The COVID-19 pandemic placed immense pressure on people living in communities across Canada, especially those experiencing vulnerabilities. Demand for community services surged, frontline workers were stretched thin, and our agency partners faced unprecedented challenges in meeting urgent needs. In response, United Way Centraide Canada took action, advocating for stronger funding support for the non-profit and charitable sector. Working alongside a coalition of Canada’s largest non-profits, we successfully championed a proposal to help organizations rebuild and strengthen their services.
In response, the Government of Canada launched the $400 million Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) in November 2022 to support community service organizations facing ongoing challenges in the wake of the pandemic.
United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada were selected as National Funders for the CSRF program. Together, we designed an equitable and effective application process, which opened on January 2023. United Way Centraide Canada’s efforts were guided by an advisory committee, including representatives from nine United Way Centraides across the country, ensuring the program met the needs of communities nationwide.
With 61 United Way Centraides participating, this initiative has provided crucial funding to community service organizations, helping them adapt, recover, and continue meeting the growing needs of the people and the communities they serve.
United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada were selected as National Funders for the CSRF program. Together, we designed an equitable and effective application process, which opened on January 2023. United Way Centraide Canada’s efforts were guided by an advisory committee, including representatives from nine United Way Centraides across the country, ensuring the program met the needs of communities nationwide.
With 61 United Way Centraides participating, this initiative has provided crucial funding to community service organizations, helping them adapt, recover, and continue meeting the growing needs of the people and the communities they serve.
