More than two dozen local non-profit organizations will benefit from nearly $2-million in federal grants allocated to the United Way Elgin Middlesex.
The $1.9 million in grants, made through the federal government’s $400 million investment in the Community Services Relief Fund, will support 26 charities in London, Middlesex, and Elgin counties to launch new initiatives to help the communities they serve through pandemic recovery.
“Now more than ever, charities and non-profits are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all communities,” read a statement from United Way Elgin Middlesex. “The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and non-profits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic.”
The grants, ranging from just over $11,000 to $158,000, will help the organizations fund things such as hiring additional staff, upgrades to equipment or digital platforms, and providing additional resources to support the individuals they cater to.
For example, $67,824 was invested to fund Catfish Creek Conservation Authority in Elgin County to upgrade its internet service for online booking and payments as well as digital signage.
In Middlesex County, $60,000 will fund Rock Steady Boxing London to purchase new equipment and increase staffing and operating hours so it can run additional programming for people with Parkinson’s disease.
A total of $77,796 was invested to fund the Humane Society London and Middlesex to redesign its volunteer program after it saw a surge in animals in the London area requiring shelter care.
Nearly 5,500 projects were being funded under the Community Services Recovery Fund. United Way across the country assisted in reviewing applications from organizations. A total of $103-million was allocated to 1,681 non-profits in Canada.
The full list of all locally funded projects can be found on the United Way’s website.
