Second Round of Emergency Community Support Fund to Provide $93,000 to Charities Supporting COVID-19 Response

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be providing $93,000 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of an ongoing partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This recent national effort is a second round of funding that aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. We’re pleased to be among community foundations across Canada that are taking part.
“As infection rates start to rise again in communities across the country, ongoing support is vital in the fight against COVID-19,” says Andrea Senft, our Board Chair. “Local charities and non-profit organizations are pillars in this community. For over six months, they have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most, but the reality is they’re struggling with increased demand at the same time as revenues have decreased. We’re thrilled to be able to flow additional emergency funding their way through the ECSF but we also see the need for stabilization support for the sector, so they can continue their good work in our community over the long haul.”
The ESCF was initially announced on April 21, 2020, by the Prime Minister of Canada. It is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the government of Canada. A first round of funding was disbursed through the community foundation network across Canada in June and July. We were thankful to help in the process of awarding a total of $221,000 to 18 charitable organizations in the community at that time.
“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
As of October 5, 2020, we began accepting applications for the second round of funding from qualified donees. The deadline to submit an application was October 30, 2020 and we received 33 applications. Stay tuned to hear which applicants were selected to receive this COVID-19 relief funding!
For more information about the Emergency Community Support Fund, click here.