Capacity Building and Training for Small Black-led and Racialized Organizations (SBLROs)

The SBLROs project will enable OCASI to promote equity for Small Black-led and Racialized Organizations by building their capacity to successfully navigate government funding processes, effectively propose projects, negotiate contribution agreements; and secure, manage and report on federal/provincial/private grants and contributions.

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Project Overview

OCASI recognizes that racism and other oppressions create a lack of access, equality and participation for traditionally marginalized communities, this includes Small Black-led and Racialized Organizations - SBLROs. These organizations have an explicit mandate that across all levels of the management and governance, are held by people who self-identify as Black and to serve Black Canadian and racialized communities through meaningful engagement and delivering culturally affirming programs and services. 

We understand that the lack of access, equality and participation stems from the pervasive ways in which forms of oppression are systemically embedded in the dominant culture and social institutions of Canadian society creating a legacy of systemic power and privilege for specific groups at the expense of others who face ongoing systemic barriers and exclusion from full access and participation in social and economic institutions. These barriers disproportionately impact SBLROs and limit their ability to secure funding and deliver their missions. As a result, their capacity and our capacity as a society to effectively reach and support Black and racialized communities are limited.

The SBLROs project (launched 2023-05-15 and ends 2024-06-30) enables OCASI to promote equity for these organizations, thus improving access to information, tools, guidance, and enhanced knowledge, skills and support. 

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The Project

SBLROs will have increased capacity to navigate government funding processes, effectively propose projects, negotiate contribution agreements; and secure, manage and report on federal/provincial/private grants and contributions.

Key components of the SBLROs project include:

  • Implementing Training Needs Assessment to identify capacity building needs and priorities among SBLROs
  • Developing and delivering a knowledge and skill development program for SBLROs utilizing diverse delivery platforms
  • Holding networking forums to provide a safe space for SBLROs to share information, learn about promising practices and develop strategic networks
  • Matching SBLROs with mentors who will provide hands-on support that reinforce training program learning
  • Collecting, developing, curating and disseminating project resources and tools to enhance further capacities for SBLROs who cannot directly participate in training, networking or mentoring activities

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Who We Are

This project grounded in anti-racism and equity to build the capacity of SBLROs is an OCASI project and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and United Way Greater Toronto. The SBLROs project will enable OCASI to promote equity for Small Black-led and Racialized Organizations by building their capacity to navigate successfully, secure, and implement IRCC funding. In doing so, IRCC will increase the diversity and representativeness of organizations involved in newcomer settlement and integration.

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EVALUATION REPORT

The Capacity Building and Training for Small Black-led and Racialized Organizations (SBLROs) Project Evaluation Report  [PDF] - English | French (Links will open in a new tab or window)

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Network Forum: Collective Impact

Collective Impact: Building a Collaborative Initiative for Small Black-led & Racialized Organizations English | French | ASL | LSQ (Links will open in a new tab or window)

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Online Workshop Series and Resources

Online Workshop 1: Proposal Writing

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Online Workshop 2: Community-based Programming

  • Video: Community-based Programming Workshop [Youtube] - English | French | ASL | LSQ (Links will open in a new tab or window)
  • Slides: Community-based Programming [PDF] - English and French
  • Resources:

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Online Workshop 3: Financial Management

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Online Workshop 4: Proposal Writing Part Two: Walking through IRCC’s CFP Application

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Online Workshop 5: HR & Volunteer Management

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Online Workshop 6: Governance 101

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Online Workshop 7: Afrocentric Governance

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Online Workshop 8: Good Practices Toolkit - Facilitating Virtual "Zoom Meeting" Bilingual Event From Non-Profit Organization’s Lens

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Additional Resources

Governance and Strategic Leadership

Community-based Programming

Financial Management

HR & Volunteer Management

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Additional external resources for SBLROs and the communities they serve

Aya Circle of Care

Supporting Black communities impacted by HIV:

Udada Project 

Community-led mental health for Black Female Youth in Canada.

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