Melanistic Magazine - Vol 9

Advertorial: EDMONTON'S BLACK COMMUNITY FUND

It sometimes takes a single voice to trigger a movement. In this case, Robert Tyndale’s voice was the catalyst for Edmonton Black Community Fund’s (EBCF) fundraising drive. Realizing that there was a need to build momentum behind the initiative, Tyndale sprung into action.

“ I thought if I could engage the community around me to donate money, then at least we can take advantage of that ($100,000) matching opportunity that Edmonton Community Foundation announced when the fund was launched,” he says.

Tyndale hosted the live streamathon on December 18th, 2021 with his partner, Keenan Pascal. The event brought together several of Edmonton’s community builders. David Shepard, MLA for Edmonton City Center; Andrew Parker, an educator; Rochelle Ignacio from Black Owned Markets; and Arlo Maverick, an artist/activist were just a few who shared their vision, stories and thoughts on the value of growing the EBCF.

“We positioned it [the fund] to be broad so that it can reflect the community that it’s going to serve and the needs of the community in the present time,” Tyndal says. “The fund’s openness and its effectiveness to go in a number of different directions is really its true value.”

During the month of February, in recognition of Black History Month, Edmonton Community Foundation has committed to again match donations up to $80,000. Tyndale hopes to host another event that will bring together donors from the wider Edmonton Community.

“As we have more successful projects, more investment in education and in the youth, then as a city, we’re going to be that much stronger… the successes that come within the Black community strengthens the broader Edmonton community.”

About Edmonton’s Black Community Fund:

How much has been contributed to Edmonton’s Black Community Fund? Currently more than $12,700 has been contributed to Edmonton’s Black Community Fund. Those funds have been matched dollar-for dollar by Edmonton Community Foundation, bringing the total of the EBCF to more than $25,000. As the fund grows so does the size and number of grants it can provide.

How will the funds be managed if I become a Donor? Funds are invested and managed by a team of experts at Edmonton Community Foundation. As the funds grow, a percentage is issued as grants annually to support initiatives and organizations that meet Edmonton’s Black Community Fund’s mandate.

How will the projects and initiatives be chosen? Grant applications are reviewed by an advisory committee comprised of members of Edmonton’s Black communities. Each committee member brings a unique area of expertise to the table. The team is tasked with reviewing grant applications and identifying the organizations or initiatives that are working to build the Black community and who would benefit from this sustainable support.

How do the matching funds work? ECF has committed $80,000 of its discretionary dollars to match all donations made to the Edmonton’s Black Community Fund during 2022 Black History Month in February. Anyone can donate to the fund and have their gift match dollar-for-dollar. Donations to the fund are also eligible for tax receipts.

How can I support Edmonton’s Black Community Fund? Donations and more information can be found at www.ecfoundation.org/funds/edmontons-black-community-fund/.