Creating more access to capital throughout the Black communities of Canada; the Black Opportunity Fund does it again!

BY PAUL JUNOR

Non-repayable grants will be available for Black-led not-for-profit community organizations. The announcement was made in a press release that highlighted the fact that Black Opportunity Funds (BOF) grants will be accessible across Canada. BOF grants program will be, “Making a significant move toward improved experiences ad health outcomes for Black Canadians.”

The press release revealed details and the overall goals of the National Community Grants Program. It is intended, “To help dismantle the impacts of anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination by allocating resources to Black-led, Black-serving community organizations, which undertake initiatives that impact the quality of life in Canada’s Black communities.”

To be eligible for the grants, these criteria must be met:

• Must be a Black-led and Black-serving organization
• Must be a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization or charity
• Must have an existing project in the areas of education or health which meets the granting program criteria, or a proposed project for which initial funding has already been secured
• Must have an online web presence (i.e; website, social media, etc)
• Must be able to show up-to-date financial statements
• Must be able to provide a project budget for the initiative for which funding is being sought (demonstrating at least two months of on-time payment of outstanding tax debt
• Organizations cannot have declared bankruptcy

According to the website: www.blackopportunityfund.ca, a Black-led organization must have, “At least two-thirds of the leadership (e.g board of directors, executive, management team) must self-identify as Black.” Furthermore, a Black-serving organization must ensure that “A significant portion of program activities prioritize serving Black communities of Canada.” The website provides several examples of priority focus issues in education and health that would fall within the program criteria such as:

1. Education

• Digital access/communication across Canada connecting Black educators, parents, and kids who can interact
• Peer-to-peer mentorship programs
• Educational resources
• Culturally focused programming

2. Health

• Implicit bias training
• Accountability for health inequities faced by Black Canadians
• Social isolation/mental health
• Black transgender experience in healthcare
• Artificial intelligence to advance equity
• Research in Black healthcare
• Mobile/virtual social work

Donna Walwyn (Chair, BOF Grants Committee) states in the press release, “This is a great day for Black Opportunity Fund. This first round of grants with a focus on health and education represents two key pillars for Black Opportunity Fund.”  Additionally, Craig Wellington, Director, Black Opportunity Fund notes. “There’s still much work to do in creating more access to capital throughout the Black communities of Canada. However, thanks to our corporate partners and individual supporters, we are moving forward with incredible momentum.”

The impact of BOF grants will be felt Canada-wide.

Applications from Black-led, Black-serving community organizations across Canada are encouraged to apply by sending an email to grant@blackopportunityfund.org with the subject line Black Opportunity Fund Grant Adjudication.

It is important to include a CV and a cover letter. For additional information, interested groups can visit the website:

https://blackopportunityfund.ca/funding-programs/grants-for-education-and-health-focused -initiatives.