Capacity Building Report

Capacity

Thriving Black Communities

International Decade for People of African Descent

What is SBCCI? SBCCI Support in 2022

Land Acknowledgements

We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 territories— the travelling route, gathering place and meeting grounds for Indigenous Peoples, whose histories, languages, cultures and traditions continue to influence our vibrant community.

We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us.

We thank the creator for providing to us this place upon which to share our experiences, heritage and stories.

—All my relations.

Welcome Note

Canadians.

To futher empower Black communities, Africa Centre has partnered with the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) to support Black-led organizations in Edmonton, enhancing gender equity, helping children succeed in school through extracurricular activities, supporting families with financial literacy and tax filing among other services.

I am thrilled to share the inspiring stories of the Black-led and serving organizations in Canada that we have helped with funding through Government of Canada’s Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI). The Council for the Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta, also known as “Africa Centre”; the largest Black-led not-for-profit organization in western Canada, has a longstanding commitment of supporting and empowering Black communities in Canada. Through SBCCI funding, we have had the privilege of working with over 120 grassroot Black-led not-for-profit organizations across Canada, in the areas of operational and governance capacity, as well as fiscal management and providing grants. I am proud to see these organisations develop strong and dynamic boards, become effective ethical leaders with intentional and purpose-driven outlook, and enhanced fundraising strategies. This special report will reflect the dedication of these organizations who are change-makers, addressing the unique challenges faced by Black

SBCCI’s partnership with ECF has created an avenue for sustainable development. We hope this special issue inspires others to join us in our mission of building a stronger Black community in Canada.

Africa Centre is looking forward to more collaborations with grassroots organizations as they deliver sustainable improvements for the well-being of many Canadians. We are confident that by working together, we will record more progress in the lives of many.

Yours Sincerely,

Sharif Haji Executive Director, Africa Centre

SBCCI WHAT IS

By Taneya Rogers

Theglobal impact of those of African descent is undeniable, and the stories are as varied and as dynamic as the people themselves. Yet, for all the advancements, culture, and diversity that Black people have brought to Canada and around the world, they remain on the outskirts of vital networks. Anecdotal evidence reflects that Black communities are either excluded or underserved by social systems for health, justice, and economic development. In December 2013, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2015 to 2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent (read more about it on page 12).

At a national level, states were encouraged to implement practical initiatives to combat practices that have stunted the growth and inclusion of Black people, with particular attention to areas of justice, recognition, development, and multiple or aggravated discrimination. In 2019, the Government of Canada responded by committing $25 million over five years to Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI).

In alignment with the themes of trust-based philanthropy, SBCCI aims to reduce the red tape for grassroots organizations in accessing funding. More importantly, the framework is designed to recognize those who are on the front lines as the content experts. It allows Black-led and serving organizations autonomy in deciding the areas of critical need and how funds should be used. The Government of Canada website identifies SBCCI's objectives:

• To support research and give advice to leaders within a Black Canadian context

• Provide funds to improve workplaces and local spaces

• Provide funds to build a national web to help Black led not for profit organizations

• Provide funds for new priorities for Black Canadians The Partners

With a long standing track record of supporting and serving communities of African heritage in western Canada, Africa Center was the fourth National Funder added to the team to cement the national scope of the program. The hub was entrusted with $2.6 million of SBCCI federal funding and tasked with reviewing, assessing, and awarding grants to organizations and initiatives that align with the fund's purpose. The three other National Funders working in partnership with the Federal Government are, Black Business Initiative (BBI), Tropicana and Groupe 3737. Together, these National Funders make up the Black National Funders Intermediary Network (BNFIN)

Founded in 1996, BBI is a product of a collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia. The organization provides much needed support to Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Also supporting equity initiatives on the east coast is Tropicana This not for profit has served Toronto’s at-risk youth and their families since 1980. Their programs include counselling, settlement services, childcare, education and employment services, focusing on the Caribben Black and African communities.

The third partner in this effort is Groupe 3737. This organization has made its mark as “the largest and most successful technology incubator/ accelerator in the North East of Montréal.” Assessing the wealth of experience and resources between the four organisations, it is not difficult to see why they were chosen as National Funders for the SBCCI initiative.

Influencing Policy Change

SBCCI, however, is not limited to injecting

funding into Black communities. The conversations around informed and strategic policy changes are also materializing. An External Reference Group has convened under SBCCI; its members have either led or served in Black organizations. Drawing on both lived experiences and the collective voice of Black communities, the External Reference Group will provide advice to the Minister of Family Children and Social Development. In addition, SBCCI will also house the National Institute for People of African descent. The Institute will influence policies, support research, with the aim of

improving social and economic outcomes for Black Canadians.

People of African descent have traversed and contributed to these lands well before Canada herself was born. SBCCI is not a singular fix but can be considered a sure step in a positive direction. Dissecting and rebuilding over 150 years of overtly and subtly discriminatory systems will take much more than a 5-year program. The strengthening of Black communities cannot take place in isolation; this is inherently a Canadian issue and will demand the continued investment of all.

“...Black organizations tend to get access to less funding and have to fight harder for what is available. SBCCI funding enabled us to train our internal team as well as grow it. This was also a chance to define our mission and identify key programming and needs within the community...”

EfeFruci(FounderofOdihi)

community ECONOMIC NEEDS

By Lebene Mawuu

Afri-Can Connect Society

Project Name: Afri-Can Connect Operational Empowerment

Calgary, AB

The Afri-Can Society was established in 2019 by five professional African women who immigrated to Canada. Despite possessing advanced degrees, they struggled to gain employment due to their lack of Canadian work experience. Some people felt so frustrated that they wanted to leave. Afri-can however reassured them that things will get better. They decided to band together as volunteers to develop ideas to help one another and support new immigrants arriving in the country.

