OnBinder
Canada-based B3 organizations can apply for Black Ideas Grant 4.0. Read the guide and questionnaire and prepare the supporting materials. Submit your application through the official FFBC portal by noon Pacific Time on October 20, 2026.
The amounts and schedule are based on the September 15, 2026 announcement and FFBC's 2026-2027 application guide.
Eligibility and B3 Requirements
Organizations must meet all criteria related to their mandate, leadership, and services for Black communities. This is known as Black-mandated, Black-led, and Black-serving, or B3. Eligible applicants include Canada-based charities and nonprofit organizations.
| Category | Requirement to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Black-mandated | Black communities are the ongoing primary focus of the organization's activities |
| Black-led | Black people lead the organization's operations and decision-making |
| Black-serving | Services and support are tailored to the needs of Black communities |
| Composition requirement | At least two-thirds of the leadership, staff, and board members are Black, as specified in the eligibility requirements for each stream |
| Location | Canada |
The project must fall under at least one of the following priority areas. It must also be connected to the Sustainable Development Goals and the social determinants of health. The latter refers to living conditions that affect health, such as income and housing.
- Addressing anti-Black racism
- Improving social conditions
- Improving economic conditions
Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible. Check the detailed exclusions before applying. The eligibility criteria are specified in the FFBC application guide.
Application Requirements for Unincorporated Groups
Unincorporated groups must work with an eligible incorporated B3 organization. If they do not have an incorporated partner when they apply, they are not eligible. An agreement describing the partnership and its purpose is also required.
Having a partner does not make an organization eligible for every stream. Check the additional requirements for the selected stream as well. For space-related projects in particular, first review the incorporation and operating history requirements.
Two women review application materials together beside digital process icons.AI-generated image
Comparison of the Three Funding Streams
Choose one funding stream based on the intended use of the funds. Each amount is the maximum funding limit for the 2026 call for proposals. Selection or payment of the maximum amount is not guaranteed.
| Stream | Maximum Funding | Primary Use | What to Check When Choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | 30,000 Canadian dollars | Organizational operations and capacity building not directly related to programs | Whether the expenses are needed for the organization's own operational foundation |
| Catapult | 80,000 Canadian dollars | Developing new programs or services, or expanding existing projects | Whether the expenses are needed to deliver a project for the community |
| Community Spaces | 200,000 Canadian dollars | Investment in community spaces and facilities | Whether securing or improving a physical space is central to the project |
If you need organizational operating funds, consider Core first. If you plan to create or expand a program, check whether Catapult is suitable. For acquiring, constructing, or renovating a space, compare your project with the scope of Community Spaces. The basic purpose of each stream is available on the FFBC program information page.
Additional Materials for Community Spaces
Community Spaces has separate eligibility and documentation requirements. Applicants must have operated in Canada for at least three years before the application date. Proof of ownership or a long-term lease must also be prepared.
- Externally prepared financial statements for the most recent year
- An accepted format, such as audited financial statements or a notice to reader report
- Evidence of community support for the project
- Proof of ownership or a long-term lease for the space
Compare the detailed requirements with the Community Spaces section of the application guide.
Official Portal Application Process
Review the guide and questionnaire first, then submit your application through the official portal. The application is available in English and French. Because the questions differ by stream, use the questionnaire for your selected stream.
- Confirm your eligibility. Check the B3 criteria and legal structure. Unincorporated groups must also confirm the requirements for an incorporated partner.
- Choose one stream. Each organization may submit one application. If multiple applications are submitted, only the first completed and submitted application will be reviewed for eligibility.
- Prepare your answers and materials. Organize the project purpose, budget, schedule, and attachments required by the questionnaire. Drafting your answers before entering them in the portal makes it easier to check for omissions.
- Use an account belonging to an internal staff member. Create an account on the official portal or sign in with an existing account. The account owner must be an internal staff member of the organization, not an external consultant.
- Review and submit. Check your answers and attachments. The deadline is noon Pacific Time on October 20, 2026.
The official application channel is the FFBC application portal. The internal account holder requirement is also stated on the Catapult application page.
Reusing Previous Applications and Common Mistakes
Even if you reuse a previous application, review the entire application again. Unsuccessful B.I.G. 2.0 and 3.0 applicants can reuse their existing data. Answers to new questions may be blank.
| Situation | What to Check or Update |
|---|---|
| Reusing an unsuccessful B.I.G. 2.0 or 3.0 application | Blank answers to new questions, outdated attachments, and changes to the project |
| Previous B.I.G. 1.0 application | Complete a new application |
| Receiving application support from an external consultant | An internal staff member of the organization must own and manage the account |
| Drafting answers with AI tools | Confirm the applicant's responsibility and FFBC's notice about exclusion from review |
FFBC states that applications prepared with AI assistance are generally excluded from review. It also states that applicants are responsible for the contents of their applications. If the scope of this policy is unclear, ask before submitting. This notice is available on the Community Spaces application page.
