Applications open for Victoria charities to access $1.6M emergency fund

Charities in the Greater Victoria area are able to apply, starting Tuesday, for a portion of the $1.635 million in local funding that has been allotted by the federal government.

The economic relief for local charities is part of the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). According to the federal government’s website, it has invested “$350 million to improve the ability of community organizations to serve vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis.”

The government funds will be flowed through national networks, including Community Foundations of Canada, United Way and the Canadian Red Cross.

For local charities who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they can apply through the United Way or Victoria Foundation. These two organizations will work with registered charities and qualified donees supporting vulnerable populations who apply in order to distribute the $1.6m locally in the Capital Regional District and Duncan.

“It is apparent the most vulnerable people who already faced systemic barriers prior to COVID-19, are being hit especially hard by the pandemic. We are grateful for this funding from the federal government as it will go a long way to help people who are struggling the most,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO, United Way Greater Victoria. “The goal of this fund is to bring urgent and much-needed help directly into neighbourhoods throughout the Capital Regional District.

The government funds are intended to support a variety of activities that address a pressing social inclusion or well-being need, for example:

• increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications
• scaling up helplines that provide information and support
• helping vulnerable Canadians access government benefits
• providing training, supplies, and other required supports to volunteers so they can continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response
• replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet

“This is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO, Victoria Foundation. “Local charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding is a much-needed boost to their efforts. We’re looking forward to flowing funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind.”

According to the Victoria Foundation, they will work jointly with the United Way to coordinate funding and review applications on a rolling basis through to July 27 or until the funds are fully allocated.

More information on the single application process can be found here.

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