Government of Canada Announces National Funders Selected to Support Charities and Non-Profits 

On November 23rd, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced that Community Foundations of Canada alongside Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada have been selected to distribute funding to help a broad and diverse range of charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies to adapt and modernize, so they can support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.

The Abbotsford Community Foundation is proud to be working with community foundations across Canada as part of the Community Services Recovery Fund. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million that will help charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies to acquire the tools they need to adapt and modernize so they can better support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada. 

Since the early phases of the pandemic, charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies have struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools as part of adapting and modernizing their operations. 

Funding from the Community Services Recovery Fund will enable charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies to invest in their own organizational capacity to: 

• adapt the way they deliver services to support the needs of their staff and volunteers;
• buy equipment such as computers and software;
• create new ways of working, such as developing new fundraising approaches;
• provide support for staff and volunteers, such as staff training, supports for mental health and wellbeing; and
• develop plans to receive funding from diverse sources.

As a result of the investments provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund, charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies will be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide.

“The Government supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact. Because of the National Funders’ strong connections with local organizations, they will ensure funding is distributed efficiently to organizations that provide services to communities in need across Canada.” said the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould

“Charities and non-profits are at the forefront of addressing communities’ needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of them are struggling to recover and adapt their services as the needs of the Abbotsford community evolve and grow. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, the Abbotsford Community Foundation will be able to give organizations the support they need to serve our community.” said Wendy Neufeld, our Executive Director. 

“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of communities, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, local community foundations are proud to have the opportunity to support this important work as we collectively build a more just and equitable future driven by community. This investment from the Government of Canada comes at a critical time when communities across Canada are coming together to rebuild from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada, President

The application process will launch on January 6, 2023. For more information, click here.