TORONTO, May 14, 2024
/CNW/ - Diversity and inclusion have long been key to Canada's success and prosperity, and Black
Canadians have contributed to making Canada the country it is today. The Government
of Canada is investing in
Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the country to
address longstanding and systemic barriers to social and economic
inclusion.
Today, Kamal Khera, Minister of
Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, together with
Marci Ien, Minister for Women and
Gender Equality and Youth, congratulated the Foundation for Black
Communities on announcing the results of its first call for
proposals supported by the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund.
A total of $9.1 million, including
$5.88 million from the Fund, will
support 84 projects that are working to fight anti-Black racism and
improve social and economic outcomes for Black communities in
Canada. Another 23 projects are
being finalized, which may bring the total up to 107.
The Government of Canada
established the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment fund to create a
sustainable source of funding for Black-led, Black-focused and
Black-serving not-for-profit organizations and registered charities
in Canada to empower Black
communities across Canada.
This work builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to help Black communities
in Canada reach their full
potential through the endorsement of the United Nations
International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from
2015 to 2024. Canada recently
announced an extension domestically—until 2028—of the federal
government's efforts, within these frameworks, to promote equity
and empower Black communities. Since endorsing the UN Decade in
2018, the Government of Canada has
committed up to $860 million to
Black-focused initiatives—from racial justice to entrepreneurship
to economic dignity. In April, Minister Khera also endorsed a
proposal by the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent to
renew the International Decade for another 10-year term.
Quotes
"'Diversity and inclusion make Canada stronger. Today's announcement builds
on transformative investments our government has made to empower
Black communities across Canada
since endorsing the United Nations International Decade for People
of African Descent in 2018. Through the Black-led Philanthropic
Endowment Fund, we have created a sustainable source of funding for
Black-led not-for-profit organizations, ensuring that they have the
means to address their priorities. The recipients of this first
call for proposals will help in our fight against anti-Black racism
and in improving the social and economic outcomes of Black
communities across the country."
– Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with
Disabilities, Kamal Khera
"We know that anti-Black racism and systemic inequality have
intergenerational effects on Black communities across Canada. Through the Black-led Philanthropic
Endowment Fund, we will ensure Black-led organizations in
Canada have the resources to
tackle historical and systemic challenges faced by the community.
This initiative is about empowering and uplifting Black communities
to shape their future and continue their vital contributions to
Canada.''
– Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien
"This program is a cornerstone of our commitment to empower
Black communities with the resources they need to confront
historical and ongoing inequities. B.I.G —the Black Ideas Grant—
exemplifies community collaboration and embodies FFBC's unique
Participatory grant-making process, where Black community members
play the lead role in determining the solutions and projects to
support their communities."
– Foundation for Black Communities Co-Chair, Marlene Jennings
Quick Facts
- In 2018, Canada endorsed the
UN International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs
from 2015 to 2024. On February 7,
2024, the Prime Minister announced an extension, until 2028
of the federal government's efforts within these frameworks, to
promote equality, empower Black Canadians, and strengthen their
leadership in business, social justice, and community.
- During the third session of the Permanent Forum, held from
April 16 to 19, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, members of the United
Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent recommended
that the United Nations adopt a second International Decade for
People of African Descent, following the conclusion of the current
Decade at the end of this year. Canada signaled its intention to support the
Forum's call for a second Decade.
- In recognition of the International Decade for People of
African Descent, Budget 2021 committed up to $200 million to establish the Black-led
Philanthropic Endowment Fund dedicated to supporting Black-led,
Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and
registered charities in Canada.
The Foundation for Black Communities is responsible for managing
the assets of the contributed funds to create a long-term
self-sustaining source of funding for Black community
organizations.
- The Foundation for Black Communities is a national Black-led
and Black-serving organization that aims to ensure that Black
communities have the sustained resources and infrastructure they
need to make a meaningful impact. It was selected to administer the
Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund in February 2023.
- Each year, for the next decade, FFBC will launch one or more
calls for proposals inviting Black-led, Black-focused, and
Black-serving charities to apply for funding.
- The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative was also
established in recognition of the Decade. Since 2019, over
$175 million has been invested
through this Initiative to celebrate, share knowledge and build
capacity in Canada's vibrant Black
communities. Budget 2023 provided an additional $25 million for 2024-25, extending the program
for an additional year and bringing the total commitment up to
$200 million.
- The Government of Canada
continues to engage with Black communities and many Black-led
organizations and stakeholders to integrate feedback and ideas back
into policy and program development.
- Since 2019, the Government of Canada has committed close to $100 million to Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy, a first in
Canadian history.
Associated Links
Recognizing the International Decade for People of African
Descent
Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund
Supporting Black Canadians now, and into the future
Foundation for Black Communities
Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy
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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada