The Ontario government has given a lifeline to non-profit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his daily media briefing Wednesday afternoon at Queens Park in Toronto, Premier Doug Ford announced that $83 million would be pledged for non-profit organizations through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The funding will help these organizations recover from pandemic-related losses and continue offering their core, vital programs. The money will also support Royal Canadian Legion branches across the province.
"I am proud of the hundreds of volunteer organizations and thousands of volunteers who have stepped up over the last few months and shown the Ontario spirit in caring for others through these difficult times," said Ford. "Our local non-profits, including our local Legion branches and food banks, are the bedrock of our communities, and their work will be absolutely critical in helping people to rebuild their lives as we restart our economy and reopen the province."
Non-profits may apply for up to $150,000 from the Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund. Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Culture and Tourism Industries, said the money would help non-profits adapt to the current times.
"The Resilient Communities Fund is a tremendous example of the innovation and flexibility of Ontario agencies," said MacLeod. "While we work towards the province's economic and social recovery, we're proud to support programs like the OTF Resilient Communities Fund that are making a positive contribution in communities across Ontario."
Support made possible through the funding includes organizational training for board members and employees, as well as improving the ability to access existing and new revenue sources. Non-profits will also be able to adapt the delivery of programs to meet the needs of the community, procuring equipment and-or space to meet organizational changes, and creating peer learning and networking opportunities.
Complete information on requirements and application guidelines can be found on the province's official website.