MEDIA RELEASE
Emergency Community Support Fund Launches Across Canada to Support Vulnerable Populations in our Communities
More than $1 million available to assist local charities working on the front lines
Guelph, Ontario. May 19, 2020. United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin and the Guelph Community Foundation are now accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
The Emergency Community Support Fund was initially announced on April 21, 2020 by the Prime Minister of Canada. It is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the Government of Canada.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin and the Guelph Community Foundation will proudly support the important investment of $675,000 and $345,000 respectively into our local communities, including Guelph, Wellington County and Dufferin County.
“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,” The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development announced on Saturday.
“We know that our community’s social service sector is experiencing great hardships right now, and yet, each and every day they are working harder than ever to ensure our community has access to basic needs and vulnerable populations are supported,” said Rick McCombie, Executive Director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “We are pleased to once again partner with the Guelph Community Foundation and the Government of Canada to ensure these valuable services continue to support our community.”
“This is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19,” said Chris Willard, Executive Director, Guelph Community Foundation. “This additional funding will provide a much-needed boost to our community organizations. This announcement will strengthen the local partnership we’ve already built with the United Way and the collaborative Covid-19 Response Fund we launched together in March. With the support of our Board and volunteers, we’ll get these funds working in our community as fast as possible to make sure that no one in our community is left behind.”
“The Guelph Community Foundation and United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin bring together local charitable giving, local charities and volunteers to support vulnerable people in Guelph, and strengthen our community,” said MP Lloyd Longfield. “Both organizations build capacity through historic and new partnerships and through this Fund, will ensure that those who need help during the COVID-19 crisis have access to it.”
Starting today, United Way and the Guelph Community Foundation will begin accepting applications for funding. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase equipment, technology and more. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit unitedwayguelph.com/ECSF and guelphcf.ca for eligibility and application details. In some cases, United Way & the Guelph Community Foundation may jointly fund projects.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has worked in our community for over 80 years to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community, including poverty, social isolation and mental health. Directed by a volunteer board, managed by committed staff and supported by thousands of donors, United Way works with partners in all sectors to improve lives and build community. Donations stay 100% local, always. For more information, please visit unitedwayguelph.com
Founded in 2000, the Guelph Community Foundation is a charitable public foundation whose purpose is to provide leadership in community philanthropy and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Guelph and surrounding area. The Foundation pools the charitable gifts of donors into permanent, interest earning endowments. Currently, the Foundation administers $13.5 million in funds and has distributed $5.6 million to more than 950 community programs. For more information on how you can invest for community impact, please visit guelphcf.ca
Media Contacts:
Colleen Murdoch, Director, Communications & Community Impact
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
85 Westmount Rd., Guelph, ON N1H 5J2
colleen@unitedwayguelph.com
Jessica Barrie, Operations and Community Engagement Manager
Guelph Community Foundation
PO Box 1311, Guelph, ON N1H 6N6
jbarrie@guelphcf.ca