The United Way of Windsor-Essex County has almost $1-million to support local charities and non-profits who are feeling the strain of meeting the needs of their clients during the pandemic.
The $926,000 is from the $350-million Emergency Community Support Fund announced recently by the federal government to help seniors and other vulnerable groups.
The agency is inviting community agencies to apply for funding. Applications opened online on Tuesday, and the first round will be reviewed by the United Way starting June 2. In addition to the United Way, the Windsor Essex Community Foundation and the Canadian Red Cross will also accept applications and will work jointly to ensure there is no duplication.
"With this funding -- our government is supporting community organizations and non-profits so they can adapt to COVID-19 and continue the heroic and vital work of supporting the hardest hit neighbours in our community," said Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk.
The United Way will host two virtual information sessions to answer questions about the funding on Monday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Those agencies that plan to apply will have to meet minimum requirements. They will have to serve one or more vulnerable populations in the local community like seniors and low-income families. They will have to demonstrate they can carry out projects in a short time frame with a reasonable budget. They can not have secured funding already from another intermediary or other federal response program.
"We are looking forward to collaborating with local organizations to swiftly implement the Emergency Community Support Fund in Windsor-Essex to ensure that rapid relief reaches those that need it the most," said United Way CEO Lorraine Goddard.
