Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing community needs. During the pandemic, many of these vital organizations struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving and a greater reliance on digital tools. Their post-pandemic recovery is key to their continued ability to offer services and adapt to the changing needs of communities across Canada.
Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that nearly 5,500 projects are being funded under the Community Services Recovery Fund. She was joined by representatives from the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada and United Way Centraide Canada-the Community Services Recovery Fund National Funders.
This funding will help community service organizations adapt, modernize and equip themselves to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services they provide.
Funding from the Community Services Recovery Fund will enable charities and non-profits to invest in their own organizational capacity to:
- adapt the way they deliver services to support the needs of their staff and volunteers;
- buy equipment such as computers and software;
- create new ways of working, such as developing new fundraising approaches;
- provide support for staff and volunteers, such as staff training, supports for mental health and well-being; and
- develop plans to receive funding from diverse sources.
Minister Sudds made the announcement at an event hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGC Ottawa) at the Ron Kolbus Clubhouse. BGC Ottawa has received $94,000 in funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund to provide skills development training for their staff, which will build resiliency and confidence so they may continue to provide essential programs and services to young people.
