The Community Services Recovery Fund: Supporting Nonprofits in Difficult Times

What is The Community Services Recovery Fund

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting nonprofits during difficult times. The $400M fund has been established by the Government of Canada to help organizations that provide community services adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. Nonprofits play a vital role in improving the lives of people and communities, and the Community Services Recovery Fund is an effort to ensure their continued success.

How much funding is available?

The amount of money a nonprofit can receive from the Community Services Recovery Fund varies depending on the organization’s specific needs and the availability of funding. The fund provides financial support to eligible nonprofits to help them continue providing essential services to communities in need. The exact amount that a nonprofit can receive will depend on several factors, such as the organization’s size, the scope of its services, and the extent of its financial need. 

Organizations applying to the local stream can apply for funding from $10,000 to $200,000 and organizations applying to the National/Provincial/Territorial can apply for funding from $20,000 to $500,000. There are two tiers of funding available in both the Local Stream and the National/Provincial/Territorial Stream.

For more information on the amount of funding available and the process for applying, visit the Community Services Recovery Fund website.

Eligibility 

The CSRF will accept applications from Community Service Organizations, which means non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies or Registered Charities/Other Qualified Donees located in Canada that provide services to communities in Canada. 

  • Non-profit Organizations: means non-incorporated as well as incorporated associations, clubs, or societies that are not registered charities or individuals, but are organized and operated exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit. 
  • Indigenous Governing Bodies: this includes Indigenous governing bodies that are not registered as charities or nonprofits, such as First Nations bands, Métis settlements, and Inuit governments or associations. 
  • Registered Charities/Some Qualified Donees: charities and other qualified donees registered with the Canada Revenue Agency

Please visit the CSRF website for more details on eligibility requirements.

What are the timelines for the Fund

  • Application period opens: January 6, 2023
  • Application Deadline: February 21, 2023, 5:00 PM PT
  • Funded projects begin: May 1, 2023
  • Funded projects end: June 30, 2024

What types of projects can be funded?

There are three project focus areas. These projects should be designed to strengthen the internal capacity of community service organizations. Although some projects may touch on more than one Project Focus Area, eligible organizations are asked to select one primary focus area that best reflects the project’s main intention.

  1. Investing in People: Funding will support one-time projects that focus on how organizations recruit, retain, engage and support their personnel, including staff, volunteers and boards of directors. 
  2. Investing in Systems and Processes: Funding will support one-time projects that invest in the systems and processes involved in creating the internal workings of an organization’s overall structure. 
  3. Investing in Program and Service Innovation and Redesign: Funding will support one-time projects primarily focused on program and service innovation and redesign using information gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Apply 

Applying for the Community Services Recovery Fund is straightforward. The first step is to review the eligibility criteria and make sure that your organization qualifies. Once you have confirmed eligibility, you can begin the application process by gathering the necessary documents, such as proof of tax-exempt status and a description of your organization’s services. Apply Now

Watch this helpful session that walks through the CSRF website and answered frequently asked questions. This session will also give you insight on where to find your next steps.

 

Impact of Community Services Recovery Fund on Nonprofits

The Community Services Recovery Fund has the potential to have a significant impact on nonprofits. With the support of the fund, organizations can continue to provide essential services to communities in need, even during difficult times. This increased support can help organizations recover from financial strain and ensure their long-term sustainability.

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a vital initiative that provides crucial support to nonprofits during difficult times. By ensuring that essential services are maintained, the fund has the potential to have a significant impact on communities. If you are a nonprofit providing community services, we encourage you to consider applying for the Community Services Recovery Fund. With its support, your organization can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of people and communities.