Impact of a Non-Profit Organization within the Canadian Black Community

Montreal – In a room filled with the energy of exchange, several participants from diverse backgrounds gathered to discuss the essential role of non-profit organizations (OBNL) created by and for Quebec’s Black communities.

Between personal testimonies, candid observations, and calls for collaboration, the meeting highlighted both the challenges and the promising perspectives for these grassroots organizations.

Denis Perrier, former police officer and military member, opened the discussion by recalling his community involvement. With more than 30 years of service in the Montreal police force and solid military experience, he chose to invest himself in non-profits to support causes close to his heart.

“I really wanted to help Black communities as well, because I worked with them as a police officer, but I was not directly involved enough. I decided to jump into the adventure,” he explains.

For Cyril N’Kuala, journalist and founder of the organization Né au Québec, the finding is clear: diversity must be better represented in the public space.

“In my opinion, some voices were not being heard enough. That’s how Né au Québec was born, with the mission of promoting diversity and inclusion. We were engaged long before these themes became fashionable,” he emphasizes.

Participants agree: non-profits play a role of proximity that neither governments nor large institutions can replace.

“Citizens cannot simply knock on the government’s door. Non-profits are there to make that bridge, to provide concrete and immediate help,” recalls Denis Perrier.

This role of proximity, they explain, is what allows non-profits to respond to specific needs—whether it be emergency housing, social support, or economic integration.

Despite their importance, non-profits from Black communities face a major challenge: professionalization.

“Managing a non-profit is not like managing a household budget. You need strong skills in administration, communication, and management. Too often, our organizations remain at a micro level, and that limits their impact,” explains Cyril N’Kuala.

Another issue raised is the multiplication of small organizations which, while relevant, sometimes work in isolation.

“There are a multitude of non-profits doing exactly the same thing. We need to think about pooling and collaboration. Only then can we achieve real systemic change,” says one participant.

Criticism, far from being a hindrance, must become a lever for growth. The panelists remind that some communities have succeeded in building solid institutions (community centers, cultural spaces, their own infrastructures). The Black community, in turn, must aim for the same type of collective achievements.

“If criticism becomes a source of inspiration, then we will move forward,” insists one of the participants.

In conclusion, everyone agreed on the same key principle: collaborate and build capacity.

“We don’t create non-profits to achieve financial success, but to respond to specific needs. Let’s work, let’s collaborate, and success will follow,” summarizes Cyril N’Kuala.

The event ended on an optimistic note, underlining the importance of solidarity and sharing of expertise so that non-profits from Black communities can continue to play their crucial role in Quebec society.