Emergency Community Support Fund - Round 2 - FAQs

How well did the Emergency Community Support Fund work for community organizations in the first round?
The Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada funded more than 7,000 projects over about three months during the Fund’s first round. Those projects spanned the country and met the needs of many different communities including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2 communities.

Why is the Emergency Community Support Fund opening a second round when many organizations applied and were unsuccessful due to lack of funds in the first round?
The Government of Canada kept back a portion of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ESCF) to give it the flexibility to adjust to evolving needs and cover any gaps from the first round.
In the first round of grant funding, the three intermediaries were able to reach all vulnerable groups through funding distributed to all provinces and territories. Building on the success of the first round, the three intermediaries will distribute the remaining funds of $73.9 million through a second round of open and transparent processes, while also using a targeted approach in their outreach efforts to ensure equitable distribution across vulnerable populations.

Why should I donate to United Way Winnipeg when you are receiving large grants from the Government of Canada?
The Emergency Community Support Fund is only providing short-term grants to community serving agencies and must be spent by March 31, 2021. The funds raised by United Way Winnipeg provide longer-term sustainable funding to our network of community agencies.

What size are the grants being administered by United Way Winnipeg for ECSF Round 2?
United Way Winnipeg will be issuing grants up to a maximum of $50,000.

How much money is available through this second round of funding? Is it possible to find out how much is available for our region?
The ECSF is a $350 million investment made by the Government of Canada, and a significant portion is being delivered through United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, and Canadian Red Cross across the country.

United Way Winnipeg will be allocating over $1.1 million for Winnipeg and Manitoba.

If we have received other federal and/or provincial or territorial COVID-19 related funding, can we still apply?
Yes, ECSF resources can enhance and expand your current COVID-19 funded community service so long as expenses are not counted twice.

What if we are not currently a United Way Winnipeg funded agency?
You do not need to be a United Way Winnipeg funded agency to apply. We are committed to ensuring that funds are broadly available to community service organizations and agencies working to provide services and support vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19. In Round 1, 50% of funding was disbursed to new United Way Winnipeg partners.

Which kinds of community service organizations are eligible?
Organizations providing front-line services to vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply, including registered charities, and other qualified donees. Check the Canada Revenue Agency list of qualified donees by visiting https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/list-charities/list-charities-other-qualified-donees.html

We are a nonprofit, how can we access and partner with United Way Winnipeg to provide support to vulnerable communities?
Nonprofits in Canada are playing an important role in helping to respond to local needs. Nonprofit community organizations delivering front-line services may be supported through a qualified donee that is acting as a trustee. In certain circumstances, United Way Winnipeg may support delivery of services through a nonprofit under an agent agreement. If you are interested in partnering to respond to local needs, you are welcome to apply/please contact us directly.

AND

The Canadian Red Cross has launched a granting program for nonprofits. To find out more about their program please visit redcross.ca/communityorganizations.

Will you pay for activities that meet the criteria that are already underway?
United Way Winnipeg will accept applications to further expand and/or extend the delivery of activities or services that are already underway (up to March 31, 2021).
The fund cannot be used to retroactively cover expenses incurred prior to project approval.

If my agency is receiving the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, are we still eligible to apply for funding?
Yes. ECSF funds cannot fund any expenses (including wages) already covered by another source, but can complement existing sources, including the wage subsidy.

How many funding requests can be made by one organization?
Community service organizations may apply for more than one service. Please submit one application outlining the different proposed services and their respective budgets.

How will decisions about the funding be made? How quickly can we anticipate a decision?
Applications will be reviewed following the application deadline October 30. All funding allocations will be made public on or before November 27, 2020.

The front-line services we are delivering are at risk of closing without new funding. Are we able to apply for funding under this program?
The purpose of the ECSF is to resource front-line services supporting vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible expenses include staffing, equipment, supplies, and related operating costs that allow organizations to provide and deliver services that respond to the current crisis.

May we apply to United Way Winnipeg, Community Foundations of Canada, and Canadian Red Cross?
Yes. Applicants may not, however, apply to more than one funder for the same program activities and related costs. The three intermediaries will be coordinating locally to ensure that funds are being distributed to have the best possible local reach to serve vulnerable populations.

What are the reporting requirements?
The reporting requirements for this funding will focus primarily on number of services and clients served, and organizations will be expected to periodically provide updates to these numbers throughout the period of the grant. Additional details will be shared with successful applicants

How will United Way Winnipeg ensure that this funding is reaching the most vulnerable communities? Is there a commitment to access and equity for these resources?
United Way Winnipeg is committed to ensuring an open and fair application and review process. We will be working to promote this funding opportunity throughout our community and to support organizations seeking to apply.
United Way Winnipeg will be considering several equity dimensions as they make decisions on how these resources will be allocated locally. These can include populations served, geographic balance, rural and, remote access, and/or other systemic challenges.

We’re part of national organization network, but we are governed locally. Should we look to apply to our local United Way for ECSF funds or should our national office coordinate our applications?
No. For national networks or federations, each local member or chapter must submit its own application directly to their local United Way or Centraide in the area where the activities take place.

Can a national or provincial organization apply to support its own services to vulnerable people?
Yes. For ECSF Round 2, national or provincial charities that deliver services to vulnerable people can apply to Community Foundations of Canada. National or provincial nonprofits that deliver services to vulnerable people can apply to the Canadian Red Cross.

Where can we find more information? Will assistance be provided in the application process?
Organizations can find further information by referring to the Application Guide.