s possible and are helping to pave the way for a future where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.  FFBC brings a vision that truly resonates with us – an idea changes everything – and we are thrilled to join forces and make it a reality through our work together.”

Monique Ruff Bell, TED Chief Program & Strategy Officer

Join us in celebrating this momentous partnership! 

If you are attending TED2024, please join us for the following Black@TED events: 

Black@TED welcome meetup
Monday, April 15, 3:00PM – 4:30PM PDT

Black@TED reception dinner
Wednesday, April 17, 7:00PM – 10:00PM PDT

Black@TED closing meetup
Thursday, April 18, 3:30PM – 4:30PM PDT

FFBC extends our heartfelt gratitude to TED – together, we are building a global community that thrives on dialogue, connection, and collective impact for years to come. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Foundation for Black Communities Launches Historic Grant 

Flagship ‘”Black Ideas Grant: Bridge and Build 2023” to Support Black Communities in Canada  

Canada – December 18, 2023 – The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) has launched a historic grant, aiming to provide critically-needed funds to Black-led, serving, and focused (B3) organizations in Canada. B.I.G. The Black Ideas Grant: Bridge and Build 2023 provides one-year flexible funding to increase the capacity and program-related supports of B3 charitable and non-profits as they combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes for Black communities.

B3 non-profit and charity organizations stand as pillars of strength and support to Black communities across Canada. FFBC celebrates and will continue to invest in their crucial role in cultivating Black communities that are healthy, vibrant, and thriving. 

“The Black Ideas Grant is an example of how FFBC is investing in Black communities and connecting Black organizations and changemakers on the ground with new and sustainable resources that can ensure their services and supports continue to meet the needs of our community. This investment will advance our mission to remove barriers and improve the socio-economic outcomes for Black communities.”

Liban Abokor, Foundation for Black Communities Board Co-Chair

By March 31st, 2024, FFBC aims to allocate $9 million in grants through its Black Ideas Grant which focuses on the diverse needs, self-determination, and aspirations of Black communities. The grant is split into three streams: the Core Stream, Catapult Stream, and Community Capital Stream, offering up to $40,000, $100,000, and $250,000 respectively to qualifying organizations. 

FFBC was founded on the goal of supporting community organizations working to overcome the systemic barriers faced by Black communities. The Black Ideas Grant is an important new tool in FFBC’s strategy to ensure Black community organizations have the sustainable funding and resources they need to meet the needs of Black Canadian 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 not-for-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 supports the engagements we have undertaken during the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.”

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

FFBC is holding online virtual information sessions to further explain the aims and objectives of the Black Ideas Grant as well as to provide greater details on the application process, eligibility, and the selection assessment. FFBC’s website will also offer translated version of the Application Guides, Eligibility Criteria, Processes, and FAQs in English, French, Somali, Yoruba, Amharic, Tigrigna, and Spanish.  

Important Dates: 

Applications open	Informational  Webinars	Applications close	Successful applicants announced
December 18th, 2023	December 19, 21 2023 and January 16, 18, 2024	February 1st, 2024	March 2024

Applications open on December 18, 2023 and must be submitted by February 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT. Qualifying organizations are encouraged to visit the FFBC’s web page to learn more about the Black Ideas Grant and apply. 

 

About the Foundation for Black Communities:
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. 

Media Contact:
Leah Sanford
Director of Communications
info@forblackcommunities.org 

Applicant Contact:
For more information, prospective applicants may email fund@forblackcommunities.org  or schedule a call with an FFBC Grant Specialist by clicking here.

A strong foundation for Canadian philanthropy to shift capital to Black communities.

Less than 0.1% of philanthropic funding in Canada is going to Black-led organizations. 

The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) came to fruition from perseverance and leadership of Black philanthropic leaders. This organization was created for, and driven by, Black communities in Canada; it exists to ensure their flourishing and self-determination. At Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside FFBC. 

In 2021, the groundbreaking Unfunded Report  from the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities and Carleton University drew stark attention to the systemic underfunding of Black-led and Black-serving organizations by foundations in Canada. The report found that between 2017 and 2018, grants to Black-serving organizations represented only 0.7 percent of total grants and grants to Black-led organizations were only 0.07 percent of total grants made in the same period. 

