Oxford Community Foundation and United Way Oxford today announced that they have an additional $85,000 and $116,000 respectively available to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of an ongoing 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 is a second round of funding to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

“As infection rates start to rise again, ongoing support is vital in the fight against COVID-19,” says Louise Wardrop, Executive Director, Oxford Community Foundation. “Local charities and non-profit organizations are pillars in our community. For over six months, they have been working diligently to support those who need it most but the reality is, they’re struggling with increased demand at the same time as revenues have decreased. We’re thrilled to be able to flow additional emergency funding their way through the ECSF but we also see the need for stabilization support for the sector, so they can continue their good work in our community over the long haul.”

Hear more with Louise on the Daly Wake Up here:

 

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, many of our local organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support of all kinds – in particular, to individuals, families and communities experiencing continued or heightened vulnerability. Demand for their services has increased dramatically and has stretched their resources,” says Kelly Gilson, Executive Director, United Way Oxford. “We know that our investments over the past 6 months have made a difference in many lives, and we are pleased to be able to administer this additional funding to local organizations as they continue to carry out their work over the coming fall and winter months to ensure that no one 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. A first round of funding was disbursed through the community foundation network across Canada in June and July. Oxford Community Foundation and United Way Oxford awarded more than $530,000 to eleven organizations in Oxford County.

Starting today, Oxford Community Foundation and United Way Oxford will begin accepting applications. The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2020. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the foundation website for eligibility and application details. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the United Way Oxford at www.unitedwauyoxford.ca and Oxford Community Foundation at www.oxfordcommunityfoundation.org for specific eligibility and application details.