They initially established an economic assistance support group, which started in 2020 and currently meets biweekly. Africans who have overcome the challenges of immigrating and found their footing are invited to speak to inspire newcomers. Additionally, individuals are given assistance with soft skills training that teaches how to succeed in the Canadian workplace and resume and interview guidance services. Although some workplaces may be inclusive, while others may be toxic with microaggressions, and less welcoming. As a result, they support individuals with the abilities and methods required to work in these environments.

In 2020, Afri-Can received funding to provide food hampers to their community. With the impacts of the COVID Pandemic, there were many

individuals laid off who had families to feed. So every year, they offer food hampers to alleviate the financial stress that is culturally inclusive, catering to Sub-Saharan Africans by providing them with food from their specific regions.

This grant emphasized capacity development; it allowed the group’s accountant to enroll in accounting studies to serve the organization better.

The IT professional in charge of their social media accounts is attending classes and learning a lot. In addition, the Afri-Can team enrolled in a leadership and non-profit management course at Simon Fraser University to continue their efforts to better the community. They also have a toll-free number for organizations and the communities they serve to utilize for communication and a CRA number to certify the organization is receiving funds.

SBCCI’s grant supports the Afri-Can Connect Society in achieving its mission and goals. The project aims include developing leadership through training, raising awareness through digitalization, and renting a location to carry out activities to serve the community. Also, employing a consultant to handle non-profit operations and investing in their visibility to connect with and interact with their target market.

Black Business Venture Association

Project Name: Establishing a Strong Digital Presence

Edmonton, AB

The Black Business Venture Association (BBVA) connects the Black community to the technological sector. They accomplish this through identifying, teaching, and mentoring Black entrepreneurs to assist them in gaining expertise and resources to establish their digital firms.

The BBVA has a multicultural staff of Black professionals that speak numerous languages from many locations (Afro-Caribbeans, West-Africa, East-Africa, South Africa, and Black Canadians). They envision a thriving Canadian technological

ecosystem with solid engagement from members of the Black community. They are on a quest to assist in the establishment of 1000 successful Black-led and tech-enabled enterprises in Canada by 2030.

SBCCI will assist the BBVA in achieving its objectives by concentrating on project activities. One of these projects is to improve its digital presence by developing and implementing a media content strategy to promote the organization’s efforts.

Immigrants Inclusive Credit

Project Name: Organization Strategy & Structure Design, Employee & Leadership Development

St.Albert, AB

The Immigrants Inclusive Credit Program strives to enhance the financial situation of the next generation of Black Canadians, Immigrants, and members of disadvantaged groups. As a judgmentfree zone, they encourage clients to feel at ease disclosing their financial situation. As a result, they devise a strategy to assist customers in repaying their debt by presenting them with choices for mending harm to their credit history and steps toward a more sustainable credit rating.

SBCCI’s grant will work with Immigrants

Inclusive Credit to provide free credit counselling to Black Canadians and Immigrants through training materials, sustainability-empowerment of employees, leadership development, and risk

management and productivity measurement.

The mission and goal of IIC are to build a systematic process by offering education and promoting community engagement, which leads to economic empowerment. This grant will enable them to employ advisors to develop a plan for the organization’s future and assist them in determining how to achieve their objectives. In addition, they will be able to assist them in developing financial and human resource policies, strategic and operational plans, risk analysis and control methods, and a company-wide communication strategy to support the organization’s efforts.

International Decade for People of African Descent

Stella Igweamaka

“The road to a world free from racism, prejudice and stigma is rocky. Combating racial discrimination is a longterm effort. It requires commitment and persistence. People of African descent need encouragement and support. Member States have the moral and legal obligation to provide sustained political and financial backing to make the Decade effective and to continue our path toward equal and just societies”

These were the words spoken by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Flavia Pansieri during the launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) on January 1 2015.

In Canada, 43% of hate crimes in 2017 were motivated by hatred of a race or ethnicity according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Three years after the IDPAD launch, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Government of Canada would officially recognize the International Decade for People of African Descent on 30 January 2018.

Born out of the need for countries to adopt specific steps to help combat racism and to intensify measures for full and equal participation in all aspects of society for people of African descent, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent (resolution 68/237).

People of African descent comprise a heterogeneous group with diverse histories, experiences, and identities. The circumstances in which they live and the problems they face differ. What unites them, however, is that they have long been denied the full realisation of their human rights. According to the 2019 General Social Survey (GSS) on Canadians’ Safety, nearly half (46%) of Black people aged 15 years and older reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination. Some of these common issues faced by the People of African descent include:

• Inequality, marginalization, and stigmatization.

• Low levels of participation and underrepresentation in political and institutional decision-making processes.

• Inequality in access to labour markets and lack

of support for entrepreneurial individuals.

• Racial profiling and limited social recognition and valuing of people of African descent’s ethnic and cultural diversity and contribution to society.

As proclaimed by the General Assembly, the theme for the International Decade is “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.” Countries and nations all over the world have been tasked with taking concrete and practical steps through the adoption and effective implementation of national and international legal frameworks, policies, and programmes to combat racial discrimination, and related intolerance faced by people of African descent.

Through these actions, the people of African descent can begin to feel valued, represented and can begin to enjoy their human rights and

fundamental freedoms.

In addressing some of these issues, a number of organizations have been at the forefront by creating spaces and resources to enable people of African descent thrive and integrate better in the society. One of the resources is the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) which was created by the Federal government through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to help increase the capacity of Black-led grassroots not-for-profit organizations that serve Black communities in Canada.

We are now more than halfway through the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024). While some progresses have been made, there is still a lot more to do in ensuring that the rights of people of African descent are promoted and protected.

arts & culture

By Josh Innis

C-Tribe

Project Name: C-Tribe Web Development

Edmonton, AB

We had the opportunity to interview Sahr Saffa, Founder, and CEO of C-Tribe Society, as one of our feature grant recipients. Sahr describes C-Tribe as a non-profit which celebrates diversity and aims to help innovative people achieve their goals. The organization operates through five pillars: Tech, Gaming, Music, Culture, and Fashion. “We work to provide a platform for underestimated folks.” Through each annual Festival and Conference event, C-tribe offers seminars and workshops with experts in specific fields. These could include seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem players, etc. “Our goal is to offer knowledge for folks to push their ideas and projects forward; This is the heart of what we do.”

