London Community Foundation Takes Part in New Healthy Communities Initiative
London Community Foundation Takes Part in New Healthy Communities Initiative
Today, London Community Foundation is announcing they will be part of an initiative to provide $1.3 million across Southwestern Ontario to transform public spaces in response to COVID.
This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31 million Healthy Communities Initiative. This investment by the federal government will support community-led organizations in developing local, small-scale infrastructure projects that respond to the immediate needs arising from COVID-19, while building towards a more pandemic-resilient future.
The Southwestern Ontario HUB is being co-led by London Community Foundation, WindsorEssex Community Foundation, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, in partnership with Aylmer Area Community Foundation, Sarnia Community Foundation and Sunset Community Foundation supported by Centre Wellington Community Foundation and Dufferin Community Foundation.
Starting today, organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide digital solutions to help their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and look to build back better in the COVID-19 recovery. This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, the creation of community gardens, and art installations, and free Wi-Fi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.
Community Foundations that have formed the Southwestern Ontario HUB are working alongside Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Urban Institute and other partners to serve communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups interested in applying.
“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected,” said Lori Runciman, Director of Grants, London Community Foundation. “As the London and Middlesex region faces increased isolation due to COVID-19, the Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”
“Organizations across our country have shown creativity and resourcefulness in improvising temporary and longer-lasting solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely. The Healthy Communities Initiative is supporting organizations in Southwestern Ontario to bring people together in our communities both in person and digitally, while respecting public health measures.” - Andrea Dicks, President, Community Foundations of Canada
Funding will be distributed in two rounds. The Southwestern Ontario HUB has approximately $537,000 available in the first round, and $806,000 available in the second round. There is also a national funding application available in both rounds.
The application period for the first round of funding closes on March 9, 2021 at 8:00 PM EST. A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021.
To learn more, including how to apply for funding, visit www.lcf.on.ca/chci