COVID-19 Community Funding Opportunities
The COVID-19 Pandemic is an unprecedented time in Durham Region and as a result, many residents are experiencing unprecedented need. Community organizations are working hard to respond to the needs of the community and funding initiatives to help to support this work are in place to help. This page will post funding opportunities that may be of interest to local organizations and other resources that can help in the application process.
Questions? A series of frequently asked questions and answers is at the bottom of the page.
Find Tips for Writing Grant Applications and helpful Data Sources for Grant Applications.
Second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)
In May 2020, the Government of Canada announced a $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund to support charities and non-profit organizations adapting frontline services to better serve vulnerable Canadians during this pandemic.
On October 5, 2020, the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund will be available to community organizations. Community organizations may apply for funds through the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada or the United Way Centraide network until October 30, 2020.
If you would like to learn more, you can join one of two webinars:
- 1:00 p.m. EDT, October 6, 2020. English. Register here.
- 2:30 p.m. EDT, October 6, 2020. French. Register here.
Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 Emergency Support for Community Organizations
Across the country, the not-for-profit sector has been under threat. Each door forced to close leaves vulnerable Canadians without support. To keep these doors open, the Canadian Red Cross is launching a second round of applications for two programs for community organizations who continue delivering vital services to those most vulnerable to the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2020
Learn more
Durham Community Foundation Emergency Community Support Fund
The ECSF first opened to receive applications on May 19,2020. Round one of funding supported projects in every province and territory and for every vulnerable group. The Government of Canada is releasing the balance of the funds now to ensure it and its partners, including Community Foundations of Canada, can make adjustments, as necessary, to continue responding to evolving emergency needs as a result of COVID-19.
Starting October 5th, the final installment of the $350 million Fund is being released by the federal government to CFC, the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada so that we can continue to flow support to charities and non-profit organizations serving our most vulnerable. CFC and participating community foundations are now accepting applications.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2020
Learn more
United Way Emergency Community Support Fund
The Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) aims to help charities and non-profit organizations adapt and increase frontline services for vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
The Government of Canada is releasing the balance of the $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) in a second round of funding ($73.9 million). These funds are available to support communities continuing to address the impact of the pandemic.
United Way Durham Region is pleased to support an investment of $678,750.00 through this second round of emergency funding from the Government of Canada. Applicants can begin submitting applications October 5, 2020.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2020
Learn more
Investment Readiness Program
Funded by the Government of Canada, the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) supports social purpose organizations as they contribute to solving pressing social, cultural and environmental challenges across Canada. Its goal is to help social purpose organizations build their capacity to participate in Canada’s growing social finance market and prepare for the Government of Canada’s broader investment in social finance via the Social Finance Fund.
Eligible organizations could receive from $10,000 to $100,000 in non-repayable capital to develop their enterprise. Charities, nonprofits, co-ops and for-profit social purpose organizations, may all apply if they have an existing business or a business idea that fits the definition of a social enterprise — selling a good or service with profits going back into their mission to provide a positive social, cultural or environmental outcome.
Applications will be accepted until October 9, 2020. We’re prioritizing applications from Black- and Indigenous-led organizations.
For additional questions please contact: readiness@communityfoundations.ca or IRP@torontofoundation.ca
Application Deadline: October 9, 2020
Learn more
New Horizons for Seniors Program
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $25,000 for projects that are led by seniors and volunteer based.
Program objectives
Projects for regular grants (up to $25,000) must meet at least one of the following program objectives:
- Promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations
- Engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others
- Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
- Supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors
- Providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors
If your proposed project is requesting capital assistance, you must choose two program objectives.
Application Deadline: October 20, 2020
Learn more
Resilient Communities Fund - Ontario Trillium Fund (OTF)
The Resilient Communities Fund is a one-time fund to support the non-profit sector recover and rebuild from the impacts emerging from COVID-19 so they can effectively meet the needs of communities across Ontario.
OTF is investing in projects of eligible non-profit organizations to aid their medium to longer-term recovery efforts, help with their stabilization and build their capacity and resiliency in the aftermath of COVID-19.
This fund is providing a flexible range of activities over two deadlines to address the diverse needs of organizations and to support them where they are at in their recovery and rebuilding.
Request amount: From $5,000 to $150,000
Grant term: up to 1 year
Application Deadlines*: September 2, 2020 at 5 pm ET. and December 2, 2020 at 5 pm ET.
* Due to the expected high demand and in our efforts to support as many organizations as possible, only one grant per eligible organization will be awarded. Organizations that receive a grant from the September 2nd deadline will not be eligible to apply for the December 2nd deadline.
Learn more
Town of Whitby Mayor's Community Development Fund
The Town of Whitby is providing funds through the Mayor’s Community Development Fund (MCDF), which provides financial assistance to local community groups, events and initiatives that help contribute to Whitby as a vibrant and caring community. The criteria has been expanded to focus on local organizations working to help the Whitby community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications are accepted on a monthly basis for community grants of up to $5,000.
Learn More
Other Funding Opportunities
The funding opportunities featured above are specifically related in some way to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are always new funding opportunities opening for applications. Find information about other funding through the Funding Opportunities Update.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can we find out if our community organization is eligible for COVID-19 support funding and where can we get more details about completing applications? |
| Many not-for-profits, charities and qualified donees are eligible for support funding. You can reach out to the Funder directly; their websites have FAQ sections and application guides about eligibility and completing the paperwork. If you still have questions, their staff can provide guidance on the application process and help ensure that every eligible organization can apply. |
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Can an organization apply to more than one of the funding opportunities listed? |
| Yes. You can apply to different opportunities, but typically organizations cannot receive funding for the same activities from different sources. Some applications may include a request for consent to share application/proposal details with other funders to ensure coordinated funding. |
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What if we can't find data to support our funding application? |
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Data will strengthen a grant application. Although specific local population level data on the impacts of COVID-19 may be scarce at this time, we have linked some data sources below that provide information at the Durham community level and may help to support your application for funding.
Statistics Canada Census Data All population-related data across Canada
Durham Workforce Authority Census Tool Interactive map data showing labour and population data
Health Neighbourhoods Interactive map data showing social determinants of health and population data Interactive Map:
Reports and Neighbourhood Profiles:
Durham Child and Youth Planning Network Data portal with interactive charts for key indicators in child and youth health and well-being
211 Ontario Information Services A live dashboard showing regional needs of residents inquiring about human and social services
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Data and research page, including reports and the Housing Market Information Portal (interactive map)
Region of Durham Open Data Data bank portal with spatial data files to download. Includes community services, housing, planning, business, environment, and recreation spatial files and may be previewed with an online webmap.
Community Development Council of Durham Report detailing results of 2018 Durham homelessness count |
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Can funding be accessed to support our organization making the necessary changes to things like technology, PPE, equipment, employee and volunteer safety and training, and service delivery for vulnerable populations required post COVID-19? |
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Yes. Some of the funding opportunities posted above are open to applications for products, training and equipment needed to safely provide services to residents during and after the pandemic. |
| Where can I find information about safely re-opening my business or organization through the phased reopening of the Province? |
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This Community Reopening Toolkit has been compiled by Durham Region Health Department, subject to direction from the Province, and offers sector-specific information about safe service delivery in our new COVID-19 reality. This toolkit can help you identify needs you may have in your organization that could be supported with an application for funding. In addition, the Province of Ontario's new downloadable toolkit offers tips on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as more people get back on the job during the phased reopening of the province. Additional information about phased reopening is available at Ontario.ca/reopen. The Province has also launched the Workplace PPE Supplier Directory which provides businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers. |
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