Afro Van Connect Selected as B.I.G. 3.0 Grant Recipient

Announced on March 31, 2026, this year’s cohort includes 132 Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving (B3) organizations across Canada, supported through an $8 million national investment into community-driven work.

This recognition is deeply meaningful. It affirms the importance of the work we are building and reflects a broader commitment to resourcing Black-led organizations creating impact on the ground, in real time.

“When Black-led organizations are resourced, entire communities benefit — and that is what B.I.G. is all about.”
— Liban Abokor

🌍 Investing in Community-Led Futures

The Black Ideas Grant is more than funding—it is an investment in vision, leadership, and long-term change.

Since 2023, the program has invested $26 million into over 400 organizations across Canada, supporting initiatives across arts and culture, health, economic development, and community building.

For Afro Van Connect, this support will help us:

• Expand culturally rooted programming and public gatherings
• Advance the Fare Farms Initiative and land-based learning work
• Continue developing long-term cultural infrastructure projects
• Support artists, youth, and community members through accessible engagement

This funding allows us to move with greater intention—deepening the work while expanding its reach and impact.

🤝 Community at the Center

A defining strength of the B.I.G. program is its community-driven selection process.

This year, over 325 Community Selection Circle members contributed their time and leadership to identify recipients—ensuring decisions are grounded in lived experience and collective insight.

We recognize and honour this process, and the trust it represents.

“When Black communities are empowered to lead, the impact is felt across the country.”
— Patty Hajdu

🚀 Looking Ahead

This moment marks both a milestone and a responsibility.

With this support, Afro Van Connect will continue to build spaces—both physical and programmatic—that center Black presence, creativity, and community care.

From storytelling and gatherings to land-based initiatives and cultural infrastructure, our focus remains on creating lasting, community-rooted impact.

🙏 Thank You

We are grateful to the Foundation for Black Communities, their partners, and the many individuals who made this investment possible.

To our community, collaborators, and supporters—thank you for continuing to build with us.

We look forward to sharing more as this next phase of work unfolds.

Afro Van Connect Society