Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and MPP for the Riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, has announced on behalf of the Ontario government that Seniors’ Community Services (formerly Kemptville & District Home Support) will receive $77,700 to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant is part of the first round of funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s new $83-million Resilient Communities Fund.
“Non-profit organizations like this one are an integral and valued part of our community and our government is very pleased to be able to provide support”, said Minister Clark. “Many people rely on their services every day, and even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they deliver.”
The Resilient Communities Fund provides grants of up to $150,000 to help eligible non-profit organizations. They can apply for a broad and flexible range of needs, such as mental and physical health and wellbeing supports for staff or volunteers, identifying new health and safety processes, or purchasing new technology and personal protective equipment. The fund will also provide grants to support capital needs, such as renovations and facility updates to meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.
“Ontario Trillium Foundation funding enables us to build the infrastructure within Seniors’ Community Services to overcome the financial challenges as presented by COVID-19,” said Dawn Rodger, Executive Director of Seniors’ Community Services. “Providing safe, accessible and quality programming to our senior population remains our top priority.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 645 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. OTF has redirected provincial funding previously allocated for the 2020 Grow and Capital grant streams into the $83-million Resilient Communities Fund.
“COVID-19 has resulted in a ‘triple threat’ of health, economic and social crises in Ontario, and this funding will help 486 non-profits adapt to those challenges, and ensure that they have the tools and resources to provide the best service to those who need it the most,” said Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod. “As we work towards the province’s economic and social recovery, supporting programs like the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund will make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families.”
