The federal government’s newly announced plan to inject $400 million into the country’s charities and not-for-profits next year will provide a big boost in the Stratford region, supporters in those sectors say.
The federal government’s newly announced plan to inject $400 million into the country’s charities and not-for-profits next year will provide a big boost in the Stratford region, supporters in those sectors say.
“It’s going to be really important funding, especially in our more rural settings,” said Megan Partridge, the director of governance and community impact at United Way Perth-Huron. “Organizations like that are being called on more than ever with all the implications of the pandemic, so it’s nice to know there’s going to be supports there to help modernize and adapt and hopefully grow the impact of these important organizations moving forward.”
Federal cabinet minister Karina Gould announced this week the Community Services Recovery Fund, a one-time $400-million infusion meant to support charities, nonprofits and Indigenous governing bodies that are supporting pandemic recovery efforts in their communities.
“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,” said Gould, the minister of families, children and social development. “The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of charities and nonprofits to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact.”
Distributing those funds next year through local branches across the country will be the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada and United Way Centraide Canada. Those are the three organizations previously chosen to deliver cash from the government’s Emergency Community Support Fund, a similar $350 million effort that supported over 11,500 projects benefiting vulnerable Canadians during the pandemic, according to officials.
“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,” Gould said.
Charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies can apply to the Community Services Recovery Fund to adapt the way they deliver services, buy equipment, develop new fundraising approaches and provide support for staff and volunteers.
The application process will launch Jan. 6 and is then expected to move quickly, said Heidi Culliton, executive director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. The deadline to apply is near the end of February, with funds to successful applicants expected to be sent out in early May.
“These are really great grants,” Culliton said. “This is about making sure those systems are in place for organizations to be more effective and efficient and feel that they have strong business plans and models in place. That’s what excites us the most.”
About 2.5 million people work in Canada’s not-for-profit sector, representing just under 10 per cent of the country’s GDP, according to government figures. Culliton praised the government’s acknowledgment of the sector’s organizations and volunteers.
“We’re a big part of the economics of the country and not only that, we are here to serve … our communities,” she said. “It’s amazing that’s being recognised.”
Local charities and nonprofits can find more information about the fund at communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca.
“There’s always a need for funding for charities and not-for-profits,” Partridge said. “There’s such a big need coming out of the pandemic for so many services that I hope supports continue beyond this.”