This year, FFBC embraced countless opportunities, traveling across Canada and beyond while advocating for increased funding and philanthropic shifts to support Black communities. While progress has been made, the work continues.
We proudly funded 107 B3 projects—Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-focused—distributing $9.1 million. Yet, the demand remains stark, with $203 million in funding requests. Meeting this need requires collective action and leadership committed to equity and justice.
Highlights of the year include celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund and funding innovative projects through the B.I.G. Black Ideas Grant. We've traveled coast to coast, connecting with communities, celebrating their achievements, and amplifying their impact.
FFBC also partnered with TED, Black@TED, and global organizations, underscoring our dedication to rectifying underinvestment in Black communities. Notably, at the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent in Geneva, our COO, Nneka Otogbolu MScIM, MBA, BSc., engaged with leaders to advance equity on a global scale.
In the summer, we partnered with Shoot for Peace hosted "Canada's Journey: Advancing UNDPAD’s Goals," where Minister Kamal Khera unveiled Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028. This $110.4 million initiative highlights the importance of inclusion as a deliberate choice.
B.I.G. 2.0 launched in October, offering $9.5 million to continue empowering Black organizations across Canada. Thanks to our partners, including the Government of Canada and numerous foundations, this initiative ensures sustainable funding for Black communities, fostering better social and economic outcomes.
Looking ahead, our goals remain clear:
- Establish targeted funding opportunities for Black communities.
- Prioritize hiring Black employees across all organizational levels.
- Shift funding decision-making power to impacted communities.
- Recruit Black leaders to boards for representative governance.
Together, we can create lasting change. Remember: it takes a village, and optimism drives us forward.
@AmareDjaka @lib_abo Dr. Joseph Smith Jr. Rebecca Darwent Honorable
@MJennings2_0
Board Members: Abdi Aidid, Alex Coleman, Elizenda Jean-Claude, Francis Boakye, Judith Bosire, Kimahli Powell, Nomusa Taylor-Dube, Shad Kabango, and Sylvia Parris-Drummond Calgary African Community Collective (CACC) Mariam Coulibaly
@JElizenda ,Ginny Exantus, Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE) Sherlyn Assam @KamalKheraLib Hon.
@MarciIen @juliedabrusin @Afrogtv Minister
@gary_srp Yasin Osman Dr. June Soomer
A B.I.G applause to the FFBC team!!
Supporters
Government of Canada
@laidlawfdn @Lawson_Fdn @MLSEFoundation @OttCommFdn Fondations communautaires du Canada Vancouver Foundation Dragonfly Ventures
@equality_fund
Ministry of Ontario tourism and support,
@UWCCanada ,
@BlackCdnNetwork Balsam Foundation,
@theECF, Foundation of Greater Montreal, Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon Oakville Community Foundation,
@ONTrillium