Over $140,000 in funding available in Kimberley, Cranbrook, and the Elk Valley for charities supporting  COVID-19 response

The Kimberley and District Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies today announced that they will collectively provide over $140,000 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a new partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

The Kimberley and District Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies are among community foundations across Canada that are taking part, alongside local United Ways, including the United Way East Kootenay.

Qualified donees providing support to vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19 will be eligible to apply for the allocated funding: $40,000 through the Kimberley and District Community Foundation and $109,120 through the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies.

According to Josie Cale, Kimberley and District Community Foundation Board President, “This is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19. Local charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding is a much-needed boost to their efforts.”

“We’re looking forward to flowing funds quickly to ensure no one in our region is left behind. It’s an honour to work with the Kimberley and District Community Foundation to provide this important support to our communities, which include Kimberley, Cranbrook, Elkford, Sparwood, and Fernie, as well as the surrounding rural areas,” added Lynnette Wray, Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies Executive Director.

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.

“Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians,” Stated Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Starting on May 19, the Kimberley and District Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies will each begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees.

Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020.

Charities and community organizations applying for funding through their local community foundations are invited to visit the Community Foundations of Canada ECSF webpage for eligibility and application details. For more information about funding through the United Way East Kootenay, organizations can email [email protected].

“At Community Foundations of Canada, our purpose to “relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs” has never felt more important than it does right now,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “We’re grateful for the leadership of local community foundations like the Kimberley and District Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies, who are stepping forward to activate this fund and support their communities as we navigate COVID-19. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s contribution, our network will support local organizations serving vulnerable groups, helping us set the stage for more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.”

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