Diversity and inclusion have long been key to Canada’s success and prosperity. With Canada having officially recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent in 2018, the Government continues to invest in Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the country and TO address longstanding and systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion.

“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.”  
– Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera

“The Black Ideas Grant is an example of how FFBC is investing in Black communities and connecting Black organizations and change-makers 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.”
– Co-chair, Foundation for Black Communities, Liban Abokor

• Each year, for the next decade, FFBC will launch one or more call for proposals inviting Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities to apply for funding.

• The United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (the Decade) spans from 2015 to 2024. Canada announced its recognition of the Decade in January 2018.

• In recognition of the Decade, 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 and organizations serving Black communities in Canada and related social initiatives. 

• 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 Canadian communities. Most recently, 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 $100M to Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, a first in Canadian history.

Associated links

• Recognizing the International Decade for People of African Descent
• Foundation for Black Communities
• Apply for funding
• Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund
• About the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
• Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022 - Canada.ca

For media enquiries, please contact:

Laurent de Casanove   
Press Secretary   
Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera   
laurent.decasanove@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca  
819-360-0693 

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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