Using your philanthropy to advance racial justice

We are in an unignorable and overdue moment of change. Society is reflecting on how we will deepen our collective responsibility towards advancing racial justice and building equality. The work involves listening and learning in order to act. For philanthropists it also means understanding how to respond with your donations urgently and in the long-run. You can get started with the Black and Indigenous led and serving organizations listed below. They are doing the heavy lifting to dismantle racism in a variety of ways. They are also past and present recipients of Toronto Foundation grants.
Additionally, use these guiding principles to help you go deeper with using your philanthropy to advance racial justice:

  • Give to grassroots organizations: Though often overlooked they are where movements for change emerge from and they advocate for voices from the communities they serve to be heard in creating solutions. This is how you create effective and sustainable change. Many of the grantees listed below are grassroots organizations and small-to-medium sized nonprofits.
  • Give to Black and Indigenous serving organizations: Statistics show that Black and Indigenous people disproportionately experience systemic discrimination, even compared to other marginalized groups. Any work towards equality must address the needs of these groups. Also, representation in leadership matters a lot. It sends a powerful message of what’s possible and ensures that the work will be delivered in a culturally-relevant and appropriate way.
  • Get connected: The new philanthropy is about getting informed to take action. Learn from and build relationships with leaders and organizations doing the work to advance racial justice. Use your platform, networks, and influence to speak up and raise awareness.
  • Life-long commitment: Being an ally is about the long road. We know you're motivated to get started but remember that the movement needs your ongoing commitment. We hope you'll continue to learn, build your relationships and give now and into the future. We too continue to work towards deeper understanding and connections with Black and Indigenous communities to improve how we leverage philanthropy.

 

Black-Led & Serving Organizations Indigenous-Led & Serving Organizations
AfriCan Food Basket
Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA)
Alexandra Park Community Centre
Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Blackcap)
Black Creek Community Farm
Black Creek Community Health Centre
Black Health Alliance
Black Women in Motion
Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough
Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN)
CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals
Cliffcrest Community Centre
Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto
Culturelink Settlement Services
dance Immersion
FEAT for Children of Incarcerated Parents
FOCUS Media Arts Centre
FoodShare
For Youth Initiative
Jamaican Canadian Association
Jane Finch Housing Coalition
Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre
Jean Augustine Centre in South Etobicoke
LAMP Community Health Centre
Massey Centre
National African Integration and Families Association - Toronto
Nia - Centre For the Arts
Obsidian Theatre
Ontario Black History Society
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
Regent Park Community Health Centre
Regent Park Film Festival
ResQ Youth International
Rexdale Community Health Centre
RISE (Trustee: VIBE Arts)
TAIBU Community Health Centre
Tropicana Community Services Organization
Urban Arts
Vibrant Healthcare Alliance
Visions of Science Network for Learning
Warden Woods Community Centre
Weston Frontlines
Women’s Health In Women’s Hands Community Health Centre
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Aboriginal Legal Services (Trustee: NCCT)
ADNPVA/Arts Indigena
Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Canadian Roots Exchange
Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes Inc.
imagineNATIVE
Indspire
Metis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission
Miziwe Biik Employment and Training
Na Me Res (Native Men’s Residence)
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT)
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto
Nishnawbe Homes Inc.
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (Trustee: NCCT)
Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Toronto Inuit Association
Wigwamen Incorporated
Native Earth Performing Arts
Thunder Women Healing Lodge