In response to the data and recommendation in the Unfunded Report , FFBC was established as the first of its kind, Black-led, Black-serving community grant-maker, convener, and —  for a growing network of philanthropic organizations like CFC — a partner in addressing this systemic inequity. They are working to ensure that Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused non-profit, charitable, and grassroots organizations have the sustained resources and infrastructures they need to make a meaningful impact. In recognition of their critical role in shifting capital to Black-led and Black-serving organizations the Government of Canada selected FFBC to administer the $200 million Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. Their work has also been supported by many community foundations including Vancouver Foundation as an Allied Foundation Partner. 

Since its establishment, FFBC has worked in close collaboration with CFC to respond to systemic racism and advance Black-led solutions to pressing community challenges. In collaboration, we have: developed and modeled new grantmaking systems and processes that centre equity and address critical gaps identified in the Unfunded Report, partnered to support the implementation of the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP), a $50 million fund designed to support social purpose organizations, supported the development of strong regional partnerships between FFBC and local community foundations, and partnered to support educational programming for foundations, including through CFC’s 2021 ALL IN Summit and RECONNECT 2023 Conference. 

“Community foundations not only anchor local communities but also bridge connections between them. Being a part of this movement is both profound and transformative, allowing us to become part of a network of individuals who share our values regarding local, community-centered decision-making. This network sheds light on solutions to combat inequities such as Anti-Black racism, spanning from coast to coast.”

• Liban Abokor, Board Chair , Foundation for Black Communities 

FFBC is Canada’s first-ever philanthropic foundation that exists to ensure that every Black community in Canada can thrive and have agency in defining their own future. At CFC, we see the work they are doing and want to be part of the solution. The opportunity to work in partnership with FFBC has strengthened CFC’s efforts as well as those of Canada’s community foundations, and provided a strong foundation for Canadian philanthropy to shift capital to Black communities. Following the leadership of the FFBC, we have a unique opportunity to ensure Black communities have the resources and organizations necessary to shape their own solution-making and self-determination. 

Philanthropy exists to support and serve communities— communities that are defined by geography, language, race, culture, gender identity and more. We are thrilled to welcome FFBC as a member of CFC. They join an incredible and growing network that works across all intersections of community. In recent years, we have been fortunate to welcome and work collaboratively with foundations such as La Fondation franco-albertaine and The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation who are serving communities at the intersection of identity and geography.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming FFBC to the network of community foundations working coast to coast to coast. Our work together supports us  to shift how we do and think about philanthropy. FFBC demonstrates how community can be defined by where you live, who you are and how you are connected to the people around you.  We look forward to how FFBC will inspire us and the network of community foundations in how we work and better serve Black communities.’

• Andrea Dicks, President, Community Foundations of Canada

The strength of our network of community foundations is our diversity as we continue to pursue a future where everyone belongs. Working with community foundations throughout the network, we look forward to supporting and working alongside FFBC in their mandate to serve Black people in Canada. We are excited for the perspectives they will bring, and how they will inspire all of us to look at our processes, granting and how it impacts Black communities across the country. In partnership with FFBC’s leadership, we can increase funding the Black-serving and Black-led organizations from coast to coast to coast. 

For Immediate Release 

Foundation for Black Communities Increases Grassroots Recreation Opportunities For Ontario’s Black Youth 

The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is pleased to announce 20 additional recipients from the original pool of applicants of the Ontario Youth Wellness Grant, Explore stream.

Funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of up to $500,000 will support active recreation youth wellness projects or Black-focused, Black-led youth initiatives.

“The investment in 20 projects by the Ontario Government will help us to continue to enhance support to Black-led and Black-focused community organizations as well as learn more about the needs of Black youth through these innovative projects,” said Gladys Ahovi, President & CEO, Foundation for Black Communities.

The Ontario Youth Wellness Grant’s objectives are to:

• Increase the quantity and improve the quality of wellness programs for Black youth (ages 6-29) in Ontario.
• Increase the capacity of Ontario’s Black organizations and leaders.
• Provide opportunities for organizational growth.
• Support planning and piloting of new ideas that channel sports and recreation to positively impact Ontario’s Black youth.

“The Foundation for Black Communities plays a vital role in supporting safe and inclusive sport and recreation programming for Black children and youth across the province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The Ontario government is proud to provide this funding to expand opportunities for Black youth in Ontario to experience all the benefits that stem from participating in sport.”

