Peel Region Celebrates Successful Launch of the B3 Fund
BRAMPTON, ON (August 07, 2024) – The Community Investment Program is proud to announce the successful launch of the Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3) Fund, a vital initiative aimed at supporting B3 organizations in Peel Region. The fund was officially launched on July 17th and is now available to eligible organizations. This exciting milestone was celebrated with a vibrant event attended by over 80 representatives from B3 organizations, regional staff, and municipal partners. The event highlighted the community's collective commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and was a resounding success.
Since 2020, Peel Region has been dedicated to applying an equity lens to its initiatives, including realigning $1.3 million to address racial and systemic discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort has already seen significant results, with 35 percent and 37 percent of successful applicants for the Capacity and Change Fund in 2020 and 2021, respectively, being Black-led, Black-focused, or Black-serving not-for-profits.
The creation of the B3 Advisory Board, the compilation of 12 Black Executive Directors in Peel, has been instrumental in shaping the B3 Funding Framework. This board, composed of community-based social service agencies and regional staff, provided valuable insights and recommendations to ensure that the needs and perspectives of Black communities in Peel are central to Peel’s work. The B3 Fund aims to foster measurable changes within B3 organizations, networks, and grassroots groups, providing them with the resources and supports needed to thrive.
This launch is a significant step in Peel’s ongoing journey towards greater equity and inclusion. The Community Investment Program remains committed to supporting the development and implementation of initiatives like the B3 Fund, which are crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable community.
For more information about the fund, please visit: Community Investment Program - Region of Peel (peelregion.ca).
Quotations
Occasionally, we are lucky enough to be part of something truly impactful. I had the privilege of participating in the successful launch of Peel's inaugural B3 Fund. This fund, dedicated to supporting Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving community agencies, marks a significant milestone for our region. We are confident that this initiative will have a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of Black residents in our community.
Jason Hastings, Social Development, Planning and Partnerships Director, Peel Region
I am absolutely elated that this B3 funding framework has come to Peel Region. It shows our leadership. It shows our ability to be first out of the gate. It shows our courage to continue to support the black community after the trend has faded. Peel is one of the most diverse municipalities in the country. It is evident that when you take care of the Black community, you take care of every other community that has ever been “othered” in Peel Region. We hold the door open for everybody with this B3 funding framework.
Martin Reid, Councillor Ward 9, City of Mississauga
The successful launch of the B3 Fund is a significant milestone in our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey. The B3 Fund is crucial for supporting Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving organizations in Peel Region, and responds to historical funding disparities from all levels of government. We are proud to provide the necessary resources and support to foster measurable change within our community.
Juliet Jackson, Director of Culture & Inclusion, Peel Region
Media contact
Alessandra Di Cosola
Communications Specialist
Peel Region
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.