Charity Status Unlocked
Community Empowerment & Funding Opportunities
Black Newcomers & Youth Support
Impact Gala 2025
Building Community Ties Across the Country
Advocacy and Legal Action
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Community Members,
As we step into a new year, the Federation of Black Canadians is proud to reflect on an impactful first quarter. We launched our Newcomers & NEET Program, offering mentorship, job readiness training, and culturally grounded support for Black youth navigating employment and education. We’ve also supported over 34 events with more than 500 attendees nationwide—amplifying local changemakers and celebrating Black voices through cultural celebrations, leadership workshops, and wellness initiatives. Our Black Builders Network continues to grow, equipping nonprofits with vital tools and showcasing emerging leaders like Nina Barango of SoPlugged. National conversations through our Youth Take Charge programming, including a Masterclass with historian Rito Joseph, are sparking powerful dialogue and reflection across the country.
We’re also proud to share that the Federation of Black Canadians has officially received registered charity status in Canada—a major milestone that will allow us to deepen our impact and offer tax-deductible receipts for donations. As you read through this newsletter, we invite you to celebrate the momentum we’ve built together and recognize this moment as a call to action. Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to an even more impactful second quarter—and hope to see many of you at our Impact Gala this fall.
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Community Members,
As we step into a new year, the Federation of Black Canadians is proud to reflect on an impactful first quarter. We launched our Newcomers & NEET Program, offering mentorship, job readiness training, and culturally grounded support for Black youth navigating employment and education. We’ve also supported over 34 events with more than 500 attendees nationwide—amplifying local changemakers and celebrating Black voices through cultural celebrations, leadership workshops, and wellness initiatives. Our Black Builders Network continues to grow, equipping nonprofits with vital tools and showcasing emerging leaders like Nina Barango of SoPlugged. National conversations through our Youth Take Charge programming, including a Masterclass with historian Rito Joseph, are sparking powerful dialogue and reflection across the country.
We’re also proud to share that the Federation of Black Canadians has officially received registered charity status in Canada—a major milestone that will allow us to deepen our impact and offer tax-deductible receipts for donations. As you read through this newsletter, we invite you to celebrate the momentum we’ve built together and recognize this moment as a call to action. Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to an even more impactful second quarter—and hope to see many of you at our Impact Gala this fall.
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
P.S. Tickets to our Impact Gala Fundraiser in September are selling out quickly!
Charity Status Unlocked
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) is proud to announce that we have officially received registered charity status in Canada. This marks a historic and transformational milestone in our journey toward advancing equity, opportunity, and wellbeing for Black communities across the country.
What This Means
Becoming a registered charity is more than a legal designation — it’s a powerful tool that enhances our ability to create lasting impact. With this new status:
- We can now issue charitable tax receipts for donations, making it easier and more rewarding for individuals and organizations to support our mission.
- We’re eligible for a wider range of grants and funding opportunities, including those that are only open to registered charities, allowing us to expand our reach and scale our programs.
- We gain stronger credibility and public trust as a nationally recognized charitable organization advocating for the advancement of Black Canadians.
- We can deepen partnerships with community groups, businesses, and government agencies looking to support Black-led charitable work in Canada.
Community Empowerment & Funding Opportunities
We continue to support Black-led organizations through our monthly curated list of grants and funding opportunities, helping B3 organizations unlock resources for growth. We have begun writing a series of educational blogs to further support the Black Communities across Canada. Featured articles, “Grant Writing 101: 7 Tips You Need to Know Before Starting to Write Grants“, offers practical advice to help emerging organizations approach the grant writing process with greater confidence and strategy. Through resources like these, FBC aims to equip Black-led initiatives with the tools they need to access funding, build capacity, and achieve sustainable growth. Subscribe to hear about more articles designed to empower and support our community’s success.
Join the Black Builders Network
Register to enjoy exclusive features and services.
The Black Builders Network, brought to you by FBC, is a Black Business and Nonprofit Resource Hub, your go-to destination for accessing a wide range of resources designed to support and empower black entrepreneurs, non-profits, and businesses.
- Discounted and free tickets to select conferences and events (collision and elevate)
- Membership to the Canadian Federation of Independent businesses (CFIB)
- Trusteeship and grant writing consultations for grassroots organizations
- Capacity Building resources (funding, guides, webinars)
- Priority to grants and special projects
and more!
Black Newcomers & Youth Support
January marked the official launch of the first cohort of our Newcomers & NEET Program in collaboration with Oasis Lending Group. This two-year initiative provides Black youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) with personalized mentorship, skill-building workshops, and job-readiness training tailored to Canadian work culture. The program aims to have 50 participants building clearer pathways to employment and education. The program is grounded in research conducted last year in partnership with the Students Commission of Canada, identifying language, employment, and financial barriers as primary hurdles for Black newcomers. Our workshops are hybrid to increase access and are culturally responsive to ensure participants feel seen, heard, and equipped to thrive. Missed out on this cohort? Keeping checking our landing page as we announce future cohorts coming to your city.