The full list of recipients can be found here: 

Recipients

About the Foundation for Black Communities

The Foundation for Black Communities invests in change-making, working alongside the Canadian community, philanthropic, political, and business organizations to ensure that Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused non-profit, charitable, and grassroots organizations have the sustained resources and infrastructure they need to make a meaningful impact.

Media contact:
Winy Bernard
Communications
1-833-442-5225, ext. 709
winy@forblackcommunities.org

Is there a way to give back that benefits everyone? Citing the success of collective giving practices from around the world, philanthropic advisor Rebecca Darwent asks donors to let communities lead decision-making, ushering in a new era of philanthropy that’s rooted in interconnected humanity.

Watch the Ted Talk here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Foundation for Black Communities funds 31 Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused projects as part of the Investment Readiness Program

In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, Foundation for Black Communities’ Investment Readiness Program is funding Black-focused social purpose organizations across Canada.

Today, the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC), in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), is pleased to announce $1,506,205 in funding to support 31 projects through the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP). This measure is supporting Black communities’ thriving in entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby reinforcing Black people’s well-being and economic prosperity throughout Canada. The Government of Canada’s $50 million renewed investment supports social purpose organizations (SPOs), such as social enterprises, non-profits, charities and co-operatives, as they strengthen Canada’s social finance market while helping their communities. 

The IRP supports social purpose organizations as they move towards investment readiness, creating sustainable long-term goals to join, or continue in Canada’s social finance market. Through the IRP, organizations are strengthening their operational and organizational capacity by building strategic plans, increasing marketing services, developing financial and tax services, or receiving legal and risk management services. Through these opportunities, social purpose organizations are preparing for the Government of Canada’s Social Finance Fund.

The FFBC received more than 400 applications, and through a participatory selection process, were able to identify 31 successful applications for funding. These 31 recipient organizations were selected based on the highest-ranking scores awarded by a Community Grant Review Panel, comprised of members of the Black community who brought the community lens into the grantee selection process. 

This funding is going to social purpose organizations working on remarkable projects, including:

• $75,000 to fund TechSpark Canada of Ontario to scale the SparkPlug LearningDNA initiative, a tool created to empower educators and students to maximize their learning potential. 
• $22,100 to fund Messengers of Change, Manitoba’s After-Hours Respite Childcare Feasibility Study to ensure that everyone involved in childcare services has the support they need.
• $25,000 to fund Ubuntu Community Farm of Ontario to develop the Ubuntu Community Farm Sustainable Food System. Their mission is to support small urban farmers while building stronger communities and a better food system.
• $74,940 to fund Ethos Lab of British Columbia to scale the Ethos Lab project. Ethos Lab aims to increase representation in Innovation by creating an inclusive space to amplify young, diverse voices.

“Our Government recognizes the integral role that social purpose organizations have in tackling social issues in Canada and the significant impact they have when given support and access to new funding opportunities. The organizations being funded by Foundation for Black Communities will help drive local solutions to improve the economic well-being of Black communities. The Investment Readiness Program supports our goal to increase inclusion and opportunities for participation of Canadians in their communities and is a foundational element toward building the economy Canadians want,” said Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

FFBC’s grant making follows the principles of the Ubuntu Model of Participatory Grant making (UMPG). It is based on the premise that we are all interconnected and that we can improve conditions for ourselves by improving conditions for those around us. The organizations listed above are but a sampling of the grantees that embody the philosophy of Ubuntu Participatory Grant making, as espoused by FFBC. 

“The Foundation for Black Communities is pleased to partner with the Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada to deliver the Investment Readiness Program. It is profoundly important to acknowledge and invest in the entrepreneurial innovation of Black communities. By partnering on this initiative, we’ve been able to ensure that Black-led, focused and serving organizations are increasingly able to access funding opportunities to advance the well-being and economic prosperity of Black people throughout Canada,” shares Gladys Ahovi, President & CEO, Foundation for Black Communities.

The Investment Readiness Program has propelled social purpose organizations along the readiness continuum. As funded projects take root, the FFBC and CFC look forward to showcasing their impact in the community. To view the projects funded, explore the Investment Readiness Program results map and more, visit https://communityfoundations.ca/funding-results-investment-readiness-program/. 

