Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3) agencies in the Peel Region can now apply for a new and exclusive funding program.
The Community Investment Program launched the first-ever B3 funding framework last week to drive meaningful change within Peel’s Black communities, organizations, networks, and grassroots groups.
The new initiative aims to provide the resources and support necessary for these entities to thrive. Peel Region includes Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.
The B3 Advisory Board, composed of 12 Black Executive Directors in Peel, played a crucial role in shaping the B3 Funding Framework.
The board, comprising community-based social service agencies and regional staff, provided essential insights and recommendations to ensure that the needs and perspectives of Black communities in Peel are central to the region’s work.
Mississauga Ward 9 Councillor Martin Reid, who witnessed the initiative blossom into existence, told Now Toronto “This was a long time coming.”
“It’s just great to see so much thought put into supporting these grassroots organizations, which often don’t have formal non-profit status,” Reid said in an interview on Monday.
“This is an opportunity to not only support those organizations, but also to coach them along the way,” he added.
Reid says people like Peel Region’s Director of Culture & Inclusion Juliet Jackson are working hard to bring such funding programs on the table.
“The B3 Fund responds to historical funding disparities from all levels of government. We are proud to provide the necessary resources and support to foster measurable change within our community,” Jackson said in a statement.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Organizations wishing to apply must be at least one of the following: Black-led, Black-focused, or Black-serving.
While a physical location is not required, organizations should have at least one-third of their clients residing in Peel Region.
Eligible entities include registered charitable organizations and incorporated not-for-profit organizations that have been incorporated for at least two years.
Meanwhile, organizations incorporated for less than two years can apply by partnering with a fiscal sponsor.
Reid says he is hopeful that this program will help non-profit organizations like CACD and Restoration And Empowerment For Social Transition Centre (REST) continue doing the important community work with the funding they deserve.
“REST Centres is excited about the 2024 B3 Fund…As Black youth continue to represent the largest youth population facing housing insecurity in Peel, this fund represents a crucial opportunity to bolster our core operations, allowing us to further our mission of supporting Black youth with greater effectiveness,” REST Centres Founder Dagma Koyi told Now Toronto on Monday.
“The potential impact of this funding will significantly strengthen our ability to deliver essential services and drive meaningful change in our community. We eagerly anticipate the transformative possibilities this support will bring,” Koyi added.
WHAT DOES THE FUND COVER?
The fund covers salary costs for core operating positions and operational expenses such as rent, utilities, legal fees, insurance, and similar costs.
However, it does not cover program or service costs, fundraising drives or event costs, or capital expenses like computers or office furniture.
Organizations could receive between $10,000-$60,000 of funding depending on their size, however funding will be capped at 25 per cent of the organization’s annual revenue.
Since 2020, Peel Region has been committed to applying an equity lens to its initiatives, including reallocating $1.3 million to address racial and systemic discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has already shown significant results, with 35 per cent and 37 per cent of successful applicants for the Capacity and Change Fund in 2020 and 2021, respectively, being Black-led, Black-focused, or Black-serving not-for-profit groups.
Reid says with the start of B3 funding “a door has been opened for the Black community” and it will “allow the door to be open for everybody else.”
Eligible organizations can apply for the funding until August 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. here.
