$1.635 Million In Funding Available In Greater Victoria For Charities
Supporting COVID-19 Response
VICTORIA – United Way Greater Victoria and the Victoria Foundation are now accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The $1.635 Million in funding provides financial support to local charities adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Canada’s $350 Million Emergency Community Support Fund was announced on April 21, 2020 and is now being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
Mark Breslauer is CEO of United Way Greater Victoria
Starting today, May 19, United Way Greater Victoria and the Victoria Foundation will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees who serve our most vulnerable. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis until July 31, 2020 or until funds are fully allocated.
Charities and community organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support their work. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit: victoriafoundation.bc.ca/ecsf/ or uwgv.ca/ecsf. To streamline the process, organizations can apply for funding from Victoria Foundation and United Way through one application process.
“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,” said Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation
“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.
“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.”
