In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice.

With Canada officially recognizing the United Nations International Decade for people of African Descent in 2018, there is a need to invest in Black-led initiatives that honour the contributions of Black communities.

Last Tuesday, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, called for proposals that will see the Government of Canada invest up to $200 million for the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. This Fund is dedicated to supporting Black-led charities and social purpose organizations.

In making the call, Hussen said, “Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. Our government recognizes the systemic barriers that Black communities continue to face, and we are committed to ensuring that the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund provides direct supports to Black-led charities and non-profit organizations across the country. We will continue to build on our progress toward a more inclusive and more equitable Canada where no one is left behind.”

The call for proposals followed a number of virtual roundtables and online engagement with nearly 150 Black stakeholders across Canada. The Endowment Fund will create a sustainable source of funding to help combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes in Black communities.

Black-led and Black-serving not-for-profit organizations and charities are invited to submit a proposal to be the intermediary who administers the Endowment Fund. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria will then be assessed on organizational capacity, objectives, activities, results and budget. A full list of assessment criteria is available online.

Priority consideration will be given to proposals from organizations that:

–    have a governance model that clearly reflects regional, linguistic and other types of diversity in Black communities;

–    have a governance model that clearly demonstrates how they will engage with and hold themselves accountable toward the Black communities they will serve;

–    provide a funding strategy that adopts a Black-centric and intersectional lens that centres on the needs and diversity of all Black communities, including with regard to gender, disability or age; and

–    provide a funding strategy that ensures that funding is available to Black-led organizations and Black communities all across the country, including in official language minority communities.

Interested organizations are encouraged to submit their proposals by email or by mail by Friday, November 25, 2022, at noon EST. The successful organization will be announced by spring 2023.