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Deadline: October 20, 2026
Program Summary:
The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is proud to launch the Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 4.0, 2026. This funding opportunity offers $ 8 million in investment to support Black-mandated, Black-led, and Black-serving (B3) charitable and non-profit organizations across Canada. Our goal is to provide one-year flexible funding to initiatives designed to address the most pressing needs of Black communities and improve socio-economic outcomes.
The Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 4.0 is the fourth funding cycle of the Foundation for Black Communities’ (FFBC) flagship Black Ideas Grant program. Building on the success of previous funding rounds, B.I.G. 4.0 continues FFBC’s commitment to investing in Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-mandated (B3) organizations and groups that are creating positive change in Black communities across Canada.
B.I.G. 4.0 provides funding through three streams to strengthen organizations, expand community programs and services, and invest in community spaces that contribute to one or more of the following focus areas: Combating Anti-Black Racism, Improving Social Outcomes, Improving Economic Outcomes.
Through a participatory grantmaking approach, B.I.G. 4.0 supports community-driven solutions by investing in initiatives that strengthen organizational capacity, improve access to programs and services, and create lasting impact for Black communities.
CORE GRANT STREAM:
To support the long-term sustainability and health of applicant organizations by providing funding for fixed costs such as overhead1 and capacity building to improve and strengthen the organization’s operations.
Objectives:
The Core Grant Stream Program aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Enhance organizational capacity and operational efficiency
- Support long-term sustainability of Black-led, mandated and serving organizations
- Strengthen organizational capacity and core functions
- Enable organizations to better achieve their missions and meet community needs
Eligible Initiatives:
When completing your application, you will have the opportunity to share your proposed initiative. Only eligible initiatives will have the opportunity to receive funding.
To be eligible, initiatives must:
- Address at least one of the three Focus Areas: Combatting Anti-Black Racism, Improving Social Outcomes and Improving Economic Outcomes.
- Address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Determinants of Health.
- Can be implemented in the proposed timeline and with the available funding, ensuring funds are spent by March 31, 2028.
- Not include any of the ineligible activities outlined below.
CATAPULT STREAM:
To support the design and/or delivery of projects [2], programs, and/or services that directly benefit Black communities in Canada.
Objectives:
The Catapult Grant Stream Program aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Support existing or new initiatives that address specific needs within Black communities
- New ideas and/or approaches: Organizations and groups building or launching new programs, projects or services, testing new approaches, or exploring and experimenting may apply for this grant.
- Expanding programs or services: Organizations and groups that plan to grow or sustain existing programs, projects or services may apply for this grant. Organizations must describe the existing program or service in their application.
- Enhance program design and service delivery
- Increase availability and access to relevant community services that improve:
- Socio-economic conditions
- Arts and cultural engagement
- Health and wellness
- Community engagement
- Efforts to address anti-Black racism
Eligible Initiatives:
When completing your application, you will have the opportunity to share your proposed initiative. Only eligible initiatives will have the opportunity to receive funding.
To be eligible, initiatives must:
- Address at least one of the three Focus Areas: Combatting Anti-Black Racism, Improving Social Outcomes and Improving Economic Outcomes.
- Address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Determinants of Health.
- Can be implemented in the proposed timeline and with the available funding, ensuring funds are spent by March 31, 2027.
- Not include any of the ineligible activities outlined below.
COMMUNITY SPACES STREAM:
To support the acquisition, construction, renovation, and maintenance of physical community spaces* and gathering places that directly benefit or serve Black communities in Canada.
*A community physical space” refers to a designated area, building, or facility where members of the local Black community can gather, interact, and engage in various activities. It serves as a hub for social, cultural, educational, or recreational purposes, fostering connection, collaboration, and inclusivity among the community.
Objectives:
The Community Spaces Grant Stream aims to achieve the following objectives by helping to increase existence, sustainability and/or access to Black-led, owned and operated Community Spaces that:
- Foster a Sense of Belonging and Connectivity
- Enhance Community Health and Well-being
- Support Economic and Social Inclusion
Eligible Initiatives:
When completing your application, you will have the opportunity to share your proposed initiative. Only eligible initiatives will have the opportunity to receive funding. To be eligible, initiatives must:
- Address at least one of the three Focus Areas: Combatting Anti-Black Racism, Improving Social Outcomes and Improving Economic Outcomes.
