The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) has $50,000 available to grant to local charities, which are responding to COVID-19, in Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, Cranbrook, and the surrounding rural areas, including the Ktunaxa Nation communities of ʔaq̓am and Yaq̓it ʔaknuqⱡi ‘it (Tobacco Plains Indian Band).

This second round of COVID-19 grants is part of an ongoing partnership with Community Foundations of Canada (CFS), United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

CFKR is accepting applications for funding from registered charities/qualified donees from October 5 to October 30. ECSF grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance, and more. Registered charities and qualified donees are invited to visit CFKR and CFC’s websites for eligibility and application details.

“The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies is honoured to be one of the many community foundations participating in this Canada-wide effort to support our most vulnerable residents, during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CFKR Executive Director, Lynnette Wray (pictured above).

Wray added, “We look forward to, once again, working with our community partners, the Kimberley and District Community Foundation and United Way East Kootenay, to support the excellent work being done by local charities and qualified donees, on the front-lines of COVID-19.”

The Emergency Community Support Fund was initially announced on April 21, by the Prime Minister of Canada. It is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the Government of Canada. The first round of ECSF funding was disbursed through the community foundation network across Canada in June and July. During the first round of ESCF, the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies awarded $109,120 in grants to ten local charities/qualified donees, to support residents who are most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

“Charities and non-profit organizations are at the heart of our communities, helping the most vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue their invaluable work,” stated the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

“At Community Foundations of Canada, our purpose to “relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs” has never felt more important,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “We’re grateful for the leadership of local community foundations like the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies, who have been at the forefront of local response efforts since the pandemic was declared. Working together, CFKR has been able to quickly get funding to those who need it most in the area. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s renewed contribution, those efforts will continue and unlock even more support for organizations on the front lines. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind.”

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