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By Liam Verster

Federal Funding

United Way Alberta Northwest opens applications for Emergency Community Support funding

Oct 7, 2020 | 12:43 PM

United Way Alberta Northwest is now accepting applications for round two of the Emergency Community Support funds.

The $178,000 in federal funding will be distributed to groups and organizations in the region that intend to provide support in COVID-19 related matters for people in Northwestern Alberta.

The first round of the emergency funding saw $475,000 distributed to groups. Executive Director of United Way Alberta Northwest, Jamie Craig, says those funds covered a wide-range of supports and services.

“The first round definitely went to more food security programs, as well as seniors technology programs,” says Craig. “I know that we really tried to concentrate on social isolation, mental health, and then as well as making sure that we could help get that secondary shelter up so that we can spread out some of the vulnerable in the city.”

This second round of funding will be distributed in minimum grants of $5,000, though some applicants may request more depending on the services they provide and the operating costs.

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Craig says there has been a lot of new funding for food security from the Provincial and Federal Governments, and this round of funding would ideally be used for new and adaptive programming that is focused on COVID relief to help the vulnerable or those struggling with isolation.

“You need to be able to provide rapid supports with the funding, something that’s a little bit more front-faced-forward right now,” says Craig. “I’d say like anything that has to do with transportation, helping people, a big thing right now is a lot of people deferred their bills. So really helping people keep a roof over their heads, heat on in their house is a big thing right now. And then any program that you’ve had to adapt due to COVID and that you might need some additional funds because you’ve adapted that program, working with clients, home care, things like that.”

Craig says they want to spread the money through the entire region. The office for the United Way Alberta Northwest is within the City of Grande Prairie, and though many organizations stationed in the city also support people throughout the region, she hopes they have applicants from the smaller communities like Big Lakes County, Smoky River and MacKenzie County.

The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta announced earlier this week that they have also opened their applications for this funding opportunity. Craig says both the organizations are communicating and working together to ensure that the funds do not overlap and are distributed to groups that will help Northwestern Albertans the most.

Groups interested in applying for the funding can do so at United Way Alberta Northwest’s website. The deadline is October 30, 2020.