Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund announces 11 new grant recipients
Bell Let’s Talk announced $1 million in new grants from its Diversity Fund to support 11 organizations helping to create real change for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities in Canada
Bell Let’s Talk today announced $1 million in new grants from the Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund to support 11 additional organizations helping to create real change by delivering mental health services to support members of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities around Canada.
The Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund, which supports organizations working to reduce the stigma of mental illness and increase access to culturally informed mental health and well-being support for BIPOC communities, has provided 60 grants to recipients since the Fund’s launch in 2020.
In 2025, Bell will give $10 million towards mental health, bringing its total Bell Let’s Talk investment to $184 million since 2010.
"Bell Let’s Talk continues to make progress on moving mental health forward in Canada, but there’s more to be done to address barriers to accessing culturally relevant and appropriate mental health services and supports. The Diversity Fund grant recipients announced today play a crucial role in providing essential supports and services tailored to meet the diverse communities they serve. We’re proud to support these organizations in making real, positive change for people struggling with mental health issues.”
– Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk
2024 grant recipients:
Canadian Mental Health Association Montréal Branch
Ogimaawabiitong - Kenora Chiefs Advisory
Malton Women Council (MWC)
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Inc.
Mokami Status of Women Council
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line
Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council (YAWC)
Quotes:
"The Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC) is deeply committed to promoting mental health and wellness for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals across the Yukon and northern British Columbia. Taking a holistic approach, YAWC delivers culturally safe programs such as its Counselors-in-Residence initiative, aftercare support for individuals and families, and community-focused Mental Wellness events and conferences. This Bell Let’s Talk grant strengthens YAWC’s capacity to continue this critical work, ensuring more people have the support they need.”
– Anna Barley, Acting Executive Director, Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council
"Nahanni Butte is a remote northern community, which remains isolated for 2.5 months a year. It does not have an all-season road or a bridge for year around connectivity. Thanks to Bell Let’s Talk for supporting enhanced activities aimed to improve mental health of our residents, including mental health sessions facilitated by community Elders and knowledge holders, that helps reduce the stigma around mental illness and increase access to culturally informed mental health and wellbeing support for residents."
– Chief Steve Vital, Chief, Nahanni Butte Dene Band
“Since 1990, Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line has been providing a not-for-profit, confidential listening, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention service for Nunavummiut and other Northerners. The Bell Let's Talk Diversity Fund grant will allow for enhanced promotion of services, support for volunteers and staff, and research into new service ideas to meet the needs of our callers.”
– Sheila Levy, Executive Director, Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line
“Ma Mawi Wi Chi itata’s Sacred Connections program supports community through Indigenous ways of knowing and being, recognizing that whole wellness includes mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through our programming, we connect staff and community to cultural activities, land-based programming, and ceremonies to support them on their wellness journey. This Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund grant will be instrumental in helping to expand the program and reducing barriers to accessing Indigenous-led supports and resources for the Indigenous community within the Inner city of Winnipeg.”
– Aaron Leask, Sacred Connections Coordinator, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Inc.
“The Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund will support the implementation of South Asian Alliance for Trust and Healing (SAATH) Project across GTA. The grant will help build the capacity of Malton Women Council to provide peer support to South Asian women to cope with anxiety and depression linked with issues such as racism, domestic violence, and immigration. Trained Mental Health Peer Ambassadors will support South Asian women to reduce the stigma of mental illness, increase ability to cope with challenges, and increase access to mental health services.”
– Uzma Irfan, Executive Director, Malton Women Council
“In Africa the medicine for wellness is found in our music and our movements. This grant sets up Afiwi Groove School to connect and empower community members of all ages through dance and music from Africa and the Caribbean.”
– Afiwi Groove school
“At Ogimaawabiitong, we are dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being through culturally safe and community-driven care. This grant from Bell Let’s Talk will help us to continue expanding programming that is rooted in traditional Anishinaabe practices, empowering individuals and strengthening community connections. By working as one, we can reduce the stigma around mental illness, enhance access to care, and continue the healing journey across our communities.”
– Jennifer Dreaver, Executive Director of Ogimaawabiitong - Kenora Chiefs Advisory
“Supporting the CDNBCA's Pathways to Healing (PTH) through Bell Let's Talk is crucial for addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by Black Canadians. With funding for this project, we can help break down barriers, reduce stigma, and provide culturally appropriate resources to those in need. Together, we can create a healthier and more resilient Black community.”
– Ayanna Alleyne, Executive Chair, Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association (CDNBCA)
“The mission of Association Canadienne pour la Santé Mentale / Filiale de Montréal is to make mental health care accessible to all communities that make up the unique diversity of Montréal. The Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund grant will enable us to expand our service offering to recent newcomers to Canada, and tailor programs to support them as they adjust to making Montreal their new home – a place where they are happy and fulfilled.”
– Alice Charasse, General Manager, Canadian Mental Health Association - Montreal
"On behalf of the Wendat Nation Council, I am very pleased that the CDFM project Ma santé mentale, j’y tiens! has received support from Bell Let’s Talk. The Wendat Training and Workforce Development Centre welcomes nearly a hundred adult First Nations students each year who come to complete their high school education or pursue post-secondary training. This significant support will help guide students in strengthening their identity and pursuing their dreams."
– Grand Chef Pierre Picard, CDFM Huron‑Wendat
“The Bell Let’s Talk Diversity Fund grant will help us deliver retreats that prioritize culture as a foundation for mental health care. For Indigenous participants who have experienced intergenerational trauma, gender-based violence, and systemic barriers, these retreats offer more than a moment of rest – they create spaces to reconnect with the land, themselves, and each other, fostering healing and reclaiming strength in ways that challenge the lasting impacts of colonialism.”
– Stacey Hoffe, Executive Director, Mokami Status of Women Council