CAD $135.7 Million for Black-Led Community Organisations – Black Canadian Communities Program

The Government of Canada, through Employment and Social Development Canada, has announced CAD $135.7 million in funding over five years to strengthen Black communities and support organisations delivering positive social change across Canada.

The Black Canadian Communities Program will provide grants and contributions to support Black children, young people and families, while helping Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused organisations strengthen their services, build capacity and achieve long-term sustainability.

Here's what you can expect:

• CAD $135.7 million in total programme funding over five years

• CAD $27.1 million in annual funding thereafter

• Grants and contributions for eligible community organisations

• Support for projects benefiting Black children, young people and families

• Opportunities to strengthen organisational skills and resources

• Support for improving long-term financial and operational sustainability

• Funding for community-led initiatives addressing identified local needs

• Opportunities to expand the reach and impact of community services

What projects can be funded?

The programme will support three main funding streams:

1. Supporting Black Children & Families

Projects improving outcomes for Black children, young people, families and caregivers.

Activities may focus on addressing systemic barriers, discrimination and challenges affecting access to opportunities and services.

2. Strengthening Community Organisations

Initiatives helping Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused organisations develop the skills, tools and resources needed to grow.

This includes strengthening organisational capacity, improving access to funding and supporting long-term sustainability.

3. Addressing Community Priorities

Community-led activities responding to emerging needs identified by Black communities across Canada.

The programme aims to reduce barriers, expand opportunities and support locally developed solutions.

Who can apply?

The programme is intended to support:

• Black-led organisations

• Black-serving organisations

• Black-focused organisations

• Community organisations supporting Black children and families

• Organisations delivering initiatives that respond to the priorities of Black communities in Canada

Important eligibility information:

Detailed eligibility requirements have not yet been released.

The government has not confirmed:

• Minimum or maximum individual grant amounts

• Organisational income thresholds

• Registration and legal structure requirements

• Whether partnership applications will be accepted

• Eligible project costs

• Project duration limits

• Matching funding requirements

Applicants should wait for the official programme guidelines before determining their eligibility.

Background to the programme

The Black Canadian Communities Program builds on the previous Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, which has funded more than 3,000 projects across Canada since 2019.

The new programme aims to continue supporting community-led solutions while strengthening the organisations delivering them.

Funding: CAD $135.7 million across five years, followed by $27.1 million annually.

Individual Grant Amount: To be announced

Geographic Focus: Canada

Application Deadline: To be announced

Application Status: FUNDING ANNOUNCED – APPLICATION DETAILS PENDING

How to apply:

The Government of Canada has confirmed that further information about grant and contribution opportunities will be published in the coming months.

Interested organisations should monitor official government announcements for application guidance, eligibility requirements and opening dates.