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African and Caribbean Philanthropy in Ontario

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African and Caribbean Philanthropy in Ontario AT A GLANCE 1 000 000 000+Total population of Africa 40 000 000+Total population of the Caribbean 1 000 000+ Population of Canadians who identify as Black 85 Percentage of the Caribbean population who are Christian African 45 Percentage of Africans who identify as Muslim and Caribbean 40 Percentage of Africans who identify as Christian Philanthropy 85 Percentage of Jamaican-Canadians living in Ontario in Ontario In October 2013, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada hosted a conference that brought together charity leaders, donors and volunteers to explore TERMINOLOGY the philanthropy of the African and Caribbean CASE STUDY communities in Ontario. Here is a collection of Ubuntu: A pan-African philosophy or In 1982, the Black Business and insights from the conference and beyond. belief in a universal bond of sharing Professional Association (BBPA) wanted that connects all humans. to recognize the achievements of the six Black Canadian athletes who excelled at the Commonwealth Games that year. Organizers of the dinner invited Harry Jerome, Canada’s premiere track and field WISE WORDS athlete of the 1960s, to be the keynote “Ontario’s African and Caribbean communities are very distinct – both with respect to their speaker. Harry Jerome tragically died just histories and their relationship with Canada. The mistake the philanthropic sector could prior to the event and it was decided to turn the occasion into a tribute to him. The first easily make is treating these groups as a single, homogeneous community. What is most Harry Jerome Awards event took place on remarkable is the concept of ubuntu – or “human kindness” – and that faith in both of these March 5, 1983 and is now an annual national communities is very strong and discussed openly. Rather than shy away from this fact, event that honours excellence in the African fundraisers can make meaningful connections with individuals through discussions about Canadian community. The Harry Jerome faith, spirituality and our shared humanity. Further, a successful fundraiser will approach these communities Scholarship Fund provides financial support with the mindset of “friendraising” first. Making authentic connections takes time. While you may not get the to young African Canadians. In 1996, an financial donation you want immediately, individuals can point you to others in the community. Instead of endowment was established with support aspiring to have one or two “major gift” donors, try reaching out to a broad range of people in the community, from individual and corporate donors. so that you can engage and build long-term relationships with many people of different interests and means. Today, the Fund offers approximately thirty As a result, the gifts to your organization will have significant personal meaning and enduring impact for your scholarships each year. donors.” — Hamlin Grange, Diversity Expert and Chair, African and Caribbean Philanthropy Conference FREE BLACKS, BLACK BRITISH LOYALISTS AND AMERICAN SLAVES: BLACK SETTLEMENT IN CANADA 1600 - 1865 Black Canadians have various geographic Under the French, and subsequently the In the 1960s, Canadian immigration policies roots and have taken diverse journeys to British colonial rule in Canada, there were which had previously given preference to Canada. The first Black person in Canada African slaves in Canada until the abolition of European immigrants were abolished and the was a free man who served as an interpreter slavery in the British colonies effective August following decades saw increasing numbers of in 1605. Some, like Harry Jerome, were 1, 1834. immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean. born in Canada and descended from Black people who have been in Canada for many In the 19th century, prior to the end of the Those are the historical trends underlying generations. While other Black Canadians American Civil War, tens of thousands of the narratives of Black Canadians who are a immigrated more recently to Canada or are refugee slaves sought freedom in Canada fundamental part of the fabric of Canadian the descendants of immigrants. through the Underground Railroad. The US society. Philanthropy and fundraising has for Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 promoted the generations been expressed through self- During the American Revolution in the hunt of fugitive slaves within free states and help and mutual support initiatives beginning late18th century, slaves were brought to encouraged the capture and return to the often in places of worship and community- Canada with their white Loyalist owners. Black south of suspected slaves. This led to vast based associations formed to mobilize and Loyalists in America were promised freedom movements of not only refugee slaves but support Black communities. for supporting the British and thousands also free Blacks into to Canada. made their way to Canada. ~ The Amherstburg Freedom Museum INSIGHTS FROM THE EXPERTS Conference presenters and participants shared many great examples and tips about giving within the African and Caribbean communities. Here is what we heard: PURPOSE-DRIVEN PHILANTHROPY MEANS WE DO A DISSERVICE THAT DONORS WANT THE COMMUNITY WHEN WE DON’T PAY FULL IMPACT AND VALUE FOR ALWAYS WELCOMES ATTENTION TO DIVERSITY, MONEY. AND BENEFITS FROM PARTICULARLY IN COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SOME CULTURAL STRONG AND POSITIVE JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS. GROUPS HAVE A ROLE MODELS. STRONG TRADITION OF COMMUNAL SAVINGS. THREE POPULAR THEMES IN FAITH IS A SHARED, COMMON AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN THEME. “I’M ONE AMONG PHILANTHROPY: SUPPORTING BILLIONS, CREATED BY MY MAKER, EXTENDED FAMILY, FAITH AND LOVED DEARLY. THIS MAKES CULTURAL PRESERVATION / US COMPULSIVE TO CARE FOR HISTORY. EVERYBODY.” FUNDRAISERS MAY NEED TO FIRST EXPLAIN ENGAGE DONORS EARLY TO DONORS THAT THE ON SO THEY HAVE A “WE ARE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT DOES SENSE OF OWNERSHIP. NOT FUND EVERYTHING. WITH ENGAGEMENT AND WE NEED TO BE REFLECTED” CHARITIES HELP BRIDGE COMES RESPONSIBILITY. THE GAP. PERSONAL GIVING IS CHARITIES NEED TO OFTEN FRAMED AS A SPEND MORE TIME SACRIFICIAL ACT OF BUILDING TRUST AND ALTRUISM. ADDRESSING HISTORICAL IF A PROGRAM FOCUSES ON WRONGS BEFORE A SPECIFIC COMMUNITY, SEEKING SUPPORT. GIVING IS OFTEN IT IS RECOMMENDED CONNECTED TO THAT THE SOLICITOR IS A RELIGIOUS OR FROM THAT COMMUNITY AS WELL. PEOPLE FROM AFRICA SPIRITUAL ACT. AND THE CARIBBEAN HAVE RICH HISTORIES OF VOLUNTEERING AND ON AN ISLAND OR IN GIVING BACK TO THEIR SMALL VILLAGES, HOMELANDS AND TO INTERDEPENDENCE AND CANADIAN CHARITIES. COOPERATION ARE SECOND NATURE. THIS SPIRIT IS OFTEN IMPORTED TO “THIS LIFE IS A CANADA. JOURNEY WE MUST TAKE TOGETHER. ALONE WE LOSE.” FOR A FULL LIST OF REFERENCES, VIDEOS AND RESOURCES, PLEASE VISIT: www.afpinclusivegiving.ca The African and Caribbean Philanthropy Conference was part of a series for fundraising professionals, donors, and volunteers to develop a greater understanding of the giving traditions and charitable interests of several diverse communities in Ontario. Organized by the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter and the AFP Ottawa Chapter, this initiative was generously funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration’s Partnership Project and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada. .
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