Government of Canada invests in lasting change through fourth call for proposals under Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- Black-led organizations are driving meaningful change in communities across Canada. Through community programs and local leadership they are helping build a Canada that is stronger because everyone has a place in it. These efforts also address the systemic barriers that Black Canadians face.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, congratulated the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) on launching its fourth call for proposals under the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund (the Fund). Established by the Government of Canada through a $200 million endowment, the Fund provides a sustainable source of funding for Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities in Canada.

Building on the momentum of previous funding rounds, FFBC has launched the Black Ideas Grant 4.0, allocating a total of $8 million in funding--which includes $6.4 million in federal funding--to eligible organizations. Applications are open until October 20^th, 2026, with the selected projects to be announced in spring 2027.

Since FFBC began administering the Fund in 2023, it has invested in hundreds of community initiatives that are strengthening organizations, expanding services and creating opportunities for Black Canadians in every region of the country. This fourth call for proposals will allow FFBC to further its support for projects that foster community development, promote socio-economic inclusion, and advance efforts to combat anti-Black racism.

As Canada's first Black-led philanthropic endowment of its kind, the Fund is helping strengthen a sustainable ecosystem of organizations that are creating lasting change, empowering future generations of Black leaders and contributing to stronger communities across the country.

Quotes

"Lasting change happens when communities have the opportunity to lead. Through the Fund, Black-led organizations are helping people overcome barriers and build better futures for themselves and their families. Their work is strengthening communities today and shaping a more resilient and inclusive Canada for generations to come."

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"What FFBC and our partners have built together is proof that when Black communities are trusted with resources, we deliver, not just for ourselves, but for all of Canada. The B.I.G. 4.0 is more than another funding round, it is an investment in the ideas, institutions and leadership already driving change in Black communities across Canada -- and a reminder of what becomes possible when those ideas are backed with the resources they deserve."

– Kimahli Powell, Board Chair, Foundation for Black Communities

Quick facts

• In December 2024, Canada co-sponsored the second United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which spans from January 2025 to December 2034. Previously, Canada had endorsed the first Decade, which ran from 2015 to 2024.
• In recognition of the first 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.
• This fourth round of investment builds on the momentum of the previous calls for proposals, which have funded more than 400 projects supporting Black communities nationwide.
• The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative was also established in recognition of the Decade. Since 2019, more than $200 million has been invested through this initiative to celebrate, share knowledge and build foundational infrastructure in Canada's vibrant Black communities.
• 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.
• In June 2024, the Government of Canada launched its updated anti-racism strategy: Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028. It was developed based on robust evidence and input from people and communities with lived experience of racism. It aims to tackle systemic racism and make communities more inclusive and prosperous.

Associated links

• Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund
• Apply for funding
• Black Communities 
• United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent
• Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
• Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028 
• Foundation for Black Communities

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Contacts: For media enquiries, please contact: Jennifer Kozelj, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]; FFBC media relations contact, Jenny Meya, Communications Manager, Foundation for Black Communities, [email protected]