Black-Mandated Funding Framework Grant

Black-Mandated Funding Framework Grant is sponsored by City of Toronto. Addresses funding disparities for Black-mandated organizations as part of the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism.

Black-Mandated Funding Framework – City of Toronto Black-Mandated Funding Framework Applications are now being accepted . Submit your application by noon on September 22. The Black-Mandated Funding Framework aims to address funding gaps and historical underinvestment in community organizations and groups that serve Toronto’s Black communities.

The model provides an equity-centered approach to addressing anti-Black racism in the City’s community funding processes.

The Black-mandated Funding Framework is grounded in the following principles: Enabling an ecosystem of support for Black community groups Ensuring City accountability and accessibility Advancing equity and self-determination Eligibility – Definition of Black-Mandated Organization To be considered for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate and meet all the eligibility criteria below.

Black-Mandated Funding Framework – B3 Organization or Group Eligibility Self-Assessment A Black-mandated organization or group (also referred to as a B3) is assessed based on four key criteria, which include the following: Governance – Black-led: Is led by a majority of staff and board members who self-identify as Black or of African descent Population – Black serving: Primarily serves Toronto’s diverse Black communities Mandate of Mission – Black-focused: Has a mandate that explicitly states that they serve Black communities and are grounded in Black / African-centered approaches across services and programs Community Accountability and Trust: Responds to community needs and continually develops and maintains relationships with the communities being served or other Black-mandated organizations and groups (e.g., partnerships) Eligibility – Non-Profit & Grassroots Organizations To be eligible to apply for th e Black-Mandated Funding Framework grant program, your organization must align with the definition of a Black-mandated (B3) organization as described above and can be either a grassroots group or an established organization.

B3 grassroots group : A community – driven B3 group that can be resident-led or youth-led. Grassroots groups do not need to be incorporated non-profits and do not need to have recent audited financial statements. Successful grassroots group applicants will need to work with a trustee organization.

For grassroots B3 groups , eligible applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria: Identify as a community -driven B3 group that can be resident-led or youth-led. Note that grassroots groups do not need to be incorporated non-profits and do not need to have recent audited financial statements. Successful grassroots group applicants will need to work with a trustee organization.

More information about trusteeship and a definition of trustee are available in the grant guidelines . Your group must be accountable to a leadership team that must consist of three or more members or staff who are residents of Toronto and who do not reside in the same household. This leadership team must direct and lead the decision-making on behalf of the group.

Must be based in the city of Toronto, with a postal code that begins with M without exception. Acknowledge that grant supported activities must take place in Toronto. Indigenous groups (including Afro-Indigenous groups) may apply for funding specifically for Indigenous-based cultural or land-based activities outside of Toronto as per the City of Toronto Grants Policy .

Be in good standing with the City of Toronto. This means your organization must comply with the Toronto Grants Policy and that your organization must not be indebted to the City of Toronto or any of its agencies, boards, and/or commissions, or be in default of terms and conditions of any agreement (including any previous grant agreement) with the City of Toronto.

Your group must be up-to-date on all requirements of any City of Toronto funding received in the past, including reporting. The primary applicant (group lead) for your Toronto Grants, Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP) application must self-identify as Black or of African descent. Sign and comply with the Toronto Grants Policy and Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation and City Policy .

Have proven financial and program/project management experience. Demonstrate effective grant management and administrative capacity. Have proven ability to manage the project (i.e. administrative oversight, financial processes and procedures).

Be willing to work collaboratively with a trustee for financial management and capacity-building mentorship and support. Report on the use of the grant funds to the City as requested and/or outlined in the approved funding agreement. Maintain records/documentation for auditing purposes for up to seven years and, where applicable, work with your trustee to maintain documentation for up to seven years.

Note: The organization or group must not be indebted to the City or be in default of the terms and conditions of any agreement (including any previous grant agreement) with the City of Toronto or any of its any division, agencies, boards or commissions.

For B3 established organizations , eligible applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria: Have proven financial and program/project management experience Demonstrate effective grant management and administrative capacity Have proven ability to manage the project (i.e. administrative oversight, financial processes and procedures) Be willing to work collaboratively with a trustee for financial management and capacity-building mentorship and support Report on the use of the grant funds to the City as requested and/or outlined in the approved funding agreement Maintain records/documentation for auditing purposes for up to seven years and, where applicable, work with your trustee to maintain documentation for up to seven years Note: The organization or group must not be indebted to the City or be in default of the terms and conditions of any agreement (including any previous grant agreement) with the City of Toronto or any of its any division, agencies, boards or commissions.

The Program and Service Delivery stream funds community and social service programs addressing priorities identified by Toronto’s diverse Black communities. Eligible B3 grassroots groups and established organizations may apply for up to $40,000 annually for two years to support program delivery. Please Review the Grant Guidelines on pages 4-6 for full details including the specific priorities.

The Capacity Building stream helps organizations strengthen internal structures, skills, processes, and resources to improve effectiveness, meet community needs, and build long-term resilience. Eligible B3 grassroots groups and established organizations may apply for up to $40,000 annually for two years. Please Review the Grant Guidelines on pages 6-7 for full details including the specific priorities.

