The Government of Canada earlier announced a $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund to help charities and non-profit organizations adapt frontline services for vulnerable Canadians during COVID-19. Minister Hussen announced that the Government of Canada is moving forward in investing $25 million over five years to support Black community organizations.
As part of this additional investment, grassroots organizations will be able to apply for grants of up to $100,000 in late spring. This will allow them to build the necessary capacity and infrastructure they need to better serve Black Canadian communities. This is another step in the government’s commitment to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
The Emergency Community Support Fund, announced, will provide funding to national intermediaries with networks across the country, including United Way Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Community Foundations of Canada.
According to the minister, the federal government will also work with Tropicana Community Services, the Black Business Initiative, and Le Groupe 3737 to disburse investments. Once fully established as intermediaries, these organizations will launch their own funding calls seeking proposals from grassroots organizations from across Canada for organizational capacity building projects.
The federal government will also work with the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities. The Network will act as an expert service provider to the intermediaries and play a role in strengthening governance, service coordination, capacity building and systems change.
Applications opened on May 19, 2020. If you are looking to app, we have attached the COVID-19 Emergency Support to Community Organizations Infographic that can assist you in understanding where to channel your application.
