Tribe Network & RBC launch Community Impact Program
The Community Impact Program will support 20 BIPOC-led organizations serving racialized youth in Atlantic Canada.
Tribe Network created its Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub to change the narrative around the disproportionate unemployment rates and barriers to resources and financial support faced by racialized individuals and communities. And now, thanks to a $25,000 contribution from RBC, Tribe Network is one step closer to its goal.
“Many youth-serving organizations struggle to maintain connections with their members, and the pandemic has amplified this challenge” said Alfred Burgesson, CEO & Founder of Tribe Network. “We are committed to partnering with like-minded organizations like RBC to offer access to community, targeted programs and support to youth in our region who need it the most. Support like this will help us create more opportunities for youth who may not have previously had access to networks.”
RBC’s support will provide twenty BIPOC-led youth-serving organizations with equitable access to the Tribe Network’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub, where organizations can access the community platform, opportunity portal and knowledge hub.
“We’re so happy our support is increasing access to all the great things happening at Tribe Network, but financial contributions alone won’t drive the kind of change that’s needed,” says Vinita Savani, Regional President, RBC Atlantic Canada. “So we’re also committing some of our assets that money can’t buy – our employees’ energy and skills, our capabilities as one of the country’s largest employers, our small business expertise, and the RBC Future Launch tools and resources we’ve developed over the past five years. For us, this is an all-in commitment and we can’t wait to continue the journey with the Tribe Network.”
HOW ORGANIZATIONS CAN APPLY
Applications are now open, and will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Organizations serving BIPOC youth can apply directly for the TRIBE x RBC Community Impact Program here.
To apply, you must meet all the following eligibility criteria: a BIPOC-led organization; based in Atlantic Canada; and have a youth-serving lens.
Identify as one or more of the following: be a not-for-profit, registered charity, voluntary organization, band council, tribal council, self-government entity, foundation or social enterprise.
QUICK FACTS
● 26.4% of Black youths between the ages of 20 and 24 are unemployed, compared to 18.7% of their white counterparts, and have identified a desire for mentorship and youth-led peer supports.
● Youth-serving community organizations who join the platform as a partner will create their own Tribes where they can offer targeted programming, webinars, resources and more.
● Tribe Network is currently home to youth-serving organizations like Imhotep Legacy Academy and Clean Foundation’s Internship Program.
ABOUT TRIBE NETWORK
Tribe Network is a social enterprise that focuses on supporting Black, Indigenous and People Of Colour. We build capacity in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem by designing and developing programs with and for BIPOC students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in collaboration with our partners. We also develop digital technology ventures with the goal of supporting our members, service providers and ecosystem partners to thrive.
Tribe Network partners with community organizations, governments, educators, researchers and organizations who share the vision of applying innovative solutions to the task of improving the quality of life of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Learn more at www.tribenetwork.ca
ABOUT RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 88,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Margaret Schwartz
Communications & Community Navigator, Tribe Network
margaret@tribenetwork.ca
Lori Smith
Regional Director, Marketing, Communications and Corporate Citizenship, RBC
Lori.smith@rbc.com
902 483 3317