Sahr believes you need three essential things to be successful: knowledge capital, social capital (connections and relationships), and financial capital - “We’re still figuring out how we can offer this for people.” “We realize that - due to differences - not everyone has access to these world-class events. So, we’re trying to bring that here and give people in Alberta the opportunity to participate.”

C-tribe has been hosting its annual conference since 2017. Sahr recalls the process of getting things off the ground as being difficult. However, since

then, events have been progressively growing each year – advancing from 1 day and 200 attendees in 2017 to 5 days and 1100 people in 2019! With the funds from SBCCI, C-Tribe hopes to upgrade its website, amongst other tech-related things. After a sneak peek at their work-in-progress metaverse site, we can say with confidence that the future is looking bright (and a little more 3-dimensional) for this organization.

In the next five years, Sahr is optimistic that C-Tribe can become synonymous with South by Southwest Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas. He believes that for talent to be unearthed, all that they need to do is provide a platform. “I think C-tribe can be an economic driver for the region here. We can do it in a way that provides a platform for underserved people first.”

When asked what he would like people to know most about C-Tribe, Sahr said, “I think I would like people to see C-tribe as a platform for them. Regardless of their gender, race, ability, experience, etc. A place to push their dreams forward.” Keep an eye out for the next C-Tribe Festival and Conference around the summer of 2023, as it will be an event you won’t want to miss!

Nia Centre for Arts

Project Name: Strengthening Human Resources so we can better serve community Toronto, ON

Nia Centre for Arts is a Toronto-based not-forprofit organization that supports, showcases, and promotes an appreciation of arts across the African Diaspora. They create spaces for Black Art by supporting professional and emerging artists to learn, grow and show their art.

“Nia” means “purpose” in Swahili. Nia Centre is embarking on a journey to transform their 14000 sq. ft. facility into “Canada’s first multidisciplinary professional arts space dedicated to showcasing art from the African diaspora.” A noble cause, for sure. You can check out their exciting vision in the form of floor plans and a 3D scan of their current construction progress on their website.

Nia Centre will also need to grow its operational management structure to match the expansions to its physical space. Human Resources and health and safety are top of mind for this organization. With funds from SBCCI, Nia Centre plans to hire a consultant to plan out important details for a growing enterprise, such as guidelines for maternity and sick leave, performance management, and recruitment and retention strategies.

We can’t wait to see the impact of these changes and what this growth will mean for artists in the Black community.

Somali Canadian Society of Calgary

Project Name: Digital Adaptation SCSC

Calgary, AB

Fostering safe spaces for leisure and connection is important to every community. Expanding the usefulness of these spaces to be more culturally specific adds even greater value. The Somali Canadian Society of Calgary houses: Gyms, School and Resume help, Seniors programming,Summer camps, Case management for new immigrants and Mental health support

Imagine a community centre that supplies all of these services. Now, imagine that place being specifically for your community.

That is the SCSC. A quick peruse of their online gallery, and you’ll get the picture. You can feel the warmth and sense of community that the facility brings. Kids with face paint running around the open gym dodging tables and chairs and playing

tag. The music and dress that you thought was only specific to your family’s household in this strange city are here, on full display. The word that comes to mind is “welcome.”

It takes a lot of work to organize this place; But the benefits are undeniable. To ensure the organizers are providing programs and services that meet the community’s needs, the SCSC will use SCBBI funds to boost their data collection and reporting system, making it easier for volunteers and staff to apply online. Digitizing their client intake and management processes and training staff to keep everyone up to date with the changes, and you have a cause more than worthy of SBCCI funding!

Africa Centre

Since the beginning of the granting process, 68 organizations have received a total of $2.6 million in SBCCI funding from Africa Centre to support their growth and mission. Grant applicants are aligned with one of 6 streams: Economic Needs, Economic Needs - Job Creation, Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, Outreach & Inclusion, and Community & Education. The heaviest focus remains in Western Canada, while granting between the funding streams have been kept consistent.

Below is a snapshot of the funds distributed by Africa Center as just one of the four SBCCI National Funders.

Percentage of Grants distributed to each funding stream:

The Grant administrators have maintained an even-handed approach to funding. As reflected in the data, each funding stream to date, has received an equal share of financial support.

Number of organizations supported in each province:

As a National Funder in Alberta, Africa Center’s efforts are focused in Western Canada. Supports however extend to Ontario which has larger concentrations of racialized communities.

health & wellness

By Janelle Austin

Ladies In The Family Foundation

Project Name: Enhancing LIFF’s Organizational Effectiveness

Calgary, AB

The term “culture shock” loosely describes the sense of confusion that may come when a person quickly submerges into a new environment that is different from their known way of life. Bukola Ojemakinde challenged the definition’s shortsightedness and founded LIFF to address the aspects of culture shock that may extend years into an immigrant’s experience. “We have spent the last five years building partnerships and understanding the biggest issues that immigrant women face: Gender violence, food insecurity, mental health concerns, and a lack of peer-to-peer support.” LIFF aims to create more culturally customized programs to increase the accessibility and relevance of support to a broader gamut of immigrant women.

