May 20, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hamilton Community Foundation and United Way Halton & Hamilton participating in new Federal Emergency Community Support Fund

More than $2.3 million in funding available in Hamilton for charities supporting COVID-19 response.

Hamilton, Ontario (May 19, 2020) – Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) and United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) today announced they will provide an additional $2.38 million to support local agencies responding to the impact of COVID-19.

The funding comes through a new partnership between Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The funding for Hamilton is shared equally between HCF and UWHH, and augments the support offered by the pandemic relief funds that each of the two organizations established locally, at the start of the crisis.

“Working together with our partners, we will ensure that the Emergency Community Support Fund makes the greatest impact possible for the local community services that need it most,” says Brad Park, CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “We’re grateful for this important investment by the Government of Canada.” United Way  has been keeping a pulse on local social service needs since the pandemic began, already investing in 24 local programs through its COVID-19 Emergency Fund and the New Horizons for Seniors Program, funded by the Government of Canada.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic affects all of us, its impact is most profound on Hamilton’s vulnerable populations,” said Terry Cooke, President & CEO of Hamilton Community Foundation. “This Government of Canada contribution will enable our two organizations to unlock even more local impact for charities who have been serving on the front lines since the pandemic was declared.” The Foundation has also committed $3 million toward relief from its own pandemic response fund, of which over $700,000 has been granted since March.

The Emergency Community Support Fund was initially announced on April 21, 2020 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,” said The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians.”

This funding is accompanied by an additional $1.2 million available from UWHH to support Halton Region agencies via the Federal Emergency Community Support Fund.

Beginning May 19, HCF and UWHH will begin accepting applications for grants from the ECSF. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit

www.hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca or https://www.uwhh.ca/COVID-19-for-agencies/ for eligibility and application details.

– 30 –

The Emergency Community Support Fund

Funded by

 

About Hamilton Community Foundation

Hamilton Community Foundation has been working to drive positive change in Hamilton since 1954. We do this by helping people give in a way that has meaning to them and impact in the community, providing grants and financing to charitable organizations and initiatives and bringing people together to address priority issues that affect Hamiltonians. Last year HCF gave 850 grants to 307 charities, totalling $11.4 million. We also provided loans of $9.9 million to charities and non-profits across Hamilton.

About United Way of Halton & Hamilton

United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) is committed to leading measurable, impactful change by identifying the most challenging issues in our community, and bringing together people and resources to address those issues. We connect volunteers with local needs, and offer training and operational support to local charities. Along with our network of partners and experts, UWHH conducts research and works with key stakeholders to generate support for the not-for-profit sector. Each dollar raised is invested right back into the community. Today, 202,421 residents across Halton and Hamilton rely on 129 United Way supported programs for life-changing services.

Outside of government, United Way is the largest funder of social service programs and initiatives in Canada.  For more information and to donate visit: www.uwhh.ca

For media inquiries please contact:

Media Contacts:

Brenda Hajdu
Vice President Marketing and Communications
United Way Halton & Hamilton
C: 416-779-5758
bhajdu@uwhh.ca
uwhh.ca

Grace Diffey
Vice-President Community Relations
Hamilton Community Foundation
C: 905-518-4641
g.diffey@hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca
hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca