FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
$2.1 million in funding available in the greater Edmonton Area for charities supporting COVID-19 response
Edmonton, AB; May 19, 2020:
Edmonton Community Foundation today announced it will be providing $2.1 million to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a new 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. Edmonton Community Foundation is among some 150 local community foundations across Canada that are participating.
“This is an essential step in the fight against COVID-19,” says Martin Garber-Conrad, Edmonton Community Foundation’s CEO. “Edmonton’s charitable and non-profit sectors have been working tirelessly to support our community’s most vulnerable. This funding will amplify the positive impact they are having and ensure that no one in our community is left behind.”
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 May 19, Edmonton Community Foundation 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 July 2020. 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 Edmonton Community Foundation, 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.”
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Background
Edmonton Community Foundation acts as a bridge between donors and greater Edmonton charities to help create and maintain a strong, vibrant community for generations to come. Through permanent endowment funds, the Foundation disburses 4 per cent of the fund value to charities each year. ECF is the fourth-largest community foundation in Canada.
For more information please contact:
Martin Garber-Conrad
CEO, Edmonton Community Foundation
martin@ecfoundation.org
780.426.0015 x103
The Emergency Community Support Fund
Funded by
