GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Diversity and inclusion have long been one of the pillars of Canada's prosperity. For decades, Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the country have advocated to break down longstanding systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion that Black communities have faced.
Today, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, congratulated the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) on launching its third call for proposals under the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund (the Fund). Through a $200 million endowment, the Government of Canada established (the Fund) to create a sustainable source of funding for Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities in Canada.
Building on the success of their second call for proposals, FFBC has launched the Big Ideas Grant 3.0, allocating a total of $8 million in funding—which includes $6.5 million in federal funding. This third round of investment is expected to fund more than 140 projects across Canada. Eligible organizations will have the opportunity to lead initiatives that support the fight against anti-Black racism. Applications are open until November 5, 2025, with the selected projects to be announced in spring 2026.
FFBC is a national Black-led and Black-serving organization that aims to ensure that Black communities have the sustained resources and support they need to create a lasting change. Since being chosen to administer the Fund in February 2023, FFBC has already supported 268 community projects across the country.
Quotes
"Diversity and inclusion is about investing in people and their leadership – it's an investment in those with lived experiences who know best what their needs are. Through the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, Black-led non-profit organizations across Canada come first. Because when all communities are included, Canada thrives."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
"This round of funding is as critical as ever. By investing in Black-led, mandated, and serving organizations now, we are strengthening their resilience and ensuring they can continue to lead solutions that withstand both the known and unknown shocks ahead. As Canada faces profound shifts and disruptions, FFBC's past and upcoming 3.0. Recipients will be essential to sustaining our communities."
– Liban Abokor, Co-chair, Foundation for Black Communities
Quick facts
- In December 2024, Canada co-sponsored the second United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (the Decade), which spans from January 2025 to December 2034. Previously, Canada had endorsed the first Decade that 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.
- Since 2023, FFBC has launched three calls for proposals to fund Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities.
- 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
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Aissa Diop, Director of Communications, Office of 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]
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