Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation takes part in second round of Emergency Community Support Fund

Submitted | October 22, 2020 | Local

Man and woman hold giant cheque outside in front of brick wall

Round 1 ECSF successful candidate Renfrew District Food Bank representative Michael Wright accepting $10,000 grant cheque from PPDCF Executive Administrator/Community Liaison Debbie Ryan, on June 9, 2020. (Photo by Wendy Hewitt)

PEMBROKE - Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation announced it will be provide $30,000 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of an ongoing 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). This vast national effort is a second round of funding that aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation (PPDCF) is among community foundations across Canada that are taking part.

“As infection rates start to rise again in communities across the country, ongoing support is vital in the fight against COVID-19,” says Matthew Bradley, PPDCF Chair, “Local charities and non-profit organizations are pillars in this community.

“For over six months, they have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most, but the reality is they’re struggling with increased demand at the same time as revenues have decreased,” he added. “We’re thrilled to be able to flow additional emergency funding their way through the ECSF but we also see the need for stabilization support for the sector, so they can continue their good work in our community over the long haul.”

The Emergency Community Support Fund 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. A first round of funding was disbursed through the community foundation network across Canada in June and July. PPDCF awarded $75,000 to nine organizations in Renfrew County.

Starting on October 5, 2020, PPDCF will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2020. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the foundation website for eligibility and application details.

“At Community Foundations of Canada, our purpose to “relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs” has never felt more important,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “We’re grateful for the leadership of local community foundations like Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation, who have been at the forefront of local response efforts since the pandemic was declared. Working together, PPDCF as been able to quickly get funding to those who need it most in the area. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s renewed contribution, those efforts will continue and unlock even more support for organizations on the front lines. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind.”