Government of Canada Launches Groundbreaking Initiative to Support Black Communities Across Canada
Toronto – In a landmark move to address longstanding systemic barriers faced by Black communities across Canada, the Government of Canada has launched the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, and Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, marks a significant milestone in Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, with an initial investment of $9.1 million, including $5.88 million from the Fund itself, is dedicated to supporting Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving organizations and charities. These funds will empower 84 projects aimed at combating anti-Black racism and improving social and economic outcomes for Black communities. Furthermore, an additional 23 projects are currently being finalized, potentially bringing the total support to 107 initiatives.
For far too long, non-for-profits in Black communities have not received the funding they deserve.
But we’re changing that.
With @FdnBlkComm, we announced funding under the $200M Black-led Philanthropic Fund for the first time ever.
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— Kamal Khera (@KamalKheraLib) May 14, 2024
Minister Khera emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in strengthening Canada, stating, “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.” Minister Ien echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intergenerational effects of anti-Black racism and systemic inequality and affirming the government’s commitment to providing resources to tackle these challenges.
The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC), a national Black-led and Black-serving organization, has been entrusted with managing the assets of the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. Marlene Jennings, Co-Chair of the FFBC, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This program is a cornerstone of our commitment to empower Black communities with the resources they need to confront historical and ongoing inequities.”
This groundbreaking initiative builds upon Canada’s endorsement of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, originally spanning from 2015 to 2024. The Prime Minister announced an extension of efforts until 2028 to promote equality and empower Black Canadians, further reinforcing Canada’s dedication to addressing systemic injustices.
In addition to the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, the Government of Canada has allocated significant resources to initiatives such as the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. These comprehensive efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to promoting equity and inclusion in Canada.
The launch of the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund represents a significant step forward in empowering and uplifting Black communities across Canada. By providing sustainable funding and support to Black-led organizations, the government is working towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all Canadians.
For more information and updates on this groundbreaking initiative, visit the Foundation for Black Communities website and stay tuned to Vision Newspaper – The Caribbean Update.
