Last week, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, announced that Foundation for Black Communities was selected to enter into negotiations for the administration of the $200 million Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. The Foundation for Black Communities is a national, Black-led and Black-serving organization whose proposal demonstrated strong partnerships and significant support from Canada’s Black community.

The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund will provide long-term sustainable funding and self-sustaining resources for Black-led organizations to better serve Black Canadian communities. Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities are key to the Government of Canada’s fight against anti-Black racism and inequities across the country.

“We know that Black-led organizations are the backbone of the communities they serve. From non-profits to charities, our communities are stronger because of their tireless work. I’m happy to support today’s announcement and I look forward to seeing the incredible programs that will thrive thanks to the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund,” said Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West added: “Today, our government is taking another big step in our efforts to support the social and economic wellbeing of Black and Afro-descendants communities in Canada. We know that Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving non-profits and charities are doing important work on the ground for people in cities and towns across this country, and they need the support necessary to help them help others.”

“The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is honoured to be entering into negotiations to administer the historic Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund with the Government of Canada. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to invest in Black communities to create a more equitable system and break through the barriers that have challenged Black communities in Canada for generations,” commented Gladys Ahovi, President and CEO of Foundation for Black Communities

In recognition of the United Nations 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 and organizations serving Black communities in Canada and related social initiatives.