With better established roots and scans of the terrain they serve, LIFF is positioning itself to measure its growth effectively and quantify its impact in the community. While there is sufficient anecdotal evidence reflecting the extensive work ahead, securing committed volunteers can take time and effort. Ojemakinde admonishes immigrants to consider community building and volunteerism

as part of their vision for the Canadian dream. “Alberta belongs to all of us. Our children need to flourish in a place where they feel that their parents have also contributed to the community.” For those who have never faced the complexities of immigration, she suggests that they consider mentorship. “It does not end at teaching someone how to use a stove or dishwasher. Who do they turn to if their child is being bullied or even if an employer is bullying them? It is incumbent upon naturally born Canadians to be armed with resources to support these people when these concerns arise. ”

With a $36,000 grant through SBCCI, Ladies in Family Foundation has recently launched a more robust website. This will facilitate better engagement between volunteers and program participants and streamline services and support systems. Ojemakinde is focused on the next development phase - a significant volunteer recruitment drive followed by training programs to ensure their effectiveness.

Ladies Ballers Camp

Project Name: LBC Organizational Strategic Planning Brampton, ON

Lady Ballers Camp is a not-for-profit charitable organization where every girl child, regardless of their socio-economic background, can attend their camp. With a passion for empowering girls by creating a safe, non-competitive program with an emphasis on leading healthy, active, and emotionally balanced lives.

Throughout the year Lady Ballers Camp offers a few initiatives to engage the girls and help foster their friendships. Love: Keeping it Real is a series of discussions and activities in February celebrating love of self while addressing the challenges girls encounter through media and other external messaging.

Shortly after that, the spring break camp accepts two groups of girls between 6-13 years of age for the Friend, Fit & Fun program. Campers incorporate basketball, dance, and other creative activities to promote physical health.

Sports Leadership Empowerment for girls (SLEG) is a 12-week leadership training designed to highlight how valuable a young woman’s contribution to society is despite the barriers they may have to overcome.

To show support for this charity is easy with a tax-eligible donation of securities or mutual funds. Visit ladyballerscamp.org for more information.

Oladele Foundation

Project Name: African Cancer Support Initiative - Capacity Building Calgary, AB

The news of a cancer or chronic illness diagnosis is life altering for the patient and their loved ones. Bayo Oladele, a cancer survivor, and his caregiving wife, Yinka turned the challenges they experienced in the lack of resources into a community foundation. The Oladele foundation supports African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians from the point of diagnosis through their healing journey. Offering patients and their caregivers access to education, emotional support, prayer, and at times financial assistance through their healing journey.

As cases of cancer rise amongst our community, the foundation aims to educate our people and reduce stigmas associated with cancer

by encouraging community members to visit their doctors and follow up with screening and tests.

Oladele foundation creates a safe place during support groups for diagnosed individuals to process their emotions, ensuring patients don’t feel isolated. In addition to spreading awareness, the Oladeles Second chance program allows surviving members an opportunity to support others by speaking up, offering words of encouragement, and demystifying the challenges that chronic sickness brings.

Through fundraisers and monetary donations, the foundation can continue programs like meal deliveries, house cleaning, and complementary therapies.

Community Building Nneka with

In2021 Africa Center was enlisted to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) to increase the capacity of grassroots not-for-profit organizations that are Black-led and serve Black communities in Canada. The intention is to help these organizations receive more resources directed towards increasing the socio-eco-political welfare of Canada’s Black citizens. Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) supported this Initiative in 2021, and with their support, 68 not-for-profit grassroots organizations received funding in 2022. This reflects ECF’s dedication to respond to the need of racial equity by supporting institutions like Africa foundation with its resources (capital, influence and network).

In an interview with Nneka Otogbolu, ECF’s Director of Communications and Equity Strategy, we explore why it was important for the ECF to contribute to SBCCI and the impact it has had on their organization and the community:

1) Why is ensuring equitable distribution of resources especially to BIPOC communities important to the ECF?

ECF recognizes that our city is full of creativity, vibrancy, and resilience. These are tremendous assets. However, inequality is one of the main reasons these assets are not fully realized. Solving the problems and creating a vibrant community will require changing the status quo.

One of the ways to fully realize these is by ensuring that, as an organization, we continue to be responsive to the changing needs of our communities. We know that treating all groups equally will not result in equity. Equity acknowledges unequal starting places and addresses unequal needs, conditions, and positions of people and communities that are created by institutional and structural barriers.

2) What made SBCCI stand out to the ECF? How does it align with the overall mandate of your organization?

SBCCI is distinctive because it is a funding stream targeted toward capacity building (governance and operational) for Black-led, serving, and focused (B3) organizations in Edmonton. The need for building capacity is one of the many barriers that affect B3 organizations in Edmonton. Funding through SBCCI helps close these gaps for groups. It allows them to focus on their programs to make a bigger impact in their communities.

3) What effect has the ongoing collaboration between Africa Center and the ECF had on the ECF?

ECF is able to engage and learn about the amazing work within the Black communities led by the B3 organizations in Edmonton and Area. This allows us to see where there are gaps in funding and how we can better use our resources to support this work. It also allows us to connect people to resources and programs within their own community, especially when ECF can’t offer direct support. Building these relationships ultimately makes the community as a whole stronger.

4) With more resources becoming available for BIPOC businesses, artists and not for profit organizations, what impact do you think this will have on the broader Edmonton community?

This funding will help build capacity and equip B3 organizations in Edmonton to apply to mainstream funding sources. When these organizations are empowered to access all the resources available to them, we will start to see new ideas and initiatives that will make our whole community richer and more vibrant.

5) Can you share a personal story or experience with an ECF funded initiative that stood out to you, highlighting the effect and impact of your work?

One great example from last year was the Sickle Cell Foundation of Alberta, who received a grant to develop their Black Canadian Literature Guide. This guide included a kindergarten to grade 12 Curriculum of African and Caribbean genres of identity building, idioms and expressions.

ECONOMIC NEEDS

jobs

By Karen Richards

HelpAide

SBCCI is in complete synergy with HelpAide. This Vancouver-based non-profit organization has a mission to build capacity for Black communities in Canada. A $45,000 SBCCI grant has been imperative for HelpAide to soar to new heights by improving its website and social media presence. This SBCCI funding stream focuses on Economic Needs through Job Creation, providing employment opportunities, and contractual work to amplify non-profit organizations’ work.

