Government of Canada fund aims to help organizations adapt and increase frontline services for vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
Kingston, ON (May 19, 2020) – United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area are now accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF).
The Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund aims to help charities and non-profit organizations adapt and increase frontline services for vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $350 million ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada on April 21, 2020 and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. It is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the Government of Canada.
United Way KFL&A and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area are proud to be a part of this important investment and will collectively receive over $900,000 from the Fund for distribution into local communities ($517,000 through United Way KFL&A and $413,000 through Community Foundation for Kingston & Area).
“Agencies in our community have risen to the challenge of adapting to COVID-19 in innovative, collaborative, and compassionate ways. They are addressing increased demand with innovative, often more expensive, ways of delivering programs to continue helping the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “This fund will allow organizations in our community to continue their vital work and expand their programming where needed. United Way is grateful for this much-needed support through the federal government during this global crisis.”
“Local charities have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding will give a much-needed boost to their efforts. We’re looking forward to flowing funds quickly to help them carry out their vital work to ensure no one in our community is left behind”, said Tina Bailey, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. “We look forward to working in collaboration with the United Way to ensure that together our two granting streams can have the greatest possible impact in our community.”
“Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Starting on May 19, United Way KFL&A and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area will both begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more.
While the ECSF eligibility and application processes for both organizations are very similar, there are slight differences. For example, the Community Foundation will review applications on a rolling basis, while the United Way has set a grant application deadline of June 9th.
All funding will be issued by July 31, 2020.
For more information about the fund, the application process, criteria and frequently asked questions, community members and organizations are asked to visit the United Way and Community Foundation’s website at
https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/ecsf
https://cfka.org/emergency-community-support-fund/
About the Emergency Community Support Fund
COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations in Canada. Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, community-based charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support of all kinds—in particular, to individuals and communities experiencing continued or heightened vulnerability. Demand for their services has increased dramatically. The Fund is designed to help these organizations carry out their vital work to ensure no one is left behind.
The funding is intended to support frontline community-based service providers who serve vulnerable Canadians, including low-income seniors, women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, refugees, Indigenous peoples and members of racialized communities.
About United Way of KFL&A
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners in KFL&A to build and strengthen the community bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
About the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area
The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area strengthens our community by connecting the generosity of donors with the energy and ideas of people and charities addressing local community needs. It is proud to be a ‘360-degree funder’ providing grants in all areas that enhance our community’s well-being. For more information visit, www.cfka.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter @CFKingstonArea and Instagram @cfkingstonarea.
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Media Contacts:
With social distancing in mind, interviews can be conducted via phone, Zoom or Skype
United Way KFL&A
Mandy Pasch, Manager, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
Bhavana Varma, President and CEO
United Way KFL&A
613-929-4828, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
Community Foundation for Kingston & Area
Tina Bailey, Executive Director
Community Foundation for Kingston & Area
343-364-3647, tina@cfka.org
Penny Scott, Grants Coordinator
Community Foundation for Kingston & Area
grants@cfka.org
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