Funding call is now open

We are now accepting applications for programs/projects that primarily focus on the immediate needs of targeted populations in the following Areas of Action:

Isolated Seniors
This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that assist seniors in accessing good nutrition, aging independently while maintaining their health and well-being, and fostering strong social connections to combat isolation.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

– Access to affordable and nutritious food: meal delivery, seniors food hamper initiatives, COVID safe, in-person meals programming.

– Building social connections and combatting isolation: safe social gathering opportunities, reassurance calls and visits, programming to support seniors in connecting with friends and navigating online services to decrease loneliness.

– Aging with dignity and independence: Volunteer outreach to support seniors aging in place, Alzheimer’s and dementia care programming, help for family caregivers, after-hospitalization support for seniors.

Families in Need

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that help families facing poverty or challenging life situations raise their children so that they can have the tools to better transition through all of life’s stages with the understanding that COVID-19 has contributed to an even greater intensity of need.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

– School Readiness and Success: early years programming, after-school care and homework clubs, mentorship programs for children and youth

– Parenting Programs and Supports: skills development, respite care and supports for families of children with disabilities

– Family Stability: employment and skills training, financial literacy, food access and housing supports, family crisis and breakdown interventions (including sexual and/or domestic violence situations)

Mental Health & Addictions

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that assist people and their families who are dealing with mental health and addictions challenges with the understanding that the stresses and challenges of COVID-19 have amplified the urgency of need in our community.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

– Outreach Services and Peer Supports: outreach and liaison services between community organizations and vulnerable citizens, friendly check ins, services for families supporting a loved one with mental illness and/or an addictions

– Counselling including mental health, trauma, and addictions

– Navigation and Connection to Services:virtual training, social gathering places and enhancement of tools and platforms to reduce isolation and maintain healthy lifestyles

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that assist marginalized and racialized communities including helping newcomers and refugees find belonging, programming and initiatives that support and empower BIPOC individuals, Women, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples; persons with disabilities/diverse abilities (both visible and invisible), and the LGBTQI2-S community, and others marginalized on the basis of their ethnicity and other identity factors. Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Capacity-building and leadership development: helping organizations build inclusion of underrepresented voices reflective of their communities.
• Culturally affirming programing: building meaningful and reciprocal relationships, supporting the delivery of accessible and inclusive programs and services.
• Removing barriers and disparities for marginalized individuals, families, and communities: addressing barriers to employment, promotion of justice and social participation among Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities.

This funding call will close on Monday, February 7, 2022. Funding requests are anticipated to range from $15,000 to $50,000 per ask. Funding will be for one year beginning April 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2023.

For more information and to apply go here.

Please contact ci.fund@uwsvi.ca and we will be happy to follow up with you to discuss your proposal or assist in any further queries.