HelpAide has used the funding from SBCCI to hire a strategy consultant and web developer. Through this funding, HelpAide has seen an uptake of engagement on its social media pages. Throughout the year, HelpAide hosted strategic planning and training workshops for their staff. The workshops culminated in a Community Organizations Capacity Building Retreat in September. With SBCCI’s support, coupled with the dedication of this team, HelpAide is poised to increase its presence and availability for services in

Vancouver. You can enjoy some of their engaging social media content by accessing @helpaide, or www.helpaide.ca.

HelpAide’s support focuses on Francophone Black and racialized communities in the Vancouver area. This specialized bi-lingual support is a rare and valuable find in an area of Canada that is not typically known for catering to these communities. HelpAide provides capacity building through project management, organizational development, and training. The association delves even further into service delivery, assisting with outreach support in personal; social; emotional; economic; and physical development.

Receiving SBCCI’s grant is a full circle moment for HelpAide, as they typically support other organizations’ fund development through assistance with grant writing. The capacitybuilding services of HelpAide provides imperative knowledge for organizations looking to develop and function within the social services landscape.

Project Name: Renforcer la Capacite apres COVID-19 Vancouver, BC

Excel Family and Youth Society

Project Name: Transformational Capacity Building

Calgary, AB

Excel Family and Youth Society is a unique and grassroots organization in Calgary, Alberta. With a focus on service for East African community members, Excel acts as a “bridge to connect newcomers to government services and benefits,” according to Dr. Girma Lulu, Executive Director. Excel is not a large organization but is integrated through deep roots within the community they serve. The services Excel provides are for the community and by the community – often in members’ native languages.

SBCCI granted Excel Family and Youth Society $33,000 to improve their social media presence and database system. Using the funding to develop a centralized database through CanadaHelp has made a substantial time-saving difference for this organization-volunteers man

95% of operations. They can easily send emails and reminders to their membership, establishing a much easier flow to their work. Excel has reaped the benefit of this database system in engaging members for their Christmas fundraising campaign.

The grant funding has also allowed the organization to hire an accountant and establish proper accounting systems and programs. Excel plans to use the remainder of the SBCCI funding to hire a marketing and media consultant who will train volunteers and leaders in their organization to increase their reach through information technology and media public relations.

SBCCI funding is so meaningful to facilitate the critical work of Excel Family and Youth Society to be accountable, accessible, and available for their community members.

SkillCity

Project Name: Financial Management & Accountability Systems Setup and Training

Edmonton, AB

SkillCity Institute is a social impact organization headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, aimed at removing barriers and creating opportunities for under-represented and under-resourced communities in Canada.

SBCC grant funding provided SkillCity with $29,000.00 to strengthen the organization’s operational effectiveness and accountability.

SkillCity is a growing organization that partners with businesses, education providers, and the community to foster work skills development, entrepreneurial culture, and lifelong learning. With a focus on the business of enhancing socio-economic development and well-being, it is imperative for the organization also to demonstrate its own sound

financial processes and procedures. SBCCI’s funding for this project has helped SkillCity to set up working policies and procedures in financial management on an agency-wide basis.

More importantly, the funding has allowed the organization to teach staff to utilize the newly established accounting system. By ensuring staff has the knowledge and ability to use the system, SkillCity has set themselves up for success long into the future. Training for staff on budgeting and cash-flow management, as well as financial reporting, should be a requirement for all non-profit organizations. SkillCity is leading the pack by using this funding to set up a future-oriented accountability system.

with

Sandra

Muchekeza is the Senior Manger for Program Development and Accountability, as well as the SBCCI Project Lead at Africa Centre. Her professional career has always been about serving the community. She began working in the international development field but quickly found her way to local community development work where she found her passion and purpose. She shares her thoughts and learning about Community Capacity Building.

1) Can you describe what Community Capacity Building means to you?

Community capacity building is when resources are committed to enabling community members, both at an individual and organizational level, to leverage skills, knowledge, and competencies that will allow them to have a sense of agency or a sense of power to chart their own course and make a difference in their communities.

2) What would you list as three critical elements to Community Capacity Building?

• Building organizational capacity for long term sustainability: This will ensure that organizations on the front lines thrive instead of just surviving. Achieving impact

within a community takes time and requires skills and resources. Through training, coaching/organizational mentorship, grassroots organizations can acquire skills that will help them build financial sustainability, stronger board governance and operational capacity.

• Focusing on strengthening the ecosystem as a whole: For example, building networks of support that provide specialized services in areas where grassroots organizations experience gaps. One challenge identified by organizations that Africa Centre supports is finding Black consultants who can provide technical assistance, coaching or training. Building a network of service providers who understand the issues that are faced by Black communities goes a long way towards strengthening the ecosystem.

• The true spirit of collaboration: There is an African proverb that states, “if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”. A shared commitment to finding solutions to issues facing the community and a willingness to share resources to implement those solutions. Collaboration should not just involve not for profit organizations but should

extend to all stakeholders, including community members, the business community and all levels of government.

3) Why is self-sustainability so important for the Black Community in the conversations about sytemic barriers, equity, and social justice?

According to the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) Unfunded report on Canadian Philanthropy, Black people in Canada continue to face unique barriers and challenges due to racism and discrimination. This groundbreaking report uncovered troubling disparities on how much Black-led, Black-serving organizations are supported by Canadian foundations. Years of underfunding have left the majority of Black-led organizations struggling to keep their operations and programs going.

The racial gap in funding of Black communities because of systemic inequities means that Black community organizations have lower odds for advancement and higher attrition rates. Many fold up and close shop because they lack the capacity to navigate these systemic challenges or to grow beyond where they are.

Self-sustainability of Black community organizations is important because it is the only way Black organizations can ensure longevity in the work they do for the community. Relying only or primarily on grant funding to run their operations and programs is not sustainable. Diversifying revenue sources or having systems and processes in place that ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness is sustainable,

4) How has Africa Center aligned programming to support Capacity Building in the Community?

