COVID-19 UPDATE
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY DURING UNPRECEDENTED TIMES HOW THE FOUNDATION IS WORKING WITH DONORS TO SUPPORT CHARITIES IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Young artists share messages of hope. Left photo: Isabelle Skead. Right photo: Greta Noman.
Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, life as we know it has changed. The Winnipeg Foundation is committed to supporting our community through the pandemic. We recognize many of Winnipeg’s charities are experiencing a decline in donations, lost fundraising revenue, and an uncertain future. At the same time, throughout this ordeal, Winnipeggers have displayed their creativity, resourcefulness and resilience. On the following pages, we have pulled together COVID-19 coverage that provides an overview of how The Foundation has supported the community during this crisis, that demonstrate the innovative programs
and services provided by charities, that show the generosity of our citizens, and more.
GETTING GRANTS TO FRONT-LINE CHARITIES When the pandemic was declared, The Foundation moved quickly to get funding to charities working on the front-line. The first stage of The Foundation’s response was to distribute COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants for organizations providing basic needs for our community’s most vulnerable. The first Emergency Grants, announced on March 12, distributed $230,000 to 11 charities providing overnight shelters and meal programs.
Between March 12 and May 30, The Foundation distributed more than 120 grants totaling more than $2.5 million. Grants have ranged in size from $2,000 to $100,000 and have supported a variety of charities and needs. To support the community’s greatest needs, The Foundation collaborated with other funders including United Way of Winnipeg. A sampling of grants is included on the facing page. These grants are only possible because of the generous people who support the community through The Winnipeg Foundation.
Federal funding for charities serving vulnerable populations The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) is federal funding for charities serving vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Winnipeg Foundation is working with national umbrella group, Community Foundations of Canada, along with local partners Canadian Red Cross and United Way of Winnipeg. The Winnipeg Foundation has been allocated $1.4 million for this purpose. Applications are online through Community Foundations of Canada’s portal; requests will be reviewed in Winnipeg and decisions will be made at the local level. Funds are available for qualified donees and are being accepted now until July. 6
To learn more or apply: wpgfdn.org/emergencysupport