Examples of eligible costs include: Staff salaries and benefits Honoraria for volunteers, volunteer training and recognition Disability accommodation costs Accessible transportation Purchase of service expenses (e.g. data analysis or IT contractors, web design, printing, local artist fee, certified trainers, software licenses, etc.) New technology, including financial management tools Interpretation and translation (e.g. live captioning, plain language editing, CART captioning, etc.) Accessible PDF remediation Accessible web development Scent-free accommodations Small capital costs (e.g. assistive technology, hearing loop systems, computers, tablets, chairs, etc.) General overhead administration cos ts Costs may only be considered eligible if they are: Incurred by the organization during the term of the approved grant funding agreement and in the case of goods, received during the term of the funding agreement (that is, expenses are incurred and received during the approved funding period) Directly related to, and required to achieve the expected results of the project Note: There should be little to no cost for participants in grant funding activities.

All grant applications must be submitted online through the Toronto Grants Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP) . Organizations that do not have a TGRIP account should register for one by clicking the “Register Here” button on the TGRIP log-in webpage .

For accessibility support and accommodation (including documents in alternate formats, sign-language interpreters and off-hour meetings), please e-mail Daniella Castello, Agency Review Officer, Community Funding at Daniella. Castello@toronto. ca .

Review the Black-Mandated Funding Framework Grant Guidelines and eligibility information. Select one funding stream to apply to. Applicants can only apply to one stream.

Attend an optional grant information session and/ or virtual drop-in office hours session if you have questions about the application process. If your group does not have a TGRIP account, register your group on the Toronto, Grants, Rebates and Incentives Portal (TGRIP ). You can review the instructions below on “How to Register for a TGRIP Account.

” Please note, if you are registering as a Grassroots group, please select “grassroots” and “resident-led” in the organizational profile when describing your group. If registering as an “established” organization or group, please select established only. Complete and submit your Black-Mandated Funding Framework grant application, including your project budget and work plan, on TGRIP.

Information Sessions & Office Hours Virtual information sessions will walk applicants through the Black-Mandated Funding Framework grant program guidelines and online application form, including the project work plan and budget. City staff will also provide grant writing tips and best practices. Registration is encouraged but not required for information sessions.

For accessibility support and accommodation (e.g., documents in alternate formats, sign-language interpreters, off-hour meetings), please e-mail Daniella Castello, Agency Review Officer, Community Funding at Daniella. Castello@toronto. ca .

Virtual Link and Log-in Information Join: https://teams. microsoft. com/meet/210420165656725?

p=OhZobgPs92JMeugQoh Meeting ID (Access Code): 210 420 165 656 725 Dial in by phone: +1 647-749-7152 Phone Conference ID: 792913077# Join: https://teams. microsoft. com/meet/277077119108550?

p=pbIydUAcuCW1aSZE15 Meeting ID (Access Code): 277 077 119 108 550 Dial in by phone: +1 647-749-7152 Phone Conference ID: 519 779 798# Virtual One-On-One Appointments: Application Support Virtual one-on-one application support sessions are available by appointment only. To book a session, complete the registration form using the link below, then email communityfunding@toronto. ca to confirm your appointment time.

Each applicant group may book one appointment. Please note that City staff cannot provide detailed reviews of applications. They can answer general questions about project eligibility and how well your project aligns with the BMFF grant program goals.

Register by clicking here: Registration for 1:1 Application Support Appointment August 19 between 2:30 to 4 p. m. September 9 between 11:30 a.

m. to 1 p. m.

September 14 between 6 to 7:30 p. m. September 15 between 6 to 7:30 p.

m.

Grant Application Launches Grant Funding Announcements Year 1 Project Implementation December 1, 2026 to November 1, 2027 Year 2 Project Implementation December 1, 2027 to November 1, 2028 2025 & 2026 Grant Recipients The City of Toronto awarded one year and two year grants to support community-led initiatives aimed at removing the systemic barriers experienced by Black-mandated organizations, so that they are strengthened to better respond to the needs of Toronto’s Black communities.

The 47 organizations awarded grants for 2025 and 2026 are: b current Performing Arts co Black Action Defense Committee Black Artists' Networks in Dialogue Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention of Metropolitan Toronto Black Creek Community Farm Black Creek Youth Initiative Black Women's Institute for Health Canadian Association of Rwandan Youth Toronto Centre de l’Identité et de la Culture Africaines - CICA African Identity and Culture Centre - AICC Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth Francophones Pour Un Environnement Durable Inc / EcoAmbassadeurs Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario Harriet Tubman Community Organization Heritage Skills Development Centre Hope for Refugees International Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment Midaynta Community Services Musiclinks Community Canada My Brothers Keeper Parkdale Parents of Black Children Canada Power of Love Foundation Canada Promoting Education and Community Health (PEACH) RISE Arts and Community Services Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre San Romanoway Revitalization Association Somali Women's and Children's Support Network The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario Canada The Blackstone Foundation Library The Empress Walk Initiative The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data Ubuntu - Black Trans, Non-Binary and 2Spirit Collective Uzima Women Relief Group International Date modified: August 12, 2026