Africa Centre’ s Community Capacity Development program supports local Black Community Grassroots organizations through capacity building initiatives, engagements, and collaborations. This support enables them to develop, implement and sustain initiatives that address issues affecting them and the people they serve.

Through SBCCI, a Government of Canada initiative, Africa Centre currently supports the capacity building efforts across Canada. Together with 3 other intermediary organizations, over 700 Black-led, Black-serving organizations receive SBCCI funding. This funding is critical because it is a crucial step towards equity by providing financial support for these organizations to develop skills and competencies that not only contribute to more inclusive local development, but also ensures long-term growth and sustainability.

Africa Centre also partners with organizations that do not have charitable status but are doing important work to build their communities to access funding from community foundations such as Edmonton Community Foundation of Calgary Foundation, the Provincial government, or the Federal government.

5) What personal lesson have you learned in working to build capacity within our community?

Every organization has a story - a story of who they are, why they do what they do and how they came to be where they are. While it’s important to remember that each organization has their own unique narrative, it’s just as important to respect, appreciate, and take the time to understand this narrative.

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CANAVUA (Canadian Volunteers United in Action)

Project Name: Adaptive Capacity Building based on The New Normal Calgary, AB

Canadian Volunteers United in Action Society (L’Association des Volontaires unis dans l’action au Canada), or CANAVUA, is currently Alberta’s only Francophone volunteer organization with a mandate to promote volunteerism in Alberta, especially among the Francophone community.

CANAVUA works to connect volunteers with community organizations in need of assistance, including training and placement of exemplary volunteers with the right community group. With over 500 volunteers, the work done by CANVUA helps to service the overlooked needs of the Francophone community. The groups they support offer a range of programs, including three times weekly Francophone community food banks,

community foodtrucks, mobile refrigerated trailers, and complimentary grocery giveaways three days per week. They also support seniors programs and community integration, such as driver courses for newcomers.

Using SBCCI funds, the organization aimed to improve the current community delivery service system, revamp the approach to funding and revenue, leadership training, strategic assessments along with hosting community workshops. Thus far, CANAVUA has invested in various levels of activity on community engagement, along with developing and implementing a community engagement strategy.

Ubuntu Mobilizing Central Alberta

Project Name: Central Alberta Build Black Better Red Deer, AB

Ubuntu: (oo.boon.too) I am because we are ~ Zulu Proverb.

Incorporated in June 2020, Ubuntu works to become a bridge for connecting and mobilizing Central Albertan communities through racial and social justice education, engagement, advocacy, and community building, both on an individual and a systemic level.

The organization works closely with the courts to provide social support for members of the Black community while also educating and empowering

community members to be more active at the local policy-making levels for the region. The group also works to support Black youth organizations and new immigrants to Central Alberta.

With the assistance of SBCCI, Ubuntu Mobilizing Central Alberta has begun improving areas of governance, volunteer recruitment, and training, along with working with local knowledge keepers to bridge the gaps between the Black and First Nation communities in the true spirit of Ubuntu.

Home Tuition Canada International Inc

Project Name: Offering Black Kids the extra help they need in their education

Calgary, AB

Home Tuition Canada International Inc is an online education platform created to provide supplementary learning assistance to students from underprivileged and underrepresented households. This online system is a free service and delivers both video-based and in-person courses while providing access to an unlimited supply of resource materials.

Home Tuition Canada International Inc has served over 1500 students via its online portal with the assistance of over 600 volunteers. They offer 250

courses and are accessible to participants anytime, anywhere.

Through the support of SBCCI, Home Tuition Canada International Inc has started the process of creating a more streamlined online portal to help parents be more active participants in the programs, making it easier for them to source materials for their children and assist in the learning process.

Educate Train Believe Achieve (ETBA)

Project Name: Grow and Flow Scarborough, ON

Sports can be a tremendous unifying platform, bringing together people of varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and age groups. Sports can also be a safe haven and an escape. ETBA formally, East Toronto Basketball Association, initially began with the latter in mind. Beginning in the Galloway and Markham areas of Toronto, the organization sought to create a safe space for inner city youth who may have had talent but without a place to showcase their skill. The visionary for this program, Clunis Cleveland identified the need to use the program to bridge an educational gap to expand opportunities for participants. The program was expanded to include tutoring for the US-based

SAT exams and also provided travel opportunities to the United States. For Tashawna Higgins, the program quickly became a lifeline as she navigated the loss of a parent alongside aspirations of playing Division 1 basketball. The program’s impact was so significant that ten years later, Higgins is paying it forward as a trainer and coach.

Higgins shares, “We capture the minds of youth through fitness or physical activity - mainly basketball. Basketball is an outlet. However, we also offer tutoring, financial literacy, nutritional and mental health support; adding those elements makes that basketball player more well rounded.” The

Community & Education

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mental resilience and commitment needed on the basketball court can be carried into many areas of life. Conversations around confidence, self-love, and belief in oneself are consistent between participants and mentors. Beyond the technical skills, Higgins fondly recalls having small cultural exchanges like sharing her passion for dance and teaching the intricate footwork of Kompa - a Haitian dance.

ETBA will use SBCCI’s funding to retain consultants, particularly to support financial literacy and digital marketing. “We want to keep up with the times and with connecting to our community; we want to connect with the youth more, and they are online. We want to be visible and interesting,” said Higgins. She also shared that the team is now better equipped with knowledge regarding building policies and procedures, information that can be applied to future not-for-profit endeavors.

Aspire Hub

Higgins encourages us to look beyond the sport and beyond lingering stereotypes. Speaking of personal experiences and the experiences of many other players, Higgins notes that youth are exposed to travel and given a chance to access debt-free education through scholarships. While basketball provides a foundation, the overall impact and intent of programs like ETBA are much deeper.

Higgins shares, “ we capture the minds of youth through fitness or physical activity - mainly basketball. Basketball is an outlet, however we offer tutoring, financial literacy, nutritional and mental health support; adding those elements makes that basketball player more well rounded.” The mental resilience and commitment that is needed on the basketball court can be carried into many areas of life.

Project Name: Enhance operational management effectiveness and efficiency

Edmonton, AB

Taking latent talent, big dreams, and accessible resources to mould teens into responsible and independent citizens is at the heart of Aspire Hub. The team recognizes that the challenges faced by minority youth in Alberta are unique and therefore demands a tailored approach. The overall mission is to increase the employability and health outcomes for minority youth.

The fifteen-plus programs span the ages of 9 to 18. Younger participants can take advantage of the monthly Tech Club classes in coding, web design, app development and robotics. The

mentorship program and Techplus on the other hand, targets young adults and provides life skills and career alignment. The curriculum covers entrepreneurship, leadership, health and wellness, and financial literacy.

The organization is reinforcing its foundation for future scaling. Funding through SBCCI will improve operational management effectiveness and efficiency by engaging an Accounting and Strategic Management consultant, a Legal Consultant, and a Digital Adaptation/Information Technology consultant.

Struggle is Your Success (SIYS)

Project Name: Our Path to Productivity

Calgary, AB

This youth entrepreneurship program is centred on shifting perspectives and outcomes. Speaking about the program and its participants on the organization’s webpage, Co-founder Adul Basit Ahmed states, “They are young, they are 14- 21 years old and they do not have the support systems. Rather than being in a survival mindset, to be in a creative mindset where they can unearth their potential.”

Struggle is Your Success is described as an 18 month program that allows youth to build employable skills, become empowered, and seek counsel from a mentor to allow them to better navigate adulthood. For youth of racialized communities, this program will specifically offer a

space to analyse some of the challenges of systemic discrimination, and more importantly, to convert those experiences or struggles into stories of success.

The funding through SBCCI will support a 3-pronged approach to developing operational management processes and an organizational measurement framework. The team will hire a parttime Finance Lead and develop internal controls, including financial and budgetary policies. By elisting a Strategic Planning and Administrative Lead, SIYS will also streamline processes for fundraising and financial sustainability as they continue to build knowledge through leadership training.

Africa Centre Funded Organizations 2022

Health

NotJustYou—Edmonton, AB Ufuoma Muwhen, ufuoma.muwhen@notjustu.ca (780-862-0248)

Ribbon Rouge—Edmonton, AB Funke Olokude executive.director@ribbonrouge.com (587-778-9292)

Mesh of Mothers Foundation Inc— Edmonton, AB

Millicent Asiedu meshofmothersfoundation@gmail.com (780-604-7906)

The Oladele Foundation—Calgary, AB ‘Bayo Oladele secondchance@oladele.ca (403-852-7966)

Ethiocare—Calgary,AB

Bekele Hankebo bhankebo@yahoo.com (587-700-5985)

Gethsemane International Assembly Wood Buffalo o/a Rehoboth Alliance— Fort McMurray,AB

Regina Oppon rboppon@rehobothalliance.org (780-838-8177)

Ladies in the Family Foundation— Calgary, AB Bukola Ojemakinde ladiesinthefamily@gmail.com (403-561-0765)

LCCMEDIA Foundation—Edmonton, AB Tayo Elnathan tayo.elnathan@lccmediafoundation.ca (587-708-2682)

CommeHome Social Service— Casselman, ON Lily MoforTembong commehome.ss@gmail.com (438-880-2326)

Canadian Friends of African Immigrants Inc—Saskatoon, SK Jaylan Kiniso africanimmigrantsinc.ca@gmail.com (306-717-7342)

Lady Baller Camp—Brampton, ON Toyo Ajibolade executivedirector@ladyballerscamp.org 647-236-8696

Outreach & Inclusion

Community Alliance for Support and Empowerment—Brampton, ON Peace Okpara pokpara@casecommunity.org 905-216-2244

Eritrean Canadian Community Center of Metropolitan Toronto—Toronto, ON Michael Elias henok.russom@gmail.com (416-658-8580)

Kenyn Canadian Association— Brampton, ON Ephraim Mwaura ephraim@kcacanada.org (888-448-6225)

Odihi—New Westminster, BC Efe Fruci hello@odihi.com (778-378-9068)

Alberta Association of Black Social Workers—Edmonton, AB Neisau Ramcharan info@aabsw.ca (587-778-7634)

Uganda Canadian Association of Saskatchewan—Regina, SK Christine Lwanga ed@ucascanada.onmicrosoft.com (306-737-1380)

Alberta Immigrant Women & Children Centre—Edmonton,AB Sahra Hashi info@somalicanadianwomen.ca 780-756-1175

Ubuntu-Mobilizing Central Alberta Red Deer, AB Sadia Khan- Anwar ubuntucentralalberta@gmail.com (780-978-8800)

Sierra Leone Association of Alberta— Edmonton, AB Abu Conteh abuconteh@hotmail.com (780-604-5260_

Markuzal Iman for Tomorrow’s Shade Association—Edmonton, AB Abdulhakim Hassan Abdulhakimali99@gmail.com (780-680-7747)

CANAVUA(Canadian Volunteers United in Action)—Edmonton, AB Dicky Dikamba canavua@gmail.com (780-729-1709)

British Columbia Organization Of Caribbean Cultural Associations (BCOCCA)—Richmond, BC Neville Thomas nevillethomas705@gmail.com (604-274-6550)

Home Tuition Canada International— Calgary, AB Leonard Fotabang leonard_aj@yahoo.ca (403-760-5723)

Art & Culture

C-Tribe Society—Edmonton, AB Sahr Saffa us@ctribefestival.com (780-886-4320)

