United Way of Northern BC is now accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) which looks to provide financial assistance to charities that have adapted their services to support Canadians during COVID-19.
The ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada and will be distributed in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross.
Just over $708,000 has been invested in northern British Columbia, out of the $350 million distributed across Canada.
The rapid allocation of funds will be done by a review committee made up of stakeholders from across Northern BC, with the first round of decisions planned for the first week of June.
Prince George’s Community Foundation similarly has received $197,000 to support local charities.
PGCF Spokesperson Mindy Stroet told MyPGNow.com COVID-19 has left a lot of charities and non-profits in a precarious position.
“I think so, I think a lot of them have had to pivot the way that they interact within the parameters that they are working with and hopefully this funding can help them out.”
“The work that they do is so valuable to our community and I guess I would ask why wouldn’t we support them.”
Funding from the Prince George Community Foundation will also help benefit the Foundation’s Regional Partners including Mackenzie, Fort St James, Vanderhoof, Terrace, 100 Mile House, and Fraser Lake.
Information, including how to apply, can be found on the Community Foundation and the United Way’s respective websites.
– with files from Justin Madu, MyPGNow.com staff