At Aviso, we believe that building strong, inclusive communities is fundamental to creating a more equitable future. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) guides us in fostering meaningful relationships with organizations that share our vision. One partnership that embodies this shared purpose is with the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC).

What is the Federation of Black Canadians?

The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) was established in 2017 as a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the social, economic, political, and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent. Its work is grounded in the unifying motto "Stronger together – nothing about us without us," a call to collective action that ensures Black Canadians' voices are at the forefront of their advocacy.

The FBC operates on four core pillars designed to address systemic inequities and support community empowerment:

• Lifelong learning: Focused on breaking barriers to academic and career success by promoting excellence and eliminating systemic challenges in schools.
• Employment development: Providing access to training and opportunities in traditional and emerging industries to build economic empowerment.
• Total health: Working to improve mental and physical health outcomes across Black communities, including addressing social determinants of health.
• Criminal justice reform: Tackling the impact of anti-Black racism within the justice system and advocating for structural change.

The organization was founded following multiple conversations among community leaders, including pivotal efforts by Justice Donald McLeod, who envisioned a united body addressing the challenges Black Canadians face coast to coast. Grassroots meetings and consultations have since evolved into an empowering national movement. The FBC's ability to convene stakeholders, host meaningful discussions, and launch impactful initiatives reflects the organization's deep commitment to eradicating systemic racism, fostering community growth, and celebrating Black excellence.

Empowering change through partnership

Since its founding, the FBC has undertaken the remarkable challenge of creating systemic change while empowering communities across Canada. Aviso's opportunity to support FBC came in 2020-21 as an initiative of our inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility committee. This partnership began at a critical moment when the FBC faced financial uncertainty.

Chris Thompson, Executive Director of the FBC, shared, "Aviso's initial donation was an absolute lifeline. It came when we were at a pivotal point as an organization, unsure of our future. That flexible funding allowed us to sustain, recalibrate and, ultimately, thrive."

That initial funding was a launching pad, enabling the FBC to build momentum within its initiatives. This year, in celebration of Black History Month in February, Aviso was proud to make another donation to support their impactful work, further underscoring our shared dedication to dismantling inequities and fostering belonging for all.

The support has been instrumental in helping it on its journey to achieving key milestones, such as:

• 6,587 subscribers, including 1,668 active members
• 600+ Black Builders accessing peer support and nonprofit resources
• Supporting 245+ Black entrepreneurs with guidance, mentorship, and business grants, building pathways to economic success.
• Awarding 137 educational bursaries to Black high school students in five provinces, opening doors to higher education.
• Providing resources to 540+ non-profits in their Black Builders Network to uplift Black-led community efforts.
• Distributing micro-contributions to 60+ Black-led organizations for grassroots and regional initiatives.
• Hosting 36 cultural events focused on lifelong learning, health, employment development, and justice reform.
• Cultivating partnerships with 42 organizations to extend collective reach across Canada.
• $500,000+ redistributed to Black youth, entrepreneurs, and organizations

These achievements reflect the FBC's resilience and ability to rise to challenges while consistently advocating for systemic change and community impact.

Together, we're making a difference

Our ongoing partnership with the Federation of Black Canadians is a testament to the power of collective impact. By combining business resources, community focus, and purpose-driven leadership, we've made significant strides in uplifting Black Canadians and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, we can be proud of the progress and change we've contributed to, and we look forward to building even stronger foundations for future innovation, collaboration, and impact.