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 the SBCCI initiative 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 the SBCCI initiative stand out to the ECF? How does it align with the overall mandate of your organization?

The 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 from the 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.