Stratford Perth Community Foundation takes part in second round of
Emergency Community Support Fund
$80,881 in additional funding available from your Community Foundation for
Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County charities supporting COVID-19 response
STRATFORD, ON, October 5, 2020 – Stratford Perth Community Foundation announced today it will be providing $80,881 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of an ongoing partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, 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. The Stratford Perth Community Foundation is among some 150 local community foundations across Canada that are taking part.
“As infection rates start to rise again in communities across the country, ongoing support is vital in the fight against COVID-19,” says Heidi Culliton, Executive Director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. “Local charities and non-profit organizations are pillars in this community. For over six months, they have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most but the reality is, they’re facing increased demand at the same time as revenues have decreased. We’re thrilled to be able to flow additional emergency funding their way through the ECSF but we also see the need for stabilization support for the sector, so we can continue this good work in our community over the long haul.”
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. A first round of funding was disbursed through the community foundation network across Canada in June and July. Stratford Perth Community Foundation awarded $201,860 to 21 organizations in the area.
Starting on October 5, 2020, Stratford Perth Community Foundation will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2020. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the Foundation website for eligibility and application details.
“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.
“I am very pleased the application process for the second round of funding for the Emergency Community Support Fund has opened,” says John Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington. “This funding will allow the Stratford Perth Community Foundation to deliver much needed support to the local organizations which continue to offer essential goods and services to the most vulnerable in our communities. Thank you to all who are working tirelessly to provide critical resources for those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”
“At Community Foundations of Canada, our purpose to “relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs” has never felt more important,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “We’re grateful for the leadership of local community foundations like Stratford Perth Community Foundation, who have been at the forefront of local response efforts since the pandemic was declared. Working together, Stratford Perth Community Foundation has been able to quickly get funding to those who need it most in the area. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s renewed contribution, those efforts will continue and unlock even more support for organizations on the front lines. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind.”