Message from the Chief
Executive Officer

Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) is extremely pleased at the significant milestones we have achieved since inception, in advancing our mission of catalyzing socioeconomic empowerment for Canada’s diverse Black communities.

BOF takes a holistic approach to fulfilling its mandate. We are committed to securing and deploying needs informed capital to empower Black communities, but are equally focused on acting as a national community orchestrator, advocacy champion, and accelerator, to amplify the impact, as well as the voices of Black communities in every corner of our vast nation. We are extremely proud of the many meaningful partnerships we have made with grassroots Black community organizations across the country, and with Black entrepreneurs in every Province, who are nurturing and growing brilliant business ideas.

Black Opportunity Fund is a truly disruptive and unique Black- led, (and more importantly) Black controlled, philanthropic model. We recognize that many previous models of Black-led philanthropy, no matter how well intentioned, have fallen into the trap of replicating the same historically inequitable systems, but just with Black leadership at the helm. We feel that in order to dismantle the impacts of systemic racism, it is necessary to not just transfer money, but to also transfer power and control. Control in decision making. Control in how funds are deployed. And control in how investment decisions are made. All with meaningful and extensive engagement with community. Our funders and partners have all bought into that vision.

BOF has taken the time to earn the trust and confidence of community, of the corporate sector, of government, and of philanthropy, by demonstrating a clear strategic vision, a high level of competence and expertise, and by building a best in class organizational and governance structure. BOF is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and accountability, as we feel that how you do it, is as important as what you do, and why.

My sincere gratitude to the amazing board for its inspired leadership and ongoing example of the highest standards of integrity and excellence. To the dedicated staff team and committed volunteers, interest-holders, funders and community partners, who have joined BOF on its journey to deliver on its ambitious promise.

Respectfully yours,

Craig Wellington,

• Chief Executive Officer
• Black Opportunity Fund