Craig Wellington
CEO, Black Opportunity Fund
Black Opportunity Fund aims to dismantle the ongoing impacts of systemic anti-Black racism in Canada.
Black Opportunity Fund is dedicated to investing in and empowering Black communities across Canada. Amid growing pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the charity’s work is critical to supporting grassroots organizations and strengthening communities.
We spoke with Craig Wellington, Black Opportunity Fund’s CEO, to learn more about how the organization is reshaping philanthropy.
What is Black Opportunity Fund’s mission?
We’re focused on the socio-economic empowerment of Black people in Canada through needs-informed capital and national advocacy across key pillars including justice, education, housing, and health. Recent initiatives include a $50-million housing fund to create pathways to homeownership for Black communities and a $100-million growth fund to invest in growth-ready Black-led businesses.
How does your work go beyond traditional philanthropy?
We’ve invested heavily in capacity-building. We support entrepreneurs with free business development resources, quarterly payments, and a charitable lending program with coaching and business tools.
What impact is the recent pushback against DEI having, and why does advancing equity matter to Canada as a whole?
The disingenuous anti-DEI blowback is eroding recent hard-fought advances in equity for historically disadvantaged communities. If any demographic is prevented from achieving their full potential, it’s a loss for Canada as a whole. Equity is additive, not subtractive. When there’s more opportunity for everyone, Canada benefits socially and economically.
How can individuals, allies, and corporate partners support Black Opportunity Fund’s mission?
We welcome donations, mission-aligned partnerships, and amplification of our mission.
Join Black Opportunity Fund in investing in a stronger, more equitable Canada. Learn more at blackopportunityfund.ca.
