Government announces new Emergency Community Support Fund

COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable Canadians, increasing the need for community-based organizations. Yesterday, the government announced that they will invest $350-million into the Emergency Community Support Fund. This Fund will be accessible to charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

The investment will flow through national organizations that have the ability to get funds quickly to local organizations that serve vulnerable populations.

The Fund will go towards:
• Increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications
• Providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments
• Scaling up tele-help lines
• Helping vulnerable Canadians access government benefits
• Providing training, supplies, and other required supports to volunteers
• Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, etc.

To find out more about how and when a community organization can apply, the government recommends checking with national intermediaries such as:

• United Way Canada
• Canadian Red Cross
• Community Foundations of Canada