$152,740 in funding is available for charities supporting COVID-19 response across southeast

Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta announced it will be providing $152,740 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a 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. CFSEA is among some 150 local community foundations across Canada that are taking part. This is round 2 of the ECSF funding; in the 1st round, CFSEA distributed $363,720.

The Community Foundation is working in partnership with the United Way of South Eastern Alberta to ensure funding streams from both organizations cover all vulnerable populations across the region. 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.

“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

Starting on October 5th,

Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. 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 through October until the 30th. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the foundation website for eligibility and application details.

“At Community Foundations of Canada, our purpose to “relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs” has never felt more important than it does right now,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “We’re grateful for the leadership of local

community foundations like CFSEA, who have been at the forefront of local response efforts since the pandemic was declared. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s contribution, our network will be able to unlock even more local impact for organizations serving vulnerable groups, helping us set the stage for more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.”

To learn more about the Emergency Community Support Fund please go to the Community Foundation website: https://cfsea.ca/