Entrepreneurship & Black Builder Highlights
Black Builder Spotlight: Nina Barango & SoPlugged
This February, we highlighted the journey of Nina Barango, a graduate of our Black Entrepreneurship Program, founder of SoPlugged and currently an email marketing and website specialist with FBC. SoPlugged is a platform connecting Canadians with Black-owned businesses. Nina’s story embodies the essence of a true Black Builder: visionary, resourceful, and deeply community-driven. What began as a simple online directory has blossomed into a national platform for economic empowerment, offering Black entrepreneurs greater visibility and access to opportunity. Nina credits the BEP for giving her clarity, confidence, and community as she scaled her vision. Her PluggedIn event in Ottawa brought together founders for networking, workshops, and a live pitch competition with $6,500 in prizes.
The Badass Workshop with Bozoma Saint John
During International Women’s Month, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) partnered to bring The Badass Workshop to our community at no cost to participants. This experience featured the Bozoma Saint John, former Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix and a globally recognized leader in brand storytelling and empowerment.
FBC played a key role in facilitating access to this event by securing and distributing approximately 30 complimentary tickets, each valued at $70 for Black community. Our goal is to continue to provide opportunities for black individuals looking to advance their personal and professional journeys. Participants explored themes of self-confidence, purpose, leadership, and life transitions in an interactive, supportive environment.
Enter the Tech World at Consensus Toronto 2025
FBC has joined forces with Consensus Toronto: Canada’s largest Blockchain, AI, and Web3 conference. As official community partners, we secured a 15% discount and multiple giveaway tickets for our members and access to exclusive opportunities including pitch competitions, academic passes, and expert-led workshops. The event will convened 15,000+ innovators and leaders. This partnership isn’t just about tech, it’s about inclusion. We want to see more Black professionals in emerging industries that are shaping our future.
Impact Gala 2025
Impact Gala Returns This Fall!
We’re thrilled to announce that the 3rd Annual Impact Gala is coming this fall! Get ready for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black excellence, community impact, and the changemakers shaping our future. Be the first to secure your spot—sign up now for early bird ticket access on our Gala page: fbcfcn.ca/gala-2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration!
Impact Gala Nominations Are Open!
Excellence deserves recognition. The 2025 Impact Gala will celebrate trailblazers across categories like Young Black Entrepreneur, Community Health Advocate, and Outstanding Mentor. We invite you to nominate individuals making meaningful contributions to their communities. Whether it’s a high-performing athlete or a lifelong volunteer, this is your chance to help elevate the stories and work of our brightest changemakers. Award recipients will be honoured during our flagship gala celebration this fall, a night that showcases what Black excellence looks like in action.
Submit your nomination before the deadline
Support the Impact Gala as a Sponsor!
We’re currently looking for award sponsors and general sponsors to help make our upcoming Impact Gala an unforgettable celebration of Black excellence, community leadership, and cultural pride. As a sponsor, you’ll gain meaningful visibility, contribute to a vital cause, and align your brand with a national movement advancing equity and empowerment.
View our sponsorship package here: Impact Gala Sponsorship Package
Let’s build something extraordinary—together. For more information or to confirm your sponsorship, please contact us at impactgala@fbcfcn.ca.
Building Community Ties Across the Country
This quarter, FBC’s team showed up across Canada, engaging with communities from classrooms to Parliament Hill. Arielle, our Fundraising and Donor Development Coordinator, connected with students at the Black History Month Fair hosted by Conseil scolaire Viamonde in North York, and engaged with youth and professionals at the “Power of Community” event. She also represented FBC at Moyo Health and Community Services for “Rest as Resistance” in Brampton and at the University of Toronto’s BHM luncheon, where major partnerships and donations were announced. She wrapped up the quarter at the Black Arts & Culture Convening on March 25 at Hart House, engaging in critical dialogue about accessibility and storytelling in the arts. Meanwhile, our Executive Director Chris Thompson attended the National Black Canadian Summit in Montreal, the Black Entrepreneur Knowledge Conference, and the Black History Celebration on Parliament Hill. Joshua Lawal, our Community Engagement Coordinator, also connected with communities through tabling at UTM, the French Immersion School in Toronto, and the UT Equity Student Union. Being a grassroots and national organization it’s important for us to connect in person with the community and here from the many diverse voices in the Black community contact us at: info@fbcfcn.ca if there’s an event you’d like us to attend. Together, these touchpoints allowed us to grow our network, elevate local voices, and foster long-term partnerships.
In March, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) played an active role in Black Mental Health Week in Toronto, partnering with Black Health Alliance, TAIBU, and other organizations. From March 3–9, FBC helped organize and deliver events focused on addressing systemic barriers to Black mental health. Activities included art exhibits, a panel discussion on Black men’s mental health, a screening of Answering the Call, and musical jam sessions under the theme Joy as Resistance. Through these initiatives, FBC directly contributed to creating spaces for critical dialogue, cultural expression, and community healing. Our leadership in this week’s programming reflects our commitment to our Total Health pillar, advancing collective wellness and community care for Black Canadians.
