February 14, 2023 (Surrey, B.C.) At the end of 2022, the Government of Canada announced that Community Foundations of Canada (including SurreyCares Community Foundation), Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada have been selected to distribute funding to help a broad and diverse range of charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies adapt and modernize, so they can support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million that will help charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies to acquire the tools they need to adapt and modernize so they can better support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.
SurreyCares Community Foundation is administering applications from the System Change Stream from charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies until February 21, 2023. This funding being disbursed through SurreyCares Community Foundation will be used to help organizations struggling to recover and adapt their services to the changing needs of the Surrey, Delta, Langley, White Rock and Maple Ridge communities.
“The Government supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact. Because of the National Funders’ strong connections with local organizations, they will ensure funding is distributed efficiently to organizations that provide services to communities in need across Canada,’ stated the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould.
Since the early phases of the pandemic, charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies have struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools as part of adapting and modernizing their operations.
Funding from the Community Services Recovery Fund will enable charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies 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.
“Charities and non-profits are at the forefront of addressing communities’ needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, SurreyCares Community Foundation will be able to give organizations the support they need to serve our local communities,” said the Executive Director of SurreyCares Community Foundation, Christine Buttkus.
As a result of the investments provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund, charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies will be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide.
