United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) has announced that it will provide $298,000 in grants to local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a new partnership with Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
UWLG is pleased to support this important investment by the Federal Government and applauds the government’s move to support our country’s most vulnerable people.
Announcing the grant program, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Chil- dren and Social Development, said: “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.”
“United Way Leeds & Grenville is well positioned to help distribute funds in our communities. From the early days of this pandemic, we have kept a pulse on urgent and emerging needs through close and frequent communication with our supported agencies, community advisory tables, key stakeholders and municipalities.” says UWLG Executive Director Trish Buote. “If anything is clear in these uncertain times, it is that we are stronger together. We will continue to work with partners to aid in the ongoing support of our community, and to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.”
United Way Leeds & Grenville is accepting funding applications for the ECSF starting May 19, 2020. The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including 1) community outreach and engagement; 2) delivering or developing new models, tools, programming, services or resources; 3) disseminating information and knowledge; 4) Volunteer engagement and recruitment; and more.
Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020. Charities and community organizations are invited to the visit United Way Leeds & Grenville’s website for eligibility, application details and FAQ’s.: http//uwlg.org/emergency-community-response-fund.php.