Youth Take Charge
As part of our ongoing mission to empower and educate Black Canadians the Federation of Black Canadians partnered with various organizations across Canada as part of our Youth Take Charge events programming funded by Heritage Canada. These organizations include the Peel District school board’s Centre of Black Excellence, the British Columbia Community Alliance (BCCA) and the BIPOC Foundation. Each session aligned directly with FBC’s goals of fostering youth leadership, mental wellness, civic engagement, and historical awareness, ensuring that all youth, not just Black youth, were given opportunities to engage, learn, and lead. Approximately 50 youth participated in each event.
1. Creating Safe Spaces Through Communication: Podcasting and Mental Wellness
FBC supported a workshop designed to equip students from grades 7-12 with communication tools for building supportive communities. Youth explored podcasting as a form of self-expression and mental health advocacy, learning how open dialogue can promote emotional resilience and belonging. This session directly supported FBC’s commitment to advancing youth mental wellness and leadership by giving young people platforms to share their stories and strengthen community ties.
3. Change Maker Day
An interactive learning experience where students in grades 6-12 identified and celebrated changemakers from their communities. Using a social justice framework, youth developed skills to initiate positive change while examining the resilience, innovation, and activism embedded in Black Canadian history. This initiative reflected FBC’s broader mission to build leadership capacity among Black youth and strengthen their role as advocates for equity and systemic improvement in Canada.
4. BCCA Student Leadership Event
FBC collaborated with the British Columbia Community Alliance (BCCA) to deliver a leadership event focused on empowering youth to advocate for systemic change within education systems. Grounded in findings from the Anti-Black Racism in BC Schools report, this event provided students with real-world data to inspire actionable solutions. FBC’s participation reinforced our commitment to using research and evidence to fuel youth-led advocacy and to dismantle barriers facing Black students nationwide.
2. The Power of Voice
A workshop that provided students with creative strategies for self-expression as a tool for mental wellness. Participants engaged in activities that affirmed their thoughts, ideas, and emotions while connecting to the oral traditions of the African diaspora. By encouraging art-based communication rooted in cultural history, FBC advanced our goal of empowering Black Canadian youth to recognize the strength in their heritage and to use their voices for positive change.
5. Talent Show & Pitch Competition
FBC supported BIPOC Foundation’s Black History Month Celebrations that blended a Talent Show and Pitch Competition and art exhibition aimed at uplifting youth creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. This event brought together BIPOC artists, story tellers, talented youth, community change makers and young entrepreneurs
6. Black History Month Masterclass with Rito Joseph
To round off Black History Month, FBC hosted a Black History Month Masterclass led by historian Rito Joseph, offering participants a deeper understanding of Black Canadians’ contributions to the country’s founding and growth. Key highlights included the story of Matthew LaCosta, a Black figure critical in mediating Indigenous-European relations during the early 1600s. Joseph challenged colonial narratives and highlighted the often-overlooked collaboration between Black and Indigenous communities.
This session was not just historical education, it was a call to action. Participants were encouraged to reframe Canadian history and to honour Black voices year-round, not just during Black History Month. By hosting this event, FBC fulfilled our commitment to reshaping narratives, promoting Black leadership, and strengthening national awareness of Black Canadians’ enduring impact.
Advocacy and Legal Action
As part our continued work in advocating for Black voices to be heard FBC worked to highlight 2 initiatives this quarter that aligned with our mission.
Advocacy in Action: Challenging Carding in Toronto
In collaboration with the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) and McCarthy Tétrault LLP, FBC is helping bring visibility to a major class action lawsuit against the Toronto Police Service for the practice of carding. This discriminatory tactic has disproportionately affected Black and Indigenous individuals. The case seeks justice for those impacted since 2011 and highlights the systemic over-policing of racialized communities. We’re calling on all who were targeted, especially youth to consider sharing their experiences and joining the case.
Learn more and share your experience
Ontario Snap Election: What You Need to Know
In February, Ontario held a snap provincial election, giving residents a critical opportunity to shape the province’s future on key issues such as healthcare, education, and employment. The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) played an important role in this democratic moment by promoting voter education and encouraging civic engagement within Black communities across Ontario. Through our outreach, we emphasized why voting is a fundamental right and provided detailed resources on how to vote, whether in person on Election Day (February 27), during advance polling from February 20 to 22, or by mail. We ensured voters were informed about what to bring, how to find their assigned polling stations, and how to access assistive voting technology to make the process as inclusive as possible. By equipping our community with accessible information and empowering tools, FBC reaffirmed our commitment to building a more equitable and engaged society. Stay connected with us as we continue to support informed civic participation across Canada.
Get Involved with FBC
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are a crucial aspect to the strength and success of the Federation and we provide a variety of ways to get involved. You can learn more here.
Become a General Member
General members of FBC will receive regular communications and access to contact lists for other African Canadian organizations across Canada. You can sign up to become a member here.
Become a Paid Member
Paid members of FBC receive invitations to our Annual General Meeting and receive voting rights at our meetings. You can become a paid member here.
Invest In Us
By supporting FBC, you can have a positive impact on our ability to keep much-needed programs (such as BEP and SSLP) accessible for the Black community. Find out more.