South Okanagan-Similkameen charitable organizations have window to apply for federal pandemic recovery grant money

Photo: The Canadian Press - File photo

Community service organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen now have a window to apply for funding specifically for pandemic recovery adaptations.

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million from the federal government that will go to registered charities, non-profit organizations and Indigenous governing bodies, helping them acquire tools to adapt and modernize.

In a news release issued Monday, the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen stated it is pleased to be one of the many community foundations taking part in delivery of the fund, in collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada.

“We’re proud to be part of this effort to improve the resilience of community service organizations in our region,” says Aaron McRann, executive director of the Community Foundation.

“This funding comes at a critical time for the many organizations across the South Okanagan Similkameen that have had their activities and programs impacted by the effects of the pandemic.”

"Community service organizations are the backbone of our communities and people are relying on these crucial services more than ever,” says Richard Cannings, Member of Parliament for the South Okanagan – West Kootenay.

“These recovery funds are a welcome step to getting help to those that need it most, and I encourage the many amazing organizations in our region to make an application."

Applications are open until Feb. 21. More details and access to the application form can be found online here.