Media Release
October 1, 2020
Windsor, ON – United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County is accepting applications for a second round of funding for the federal Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way is proud to support this important additional investment of $390,000 into our local community. Local community service organizations can apply for funding online starting October 5, 2020. Applications are due no later than October 30, 2020, and funding decisions will be announced by November 27, 2020.
“United Way is pleased to support an investment of $390,000 through this second round of emergency funding from the Government of Canada,” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, United Way has been working tirelessly to provide emergency support to individuals and families who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The second round of funding will help ensure local service organizations can continue to carry out their vital work in the coming months so no one is left behind.”
The Emergency Community Support Fund provides short term grants to community service agencies and must be spent by March 31, 2020. This funding does not support United Way’s core work. The funds raised by United Way are intended to provide longer term sustainable funding to support ongoing local strategies, so donations are still critical this year.
In May 2020, The Government of Canada announced a $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help charities and non-profit organizations adapt to increase front line services for vulnerable populations during COVID-18. United Way was selected by the government to distribute the funding based on its ability to respond quickly to emerging needs on the ground and get the money out into the community promptly. United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County was granted $1.34 million to invest in our community through this fund. After the initial call for applications, United Way approved 35 local projects for funding.
The Government of Canada has now released the balance of funding for ECSF and it is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
Similar to the last round of funding, all local applications must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Address a pressing social inclusion or well-being need caused by COVID-19.
- Serve one or more vulnerable populations in Windsor and/or Essex County during COVID-19.
- Can be carried out in a short time frame (from date of signature to March 31, 2021) with a reasonable budget.
- Has not secured funds to cover the costs of the activities for which they have applied from another intermediary, another federal COVID-19 response program or a different source.
Organizations that have previously applied for funding may apply again to extend or expand programming, or to invest in new projects. Learn more about ECSF requirements and how to apply at www.weareunited.com/funding.
“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work.” -The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Funded by the Government of Canada
Media Contact: Angela Kharboutli, Interim Marketing & Communications Manager
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