To view the full list of recipients, visit:
https://www.forblackcommunities.org/grants/irp/ 

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Winy Bernard
Communications
1-833-442-5225, ext. 709
winy@forblackcommunities.org

For Immediate Release

The Foundation for Black Communities distributes $800,000 through the Ontario Youth Wellness Grant

In partnership with MLSE Foundation, the Ontario Youth Wellness Grant is funding Black-focused youth wellness initiatives across Ontario.

February 14th, 2023, (Toronto, ON) – The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Ontario Youth Wellness Grant, Explore stream – an $800,000 program to support Black communities to explore ideas, projects, structures, and systems that positively impact youth wellness through sports and recreation in Ontario. The grant is supported by funds from MLSE Foundation’s Change the Game Campaign, which invests in organizations that address systemic barriers preventing youth from reaching their potential.

“We are thrilled to announce the recipients of FFBCs Ontario Youth Wellness Grants. We applaud the work of each of these organizations and thank them for their tireless efforts to ensure the wellbeing of Black youth across Ontario,” shares Gladys Ahovi, President & CEO, Foundation for Black Communities.

The objective of the grant is to:

• Increase the quantity and improve the quality of wellness programs for Black youth (ages 6-29) in Ontario
• Increase the capacity of Ontario’s Black organizations and leaders
• Provide opportunities for organizational growth
• Support planning and piloting of new ideas that employ sports and recreation to positively impact Ontario’s Black youth

“These inaugural grants represent a meaningful step forward in the recognition and respect of agency for Black communities,” said Bridgette Estrela, Managing Director, MLSE Foundation & Social Impact. “MLSE Foundation is grateful to the Foundation for Black Communities for stewarding this work and we are hopeful that investments like these continue to be prioritized across the philanthropic sector.”

Funding for the second stream – Stabilize and Build – will be opening in the fall. This stream is open to registered charities and incorporated not-for-profits. A call for applications will be announced in the fall.

“The Foundation for Black Communities is privileged to support the innovative and impactful work of Black communities in Ontario,” says Omar, Omar, Director of Community Investments, Foundation for Black Communities.

33 grantee organizations have received funds in the amounts of $15,000 or greater to explore their wellness initiative.

For the full list of recipients, please visit https://www.forblackcommunities.org/grantees/

About the Foundation for Black Communities

The Foundation for Black Communities invests in change-making, working alongside the Canadian community, philanthropic, political, and business organizations to ensure that Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused non-profit, charitable, and grassroots organizations have the sustained resources and infrastructures they need to make a meaningful impact.

Media contact:

Winy Bernard
Communications
1-833-442-5225 ext. 709
winy@forblackcommunities.org

For Immediate Release 

 

The Foundation for Black Communities awarded stewardship of 

$200 million Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund  

by federal government 

 Historic investment to support and empower Black-led, Black-focused and Black- serving non-profits and registered charities to transform communities across Canada. 

February 8th, 2023, (Toronto, ON) – The Government of Canada has awarded the stewardship of the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund to the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC). This historic and ground-breaking investment of $200 million will positively impact Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities across the country by investing in them to build, sustain and expand on transformational ideas and initiatives generated by Black communities.   

“On behalf of the FFBC Board of Directors, employees, and Black Canadian communities across our nation, we are pleased to accept stewardship of the endowment from the federal government,” said Gladys Ahovi, FFBC President and CEO. “The FFBC was honoured to receive overwhelming community support and over 830 letters of endorsement in response to our proposal for the stewardship of the federal Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. We look forward to working collaboratively with other Black-serving organizations to realize projects that directly benefit Black Canadian communities and improve social and economic outcomes.”  

“In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. Our government recognizes the systemic barriers that Black Canadian communities have faced and continue to face,” shares Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. “The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund will provide direct support to Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities across the country to help in the fight against systemic anti-Black racism. This selection is a significant step toward building a more inclusive and more equitable Canada where no one is left behind.” 

Black-led non-profit organizations and registered charities are critical to ending anti-Black racism and inequities across the country. However, as concluded in the FFBC’s Unfunded research report, Black-led and Black-serving community organizations are systemically underfunded in Canada’s philanthropic sector. Of the 40 public and private foundations reviewed in this study, only six had funded Black-serving organizations over the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. Further, grants to Black-serving organizations represented a meagre 0.7 percent of total grants during the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. 

