Apply for Black-Mandated Funding Framework Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

The Black-Mandated Funding Framework provides funding to Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) grassroots groups and organizations in Toronto. Eligible organizations can receive up to $40,000 per year for two years to support community and social service program delivery, while the broader framework also provides a Capacity Building stream focused on organizational infrastructure and development. The Black-Mandated Funding Framework was established to create sustainable pathways of support for Toronto’s Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused community and social service organizations. The framework is designed around several key principles: The framework recognises the role of Black-mandated organizations in developing and delivering services that respond directly to the needs of Black communities. The framework provides two main funding streams. This stream supports community and social service programs that address priorities identified by Toronto’s Black communities. Funding can help eligible organizations deliver programs and services designed around community needs and interests. The Capacity Building stream focuses on strengthening organizations themselves.

It invests in areas such as:

The purpose is to help Black-mandated organizations strengthen their ability to serve their communities effectively. Eligible B3 grassroots groups and established organizations can apply for: The funding is intended to support program delivery under the framework. Applicants must be Black-mandated organizations or groups. To meet this requirement, an organization must demonstrate that it: Both eligible grassroots groups and established organizations can apply. The Black-mandated criteria are central to the funding framework. Applicants must demonstrate more than simply providing services to Black residents. Their organizational leadership, mandate, community relationships, and service focus should clearly demonstrate a sustained commitment to Toronto’s Black communities.

Organizations should be able to show:

The Program and Service Delivery stream supports community and social service programs addressing priorities identified by Black communities in Toronto. Potential areas of work can include programs and services that: Applicants should clearly connect their proposed activities with the needs and interests of the communities they serve. Capacity Building focuses on strengthening the internal capabilities and infrastructure of eligible organizations. Capacity-building activities may help organizations improve: The broader goal is to create stronger and more sustainable Black-mandated organizations serving Toronto communities. Community accountability is a key eligibility consideration under the framework. Applicants should demonstrate that they have ongoing relationships with the Black communities they serve and that their work is informed by community needs and priorities. Evidence of community accountability may include: The framework also aims to center African-centered approaches in service delivery. Organizations should consider how their programs and services reflect the experiences, priorities, cultural contexts, and self-determination of Toronto’s diverse Black communities. Applicants should clearly demonstrate why their organization meets the Black-mandated criteria and how their proposed work responds to community priorities.

Before applying, organizations should:

The Black-Mandated Funding Framework provides support to Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused community and social service organizations in Toronto. Eligible B3 grassroots groups and established organizations can apply for up to $40,000 per year for two years, equivalent to up to $80,000 over two years if the maximum annual amount is awarded. Black-mandated organizations and groups in Toronto that meet the framework’s requirements for Black leadership, community focus, mandate, accountability, and relationships can apply. B3 refers to Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused organizations and groups. A Black-mandated organization is one that is Black-led, primarily serves Toronto’s Black communities, has an explicit mandate focused on Black communities, and demonstrates accountability and trust through ongoing community relationships and partnerships. Yes. Eligible B3 grassroots groups can apply alongside established organizations. This stream supports community and social service programs that respond to priorities identified by Toronto’s Black communities. The Capacity Building stream invests in organizational infrastructure and development to strengthen the ability of Black-mandated organizations to serve their communities. Yes. Applicants must demonstrate that they primarily serve Toronto’s Black communities. The framework is designed to support organizations that have genuine, ongoing relationships with the Black communities they serve and whose programs respond to community needs and priorities. Yes. The framework seeks to center African-centered approaches in service delivery. An application should clearly explain how the organization meets the Black-mandated criteria and how its proposed activities address the needs and interests of Toronto’s Black communities. The Black-Mandated Funding Framework provides targeted support for Toronto’s Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused organizations working to address community priorities. With program delivery funding of up to $40,000 annually for two years, alongside capacity-building support, the framework aims to strengthen community services, organizational development, accountability, and sustainable support for Toronto’s diverse Black communities. For more information, visit City of Toronto.