Montreal: Launch of Call for Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Projects for Grants and Capital Assistance

Montréal, 3737 Crémazie East — The headquarters of Groupe 3737 recently hosted a major community event, bringing together nearly 80 participants during a vibrant evening networking session. The event served not only to present the various missions of Groupe 3737, but also to highlight the many collaborations taking place throughout Quebec and Canada.

From the outset, speakers emphasized the essential work of Groupe 3737 in supporting organizations led by Black individuals. Through various federally funded programs — including the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), the Philanthropic Fund, and the Social Finance Fund — Groupe 3737 has helped numerous organizations achieve growth, sustainability, and impact.

These initiatives, while crucial, are temporary. Participants therefore discussed the importance of collective advocacy to encourage decision-makers to extend and strengthen their support.

One of the evening’s key moments was the information session on the third SBCCI call for projects. This is a national fund of $200 million, managed in Quebec by Groupe 3737. The call is open until December 15, and this year introduces a major new feature: in addition to capacity-building projects, grants are now available for equipment and renovations.

According to Yamina Sidane, Social Innovation Coordinator at Groupe 3737: “We have simplified the forms and budgets, making the process more accessible to all Black community NPOs.”

Applications are submitted via a national platform and evaluated by independent selection committees, based on transparent and rigorous criteria.

Groupe 3737 has already supported 206 Black-led organizations across Quebec. Additionally, 182 other NPOs are currently awaiting funding. Of the approximately 500 Black-led NPOs in Quebec, Groupe 3737 is in contact with more than 80% of them, and over 40% have received financial support.

These figures reflect unprecedented mobilization and demonstrate the significant impact of these initiatives on the ground.

The evening also provided an opportunity for several community leaders to share their journeys: Draman, General Coordinator of Académie de Baobab — a literary prize dedicated to African and diaspora authors — highlighted the importance of the partnership with Groupe 3737: “This is our first initiative here. We came to engage and hope to build a lasting connection.”

Brutus Louise Berart, from the Centre de Réconfort aux Familles, expressed her gratitude: “This meeting helps us grow in our projects for Black women.”

John Lepier, president of NSK, shared his experience: “We’ve been receiving funding from Groupe 3737 for two years. It’s not just a check: it’s coaching, follow-up, and support toward sustainability.”

Groupe 3737 reaffirms its commitment to transparency, equity, and collaboration. The current call for projects represents a crucial opportunity for Black NPOs to strengthen their capacity and impact. In conclusion, the message is clear: “The more you apply, the more we can demonstrate the scope of the needs — and the more resources will follow.”

Groupe 3737 is a pioneering organization dedicated to the economic development of Black and racialized communities through entrepreneurship, social innovation, and the transformation of leadership models.