Diversity and inclusion have always been integral to Canada’s success and prosperity, with Black Canadians playing a crucial role in shaping the nation. To address longstanding and systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion, the Government of Canada is investing in Black-led and Black-serving organizations nationwide.

Today, Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, alongside 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 aimed at combating anti-Black racism and enhancing social and economic outcomes for Black communities in Canada. An additional 23 projects are being finalized, potentially bringing the total 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, empowering Black communities nationwide.

This initiative builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to help Black communities achieve their full potential through the endorsement of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2015 to 2024. Recently, Canada announced a domestic extension of these efforts until 2028, promoting equity and empowering Black communities within these frameworks. Since endorsing the UN Decade in 2018, the Government of Canada has committed up to $860 million to Black-focused initiatives, ranging from racial justice to entrepreneurship and 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.

In 2018, Canada endorsed the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, which spans from 2015 to 2024. On February 7, 2024, the Prime Minister announced an extension of the federal government’s efforts within these frameworks until 2028, aimed at promoting equality, empowering Black Canadians, and strengthening 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 Black communities have the sustained resources and infrastructure needed 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, the Foundation for Black Communities 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 to recognize 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 numerous Black-led organizations and stakeholders to integrate feedback and ideas into policy and program development.

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has committed close to $100 million to Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, a historic first for the country.

 

 

 

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