Cameroonian Association OF Edmonton/ Association Camerounaise d’Edmonton (CAE/ACE)—Edmonton, AB Rudy Dongmo Kemtsa chairman@cae-ace.ca 780-819-5748

Reelworld Screen Institute—Toronto, ON Emily-Jane Williams emily-jane@reelworld.ca (416-598-7933)

Nia Centre for the Arts—Toronto, ON Namulinda Lester nlester@niacentre.org (416-535-2727)

Upper Bayang Cultural And Development Association—Milton, ON Tabi Baiy finance.upbacdatoronto@gmail.com 647-984-6778

Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton —Edmonton, AB Ifeoma Okoye icaedmonton@gmail.com (780-266-1666)

Toronto Black Film Festival—Toronto, ON Fabienne Colas info@torontoblackfilm.com (514-265-5266)

Lebialem Cultural and Development

Association (LECDA)—Calgary, AB

Robert Neboh/Sylvanus Asonganyi robert.neboh@lecda-calgary.com (403-837-1333)

PRAYZE MUSIK FOUNDATION— Langley, BC

Theo Bessem foundationprayze@gmail.com (604-616-1728)

Halifax Black Film Festival—Halifax, NS

Deborah Rent info@halifaxblackfilm.com (902-441-8999)

Somali Canadian Society of Calgary— Calgary, AB Farah Ali farah.ali@scscalgary.ca (403-993-1749)

Community & Education

Urban League of Canada Prevention Training—York, ON Lebert Veira urban.league.inc@gmail.com (647-527-4737)

Skillcity Institute—Edmonton Olufunke Smith funke@skillcity.ca (780-700-0273)

Educate Train Believe Achieve (ETBA)— Scarborough, ON Tashawna Higgins tashawna_higgings@hotmail.com (647-883-3822)

Aspire Hub—Edmonton, AB Temitope Olotu info@aspirehub.org 780-504-5817

Alumni Youth Futbol—Gormley ,ON Bassam Naim alumnifutbol50@gmail.com 416-930-6426

Struggle is Your Success(SIYS)—Calgary, AB

Musap Abdelhag siys.org@outlook.com (587-700-1041)

Overcomer Community Development Center—Toronto, ON Dennis Keshinro info@ocdc.ca (647-891-9204)

Durham Athletics—Ajax, ON

Richard Karikari richard@completecentre.com (647-333-1110)

Horn of Africa Relief, Education and Settlement Services—Edmonton, AB Abdirizak Hashi info@haresso.org

(587-340-8196)

Early Childhood Development Initiative—Toronto, ON Patricia Falope info@ecdinitiative.org (416-357-7211)

Velma Carter Centre—Edmonton, AB Alicia Newton velmacartercentre@gmail.com (780-633-4887)

Support Black Charities —Toronto, ON Anick Silencieux anick@supportblackcharities.org (416-839-7326)

La Communauté des Africains Francophones de la Saskatchewan Inc.— Saskatoon, SK Mireille Bizimana direction@cafs-sask.org 306-371-2237

Economic Needs

African Canadian Women Engagement Society—Mississauga, ON Rahime Konneh iccf.organization.jwc@gmail.com (226-747-5831)

Youth LEAPS—Scarborough, ON Libana Bokor liban@youthleaps.ca (416-407-1540)

Black Business Ventures Association— Edmonton, AB Dipo Alli dipo@blackventures.ca (780-264-1978)

Afri-Can Connect Society—Calgary, AB Animwaa Obeng-Akrofi africanconnectsociety@gmail.com (403-354-1925)

Immigrants Inclusive Credit —St Albert, AB

Margaret Adekunle info@inclusivecredit.ca (780-901-8060)

African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI)—Winnipeg,MB Frank Indome findome@acomi.ca

(204-894-1954)

Black Mentorship Inc—Oakville, ON Evangeline Chima blackmentorship@gmail.com (416-918-4392)

Black Buildup—Surrey, BC Franklin Bouguep franklin@blackbuildup.ca (204-227-2086)

Groupe Artisanal Feminin Francophone de L’Ontario Inc—Toronto, ON Felicite Dibi groupart@rogers.com (416-913-3861)

Alberta Startupcourt Ltd—Calgary, AB Dotun Ayodele dotun@startupcourt.com (403-478-4525)

Economic Needs: Job Creation

Jobhouse Center Society—Vancouver, BC Tanniar Leba entrepreneurscanada@outlook.com (778-233-5624)

Black Women Business Network— Surrey, BC Franklin Bougeup franklin@blackwomencanada.org (778-246-5849)

Excel Family and Youth Society— Calgary, AB Dr Girma Lulu admin@excelfamily.ca (403-681-9732)

BlackTECH Hub—Milton, ON Osita Nwajiufor osita@blacktechhub.org (647-927-0903)

Lola Kydnex—Edmonton, AB Adelodun Adejare info@lolakydnex.org (403-869-9391)

Calgary Ethiopian Community Association—Calgary,AB Lulseged Yimam ceca@calethcom.ca (403-262-7260)

The Canadian Haitian Cultural Association of BC—Vancouver, BC Alexandria Aubourg Info@chca-bc.org (514-318-9286)

HelpAide—Vancouver, BC

Marthe Moukanda infomarthe360@gmail.com (778-233-5624)

Horn of Africa Educational & Economic Development Society (HAEEDS)— Edmonton,AB

Yusuf Ali ydulyar@gmail.com (587-985-0126)

The Maranatha African Mission— Burnaby,BC Tchaka Kimwemwe independentcommunityconsulting@ gmail.com (226-747-5831)

A Capacity Development Conference

April 12+13, 2023

Westin Hotel Edmonton

Supporting over 150 grassroots organizations across Canada, The Africa Centre is committed to help building capacity for each. Funded by SBCCI, this conference will bring together representatives from each organization for two full days of learning, engagement, networking and tools to take back and implement throughout the year.

For more information, please contact sbcci@africacentre.ca