Over $530,000 Available to Local Charities in Oxford County

Tuesday, 19 May 2020 12:52

United Way Oxford and the Oxford Community Foundation are teaming up to help support local charities and organizations.

WOODSTOCK - United Way Oxford and the Oxford Community Foundation are teaming up to help support local charities and organizations.

Between their 2 investment funds, they have $530,000 available to support local charities responding to COVID-19. This was made possible thanks to a new partnership with 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).

The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) 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. Executive Director of the Oxford Community Foundation Louise Wardrop says this is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19.

"Local charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding is a much needed boost to their efforts. We're looking forward to flowing funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind."

Executive Director of United Way Oxford Kelly Gilson says today's announcement is good news for some of the most vulnerable people in Oxford.

"United Way Oxford is honoured to support the Government of Canada’s efforts to invest in critical services in our community. This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone, and for those who are marginalized and vulnerable, the challenge is even greater. Through our on-going work and funding streams we have seen the demand for supports and assistance from increase dramatically; this ECSF allocation will help us ensure that front line service provider are able to meet the growing needs. With our deep community knowledge, we can ensure that dollars will be allocated to frontline service providers where the support is most needed during these unprecedented times.United Way Oxford and the Oxford Community Foundation will work together to invest over $530,000 in areas where it is needed most throughout Oxford County."

Starting on May 19, United Way Oxford and Oxford Community Foundation will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donors. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more.

Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis between now and July 31, 2020. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the United Way Oxford at www.unitedwayoxford.ca and Oxford Community Foundation at www.oxfordcommunityfoundation.org for specific eligibility and application details.