Friday, April 16, 2021

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is offering local charities and non-profit organizations the opportunity to obtain some financial assistance in coping with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Directors voted at the April 15, 2021 Regular Board Meeting to set aside $100,000 of the CSRD’s COVID-19 Safe Restart funds to allow non-profit groups and charities to apply for grants of up to $5,000 each to help offset the financial impacts of the pandemic. This will help organizations continue to deliver important community services and supports to vulnerable citizens in the region.

In November 2020, the CSRD initially received a financial contribution of $645,000 from the Provincial and Federal governments as part of a COVID-19-Safe Restart funding programs. This funding is to assist local governments with increased operating costs and decreased revenues due to the pandemic. An additional contribution of $344,000 was allocated to the CSRD in March 2021.

With the increase in funds, CSRD Directors were eager to assist these valuable organizations, recognizing that their efforts contribute to stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities. Many of these organizations have been unable to raise funds by their usual methods due to closures or other COVID-19 restrictions.

“We know there are a lot of organizations out there that have been impacted and we want to help where we can. This is a really good start,” says Board Chair Kevin Flynn.

The Board adopted a new policy to ensure the grants conform to the provincial restrictions regarding the use of the funds. The policy will also ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in awarding grants.

Non-profit groups or charities interested in obtaining grant funds will need to submit an application form to the CSRD before June 30, 2021.

The CSRD’s policy and application form are available here.