“We celebrate the historic nature of this endowment and recognize the deep commitment to community it requires,” said Djaka Blais, Chair of the FFBC Board of Directors. “Our work begins now.” 

Black Canadians are calling for a new approach to philanthropy that is reflective of the community being served. The FFBC has experience answering this call, having partnered with organizations like the MLSE foundation, Jumpstart and Laidlaw to distribute over $800,000 in grants to-date and we continue to do so through our own grant-making initiatives. FFBC will use this experience to implement innovative solutions and partnerships to maximize the potential of the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. For example, FFBC has already signed an MOU with leading Black organizations to support our administration of the endowment, including lenders and investors such as FACE, Groupe 3737 and BKR. Further, as a part of our proposal, the philanthropic community has pledged to raise an additional $201 million—a transformational commitment.  

We thank the Government of Canada for their commitment to establishing the Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, dedicated to supporting Black-led charities and organizations serving youth and social initiatives.   

Additional Quotes  

“The Black-Led Endowment Fund is a remarkable opportunity to enhance infrastructure, and the economic well-being of Black Canadians. We applaud the leadership of the Foundation for Black Communities for their self-determination and tenacity to steward these resources and advance the work of our Ancestors. This is a phenomenal victory for Black communities across Canada. We are resolute in our decision to support this work and rally around FFBC in any way we can.” 

— Victor Beausoleil, Executive Director, Social Economy Through Social Inclusion (SETSI) 

“Following the release of the Unfunded report by the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) and its revelations on the socio-economic issues experienced by Black Canadians, Group 3737 proudly supports their appointment to manage the Philanthropic Endowment Fund. We are pleased to be able to work alongside them in synergy for a more inclusive and equitable Canada.”  

— Louis-Edgar Jean-François, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, Groupe 3737 

“Vancouver Foundation is proud to support the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) and their successful bid for the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. FFBC are leaders in community-informed, participatory grant making and are uniquely positioned to support Black communities across Canada to invest in their own solution-making.” 

— Kevin McCort, President & CEO, Vancouver Foundation 

About the Foundation for Black Communities 

The Foundation for Black Communities invests in change-making, working alongside the Canadian community, philanthropic, political, and business organizations to ensure that Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused non-profit, charitable, and grassroots organizations have the sustained resources and infrastructures they need to make a meaningful impact. 

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Media contacts: 

Winy Bernard
Communications
(o) 1-833-442-5225 ext 709
winy@forblackcommunities.org 

 

Dear friends and community members,

This Black History Month we want to celebrate the tradition of “call and response” which has been a vital aspect of African-disaporic/Black communities for generations — serving as a means of communication, expression, and community development for people of African descent for millenia. This tradition has been a quintessential element and fuel for the Foundation for Black Communities’ journey over the last 3 years. We have witnessed the power of community, wherein individuals from all walks of life come together to create a collective voice that resonates with energy and strength and allows us to support each other in our times of need.

Our community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting each other and making a positive impact in our country through call and response. This was evident in the contributions you all made to our ground-breaking Unfunded Report, the rally to encourage the creation of a historic $200 million Black-led philanthropic fund in Budget 2021, and the co-designed granting programs that have invested over $2.5 million dollars in community-led initiatives to date. These efforts have led to substantial changes in the philanthropic sectors’ support of Black communities and will continue to allow us to confront the needs and challenges of our community.

When we called for assistance, our community responded with tremendous enthusiasm. This was most recently demonstrated by the overwhelming support we received from over 800 organizations and individuals in response to our submission for the Black-led Philanthropic Fund. This was an important reminder that the work of the Foundation for Black Communities is your work and that indeed, your work — is our work.

These achievements are a testament to the power of call and response in our community and the unwavering commitment of our members to creating a better future for us all. We can be proud of the impact we have made and the positive changes we have inspired through our collective efforts. As we continue to work together, our community’s call and response will continue to be a driving force for progress and change, and we look forward to building an even brighter future for all Black communities.

In the near future, we hope to have some positive news to share as to the next steps for the Foundation for Black Communities. And in that future, you can be certain of one thing, when our community calls, we will respond!

We look forward to continuing to work closely together to support a future where all Black people have the resources, infrastructure and agency to thrive and define our own futures! Happy Black History Month!

Gladys Ahovi
President & CEO