Editorial fellowship: Inclusion and anti-racism
About This Series
Social purpose teams and organizations across Canada are reckoning with this fact, the implications for their work, and, in many cases, their own history and complicity with structural and systemic exclusion. Activists have been calling for this reckoning for decades, and organizations are only scratching the surface. From inclusive internal organizational culture to anti-racist program design and service delivery to centring racial justice in grantmaking and so much more, it’s a difficult yet essential learning journey organizations are on. They need in-depth reporting on what works, what doesn’t and what the trends are. This 2023 series and independent journalism is made possible by the support of the World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund.
New AgentsC and Imagine Canada study reveals significant inclusion barriers for Black and Indigenous CSR professionals
Black and Indigenous-led non-profit groups are often the most underfunded by corporate groups, which mainly consist of white professionals making the funding decisions. This study shows that 25 per cent of Black CSR practitioners have funding decision-making, in comparison to the 96 per cent of white practitioners. Knowing what improvements can be made within the sector could be useful for those who need better support.
Ten Canadian projects fighting anti-Black racism you should know about
Despite knowing how to address the systemic gaps in their community the most, Black-led projects that counter anti-Black racism are often underfunded by Canadian philanthropy. It’s only now, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement that people are beginning to be more invested in the work committed by these groups.
It Gets Better Canada launches youth grants to support 2SLGBTQ+ students
Sexually and gender diverse youth in Canada are reported to be more prone to bullying and experiencing suicidal thoughts. Since most youth spend time in primary and secondary schools across the country, studies recommend making schools more inclusive towards 2SLGBTQ+ students to reduce the harm they experience.
Explainer: What does a Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia do?
There’s been an ongoing increase in violence and hate towards Muslims across Canada. The 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting, the murder of a mosque volunteer in Toronto in 2020 and the London, Ontario van attack in 2021 are just some of the hate crimes that have occurred in recent years. Moreover, Bills in Quebec, such as Bill 21, have caused backlash in the form of discriminating against Muslims.
What does the latest Charter challenge against the Canada Revenue Agency mean for Muslim organizations?
Muslim-led charities provide community spaces, places of worship and other social services for Canada’s Muslim (and non-Muslim) communities. With questionable CRA audit practices, these charities are heavily scrutinized and at risk of losing their charitable status, which can impact donations and operations needed to serve their communities, while also stigmatizing the Muslim community.
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.
2SLGBTQIA+ organizations rally for more funding, support amidst growing anti-gender movement
With a rising tide of far-right activists working to claw-back gains made by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities, more funding and support is needed for the organizations that serve those communities and advocate for their interests. Without an increase in support, human rights and lives may be at risk
Can settler-led philanthropy advance reconciliation?
While some settler-led philanthropic organizations have signed a declaration of action around reconciliation, Indigenous-led organizations continue to be underfunded. But a newly updated definitional matrix provides guidance for greater equity in philanthropy.
Government anti-racism grants help underfunded grassroots Black-led organizations in B.C.
Black-led and Black-serving organizations are often underfunded and unable to grow. Open government grants through Multicultural and Anti-Racism Programs can help grassroots organizations reach their goals.
Black Vacation Week? Guelph advocate promotes rest for Black community during Black History Month
A Black Vacation Week would recognize the effort that goes into public education during Black History Month and encourage the Black community to prioritize their wellbeing.
Men outnumber women on non-profit boards, racialized members much lower: new StatsCan data
Data on diversity in the non-profit sector will help organizations recognize and fill gaps in representation.
Free contraception in Canada: One barrier down, several more to go
Removing barriers to contraception access gives people agency over their reproductive health and helps narrow the gender equity gap. It also saves taxpayers a lot of money.
Canadian community groups take hate-reporting data collection into their own hands
Some historically marginalized communities do not trust police services and often don’t report hate crimes and incidents. Community organizations step in to fill that vital information gap.
Toronto non-profits meeting in parks, shopping malls as rental space becomes unaffordable
Not having a permanent space in the neighbourhoods they serve further marginalizes Toronto's vulnerable communities and threatens to close down vital programming.