Celebrating the winners of the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) grant program for Canadian, Black-led community organizations.
Through the generous support of TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and the Law Foundation of Ontario, we are thrilled to announce the winners of our grant program for organizations making a significant impact in two of BOF’s mandate areas: 1) Arts & Culture, and 2) Criminal Justice. After careful consideration and an extensive evaluation process, we have selected 19 Black-led, Black-serving, Black-focused not-for-profits and charities (B3s) from across Canada.
“The work being done through the Black Opportunity Fund to break down barriers, address systemic anti-Black racism, and create equitable opportunities for Black and Afro-descendant communities in Canada is transformational,” says Alicia Rose, Associate Vice President, Social Impact, TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re proud to support their efforts to advocate for inclusive change and drive progress for these communities today and into the future.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with the Black Opportunity Fund and supporting its first Criminal Justice granting steam,” says Lisa Cirillo, CEO, The Law Foundation of Ontario. “Enabling equity and justice are key priorities of our grantmaking. Our partnership allowed the Black Opportunity Fund to double the granting dollars available, increasing justice-related services and access to justice for Black communities in Ontario. We congratulate all the grantees, especially those supported specifically by the Foundation’s funding, and look forward to learning about the impact they’ll create.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the applicants who submitted their projects for consideration. The level of work and commitment displayed in each proposal was truly inspiring, making the selection process a challenging but rewarding task.
We would also like to thank our adjudicators and advisors who generously shared their time and expertise to identify our program recipients. Their invaluable contribution ensured a fair and thorough evaluation process.
Congratulations to our program recipients!
Please view the full list of the extraordinary grant winners at the link below. We invite you to help to promote their organizations and programs through your networks, and to consider supporting their initiatives.
Alberta
Project Description: ACCEC's SJI program empowers people of African descent by providing contextual reports for the courts, a legal directory, education and awareness programs, and healing circles using African Indigenous Knowledge systems.
WebsiteBritish Columbia
Project Description: Vancouver Black Library Collections curates materials for the BIPOC community, promoting diversity and access to education and culture through funding support for acquisitions, staff, training, and community outreach.
WebsiteManitoba
Project Description: The SCREEN Program in Winnipeg prevents youth radicalization and violence through safe spaces, media literacy, intercultural dialogue, mentorship, sports, and outings. It promotes resilience, challenges stereotypes, and empowers youth to contribute positively to society.
WebsiteNova Scotia
Project Description: The African Diaspora Cultural and Traditional Event celebrates the contributions of the African diaspora in the Maritimes while promoting cultural heritage and supporting the mental health and integration of newcomers in Canada.
WebsiteProject Description: This program empowers at-risk black youth in Uniacke Square, Halifax, through social entrepreneurship and community involvement, aiming to prevent criminal involvement and break the cycle of poverty while promoting mental health and community development.
WebsiteOntario
Project Description: The CaribbeanTales Cinema Screenings Therapy Program provides therapeutic film experiences for BIPOC audiences, addressing social issues and changing narratives through authentic portrayals by Black media artists.
WebsiteProject Description: This initiative enables BAND's board to shift from operational to governance roles, focusing on fundraising, partnerships, and strategic priorities for sustainable growth and resource development.
WebsiteProject Description: Our program offers gymnastics, cultural dance, self-esteem building, and art classes for young Black girls, fostering self-expression, confidence, and cultural belonging in an empowering environment.
WebsiteProject Description: Prosper offers intensive case management for young individuals with firearm-related charges, aiming to increase access to services, address systemic barriers, and reduce involvement in violence and crime.
WebsiteProject Description: The Advocacy Committee and Criminal Justice Reform Subcommittee promote diversity, equity, and justice for Black Canadians through interventions, reports, and legislative influence, creating positive social change in the community.
WebsiteProject Description: The #MaybeNextTime campaign aims to address sexual violence against Black girls and women. The We Got You, Sis program offers capacity building, mental health support, and resources to encourage disclosure, empowerment, and access to necessary tools for self-advocacy and healing.
WebsiteProject Description: Our project aims to provide diversion programs for guilty pleas to prevent criminal convictions, reducing recidivism and empowering Black youth with better employment opportunities and support systems.
WebsiteProject Description: R3 provides culturally specific support for youth and families in the justice system. Increased funding enables expansion, professional counseling, and extrajudicial programs for Black youth, reducing recidivism and improving community safety and mental health.
WebsiteProject Description: The Black Youth Diversion program provides holistic prevention and intervention support for justice-involved Black youth, aiming to divert them from jails, address overrepresentation, and foster positive change through workshops and community interventions.
WebsiteProject Description: Acorn2Oak's Justice Program provides wraparound support for racialized youths in conflict with the law, addressing root issues, reducing recidivism, and promoting education and career prospects.
WebsiteProject Description: The project engages African, Caribbean, Black, and Indigenous youth through workshops led by Black legal professionals. It educates them about legal rights, develops legal skills, and includes a mock hearing and needs assessment.
WebsiteQuebec
Project Description: We propose the Festival Bon Courage, an annual event highlighting the artistic and cultural diversity of communities of African descent, with the aim of combating cultural misunderstanding, promoting heritage and involving young people in Quebec society.
WebsiteProject Description: I.M.P.A.C.T will launch a business accelerator program for Black Anglophone Quebecois producers, providing training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to support their career growth and promote diversity in the industry.
WebsiteProject Description: Hoodistic Justice, a restorative justice project by Hoodstock, aims to address systemic inequalities and overrepresentation of Black populations in the justice system. It offers alternative measures and Afrocentric workshops to rebuild identity and communities.
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