United Way, Community Foundation, grant program

May 20, 2020

United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area are accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF).

The Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund aims to help charities and non-profit organizations adapt and increase frontline services for vulnerable populations during COVID-19.

The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $350 million ECSF was announced by the Government of Canada on April 21, 2019 and is administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. It is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the Government of Canada.

United Way KFL&A and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area will collectively receive over $900,000 from the Fund for distribution into local communities ($500,000 through United Way KFL&A and $413,000 through Community Foundation for Kingston & Area).

“Agencies in our community have risen to the challenge of adapting to COVID-19 in innovative, collaborative, and compassionate ways. They are addressing increased demand with innovative, often more expensive, ways of delivering programs to continue helping the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “This fund will allow organizations in our community to continue their vital work and expand their programming where needed. United Way is grateful for this much-needed support through the federal government during this global crisis.”

“Local charities have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding will give a much-needed boost to their efforts. We’re looking forward to flowing funds quickly to help them carry out their vital work to ensure no one in our community is left behind”, said Tina Bailey, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. “We look forward to working in collaboration with the United Way to ensure that together our two granting streams can have the greatest possible impact in our community.”

“Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians.”

– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Starting on May 19, United Way KFL&A and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area will both begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more.

While the ECSF eligibility and application processes for both organizations are very similar, there are slight differences. For example, the Community Foundation will review applications on a rolling basis, while the United Way has set a grant application deadline of June 9th.

All funding will be issued by July 31, 2020.

For more information about the fund, the application process, criteria and frequently asked questions, community members and organizations are asked to visit the United Way and Community Foundation’s website at