- Address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Determinants of Health.
- Can be implemented in the proposed timeline and with the available funding, ensuring funds are spent by March 31, 2027.
- Not include any of the ineligible activities outlined below.
Grant Amount:
CORE GRANT STREAM: Provides up to $30,000 to support core and operational needs unrelated to programming. This stream is designed for organizations looking to strengthen their foundational capacity.
CATAPULT STREAM: Provides up to $80,000 to invest in new or existing programs and services. This stream supports organizations ready to expand their impact through program delivery.
COMMUNITY SPACES STREAM: Provides up to $200,000 for capital projects and social infrastructure. This stream supports organizations investing in long-term physical or community space needs.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligibility:
Only eligible organizations can apply to Black Ideas Grant 4.0, 2026. To be eligible, organizations must:
- Be Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving (B3)
- Black-led organization: These organizations are led and governed primarily by Black individuals. At least 2/3 of their leadership, including their executive team and board of directors, must be Black. Leadership here implies that decisions, policies, and strategic direction reflect the lived experiences and priorities of Black people.
- Black-Mandated organization: These organizations permanently and primarily serve Black communities, addressing issues and providing particularly relevant services to Black people. Their programs and initiatives are designed to address challenges that disproportionately affect Black communities.
- Black-serving organization: These organizations services, supports and resources are design and dedicated to supporting Black communities, ensuring that their services and programs meet the needs of Black individuals, even if their service beneficiaries include other groups.
- Be a registered charity, incorporated non-profit, or an unincorporated non-profit or group working with an incorporated partner. Unincorporated groups could include Black collaboratives, Student Unions, Affinity Groups, etc.
- Be located in Canada.
Core Grant Eligible Applicants:
- Be a registered charity in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), OR Be a non-profit organization incorporated under federal or provincial legislation OR Unincorporated Black-led, mandated and serving group or collective.
- Be Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving at all levels of the organization, including governance and operations
- At least two-thirds (2/3) of the organization’s leadership, staff and board must identify as Black
- Demonstrate a clear need for capacity building or operational support
Eligible organizations and groups can apply up to $30,000 to address core funding needs. This stream will fund core activities related to the operational success of the organization or group.
Catapult Stream Eligible Applicants:
- Be a registered charity in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), OR be a non-profit organization incorporated under federal or provincial legislation OR An unincorporated group or community collaborative
- Be Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving at all levels of the organization, including governance and operations
- At least two-thirds (2/3) of the organization’s leadership, staff, and board must identify as Black
- Proposed initiatives must be located within Canada and serve Black communities within Canada
- Show a clear connection to and understanding of the Black communities they serve
- Provide evidence of community support for the proposed initiative
Eligible organizations and groups can apply up to $80,000 to explore new or existing ideas or approaches to improving socio-economic well-being in Black communities, including the research, design, piloting, and evaluation of initiatives.
Community Spaces Grant Stream – Eligible Applicants:
- Be a registered charity in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), OR be a non-profit organization incorporated under federal or provincial legislation
- Be Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving at all levels of the organization, including governance and operations At least two-thirds (2/3) of the organization’s leadership, staff, and board must identify as Black
- Proposed projects must be located within Canada and serve Black communities within Canada
- Have been operating in Canada for a minimum of three (3) years prior to the application date
- Must provide externally produced financial statements for the past one (1) year. Acceptable financial statements include audited statements or notice to reader reports
- Show a clear connection to and understanding of the Black communities they serve.
- Provide evidence of community support for the proposed project.
- Be able to provide proof of ownership or long-term lease
Eligible organizations and groups with bold and big ideas that advance the social and economic infrastructure that benefit Black communities. Organizations can apply for up to $200,000 to scale programs, services or commercialization initiatives. Funding is intended to invest in organizations that are indispensable to their sector or community, contribute to a stronger ecosystem for Black communities, and lay the groundwork for transformative change.