For Immediate Release | December 14, 2020

WATERLOO REGION, ON — Today, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) and the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation (CNDCF) announced they have granted an additional $410,300 to 22 charities to support populations experiencing heightened vulnerability during the pandemic. This brings the total granting from the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) through KWCF and CNDCF to $1.48 Million to support COVID-19 efforts. The ECSF, is funded by the Government of Canada, and is being implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared 9 months ago, community-based charities and nonprofit organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support, in particular to individuals and communities experiencing heightened vulnerability,” said Elizabeth Heald, President & CEO, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation. “We know the need for funding is still significant across Waterloo Region, and we will continue to advocate for broader recovery and stabilization support for the charitable sector.”

“Canadian charities and non-profit organizations play a vital role in our communities and continue to do so in the face of real challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue to help the most vulnerable members of our communities during these difficult times.”

– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation’s collaboration with local organizations has been integral to our community’s strength before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are an example of how our community comes together to find innovative ways to support each other. This additional ECSF funding will be instrumental in supporting the most vulnerable members of our community through a range of projects.”
– Raj Saini, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre

“Local non-profit organizations have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide critical support to our community. This funding will help these organizations through the challenging winter months as they continue to provide connection, life-changing services, and a safety net to the most vulnerable in our community. Our government will continue to support their efforts to keep our community going strong into the new year.”
– Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge

“The Emergency Community Support Funds made available by the Government of Canada has made it possible for community organizations to pivot some of their programs in order to continue to serve this region’s vulnerable populations,” said Anne Lavender, Executive Director of Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation. “However, challenges that were critical before the pandemic, are now even more acute, and requests for support through the ECSF were five times higher than funds available. Furthermore, the pandemic has made it impossible for charities and non-profits to carry out scheduled fundraising activities to support their critical work. We are hopeful that more support like the ECSF will be released to communities in the coming months.”

KWCF and the CNDCF have now distributed the full funding available through Community Foundations Canada to our community, and are no longer accepting applications to ECSF.

A full list of charities funded through KWCF and CNDCF, with funding provided by the ECSF is included below:

For a full list of grants awarded nationally through Community Foundations of Canada’s network, visit the CFC website.

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