New B3 Funding Framework
Peel Region’s first funding framework that invests in Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3) community agencies to increase their ability to deliver services to Peel’s Black communities.
The Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving Funding Framework is one of many steps that the Community Investment Program has taken to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in its granting program. Here's what we've done so far:
- Developed an action plan in 2020 to use an equity lens to support thinking and discussion around equity within the Community Investment Program granting streams.
- Realigned $1.3 million to the long-and medium-term priorities of the COVID-19 pandemic to address racial and systemic discrimination. In 2020 and 2021 35% and 37% of successful applicants for the Capacity and Change Fund were Black-led, Black-focused or Black-serving not-for-profits, respectively.
- The Community Investment Policy was developed in 2022 with a clear and transparent Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement embedded to increase transparency, equity and accountability. Access the policy here.
- Developed and implemented a new Service Provider Profile section within GovGrants - Peel Region's online grant management platform in 2023 to collect key equity information. Equity section responses were assessed as part of the 2024-2026 Core Fund application review process to ensure that funding is allocated equitably.
View the Council report for more detailed information on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Journey for Community Investment Funding.
Our plan
A comprehensive and thoughtful approach has been developed to keep our stakeholders at the forefront of what should be considered in the creation of this B3 funding framework.
Steps that will be achieved throughout the lifecycle of this journey:
- B3 Advisory Board creation
- B3 Funding Framework development
- B3 Funding implementation
B3 Advisory Board
An Advisory Board was created to provide a Peel-specific community voice and perspective as they co-develop and participate in the engagement plan and development of the B3 Funding Framework.
The Board was made up of community-based social service agencies and regional staff who have worked together to:
- Inform, advise, consult, and co-design the development of the B3 Funding Framework.
- Ensure the interests, perspectives, and needs of Black communities in Peel are reflected throughout the co-development process.
Members represented a diversity of sectors, perspectives and populations served including, broad social services, refugee and immigrant services, youth services, youth welfare, housing and homelessness, senior services, food services, health services and 2SLGBTQIA+ focused services.
B3 Funding Framework development
The B3 Advisory Board sessions have concluded, and the Board’s recommendations have been used to inform the development of the B3 Funding Framework. This framework will enable Peel Region’s Community Investment Program to support effective and measurable changes within B3 organizations, networks and grassroots groups.
Upcoming engagements
Engagement sessions will be held with B3 not-for-profit organizations on June 25 and July 3 to review the B3 Funding Framework and next steps in its implementation.
If you’re interested to attend, register for one of the sessions:
- Session 1: Tuesday, June 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Session 2: Tuesday, June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Session 3: Wednesday, July from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Session 4: Wednesday, July from 6 to 8 p.m.
B3 Funding implementation
The launch of the B3 Fund will:
- Increase funding allocations to B3 organizations, networks, and unincorporated groups.
- Improve capacity of B3 organizations, networks, and grassroots groups.
Launch Date: Summer 2024.
Background
In June 2020, Peel Region's Council approved Resolution 2020-448 which affirms its commitment to "address systemic discrimination by supporting policies, equitable funding, and programs that address the inequities faced by the Black community and other marginalized groups in Peel."
Stemming from this resolution, Peel Region's Community Investment Program, with the endorsement of the Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Committee and Regional Council in 2023, is now undertaking the development of a B3 Funding Framework that will seek to address the Council's recommendation to "ensure Black-led and Black-serving social service agencies in Peel are funded equitably through regional funding mechanisms."
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the Stakeholder list to receive updates email Community Investment Program.
