Black Leadership in Social Impact
About This Collection
Black-led charities in Canada get a fraction of the donations raised by their white-led peers, but remain on the leading edge of social impact innovation. Attacks on DEI within our largest trading partner has produced spin-off effects in Canada. Get up-to-speed on the people, projects and organizations leading the way through difficult times.
Federal funding cuts to refugee housing will negatively impact Black, African communities most, say advocates
In 2023, several refugees who arrived in Toronto ended up unhoused or in the city’s temporary shelters. Many had arrived from African countries. Organizations have warned that the federal government’s cuts to the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) could lead to another emergency in the city, with local municipalities, churches and community groups picking up what they say should be a federal responsibility.
Canada’s national pride may soften the DEI backlash
Canada will need all the talent it can muster to grow its economy and build new partnerships. Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of that.
Delivering DEI: 10 innovative non-profits awarded $1M to overcome small business barriers
Contributing to a stronger and more inclusive small business environment in North America is important to economic growth and creating diverse job opportunities.
Will ABC become the new DEI? It depends on who you ask
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are facing a growing backlash south of the border and here at home. Rebranding is one solution many are considering.
What comes after DEI? Opportunity, say some
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are catch-all phrases for initiatives targeting historical inequities. A rebranding could help future-proof the aims they represent
Reducing the stigma of asking for mental health help in Black communities
Black and African women experience some of the highest levels of depression, yet they are also among the most hesitant to seek help. Greenshield and Black Mental Health Canada hope to shift the stigma.
Complaint process weaponized against Black civil servants in Canada, study finds
Successive reports have documented pervasive and systemic anti-Black racism in Canada’s civil service. The creation of a Black equity commissioner could be part of the solution.
Canadian coalition of Black-led organizations call for permanency, stability
The last four years have seen historic federal investments in Black communities, creating millions in revenue and thousands of new jobs. But without stability and continuity, these gains will disappear.
Putting charities in charge: New $9-million Black-led fund - one of largest-ever in Canada - to centre applicants in grant decision-making
Black leaders are hopeful that a participatory grantmaking process, being used by the Foundation for Black Communities, will model how governments and foundations will engage with and fund Black community organizations in the future.
Who’s really advancing equity in the non-profit sector? A new study says it’s Black, Indigenous and racialized-led organizations
This equity benchmarking study shows what’s otherwise anecdotally known in the non-profit sector. Using the findings and suggestions from the study can help the sector be less performative and more authentic in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.