Dufferin County charities receive critical funding through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF)
After a thorough grants review process, we are delighted to announce that seven community service organizations have received CSRF funding for projects that will enhance their operational capacity for the future.
The CSRF is a one-time investment of $400 million by the Government of Canada to help community service organizations adapt, modernize and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide through the pandemic recovery and beyond.
Along with other community foundations across Canada, the funding provided through Dufferin Community Foundation is aimed at Investing in Systems and Processes.
“When charities receive funding, it tends to be for a specific program or service. Rarely do they get funding for systems and processes – those projects get put on the ‘when we have time and money’ pile,” said Michele Fisher, Executive Director of Dufferin Community Foundation. “The pandemic showed how urgently this investment was needed by our community’s nonprofits.”

Pictured top to bottom, l-r: Kaleigh Watson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin & District; Juli-Anne and Andrew James, Streams Community Hub; Jennifer Payne and Sheralyn Roman, HCIA; Ingrid Watt, Theatre Orangeville; Neetu Dane, Dufferin Parent Support Network; Kelly Lee and Lisa Goodison, Family Transition Place; Nigel Kingwell, Hospice Dufferin; Debbi Goss, Margot Hornseth, Shirley Boxem and Michele Fisher, Dufferin Community Foundation.
The following projects are now being activated across Dufferin County:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin & District
$27,335.00 – Archival Digitization Project
With this funding, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin will digitize their historical and physical files and create a new Document Management System (DMS). They will also purchase updated computers to allow them to work more efficiently. Finally, the project will allow them to develop online screening and intake forms for greater ease-of-use for their clients and volunteers.
Dufferin Parent Support Network
$38,000.00 – DPSN 2.0
This project will allow DPSN to begin implementing a new strategic plan, which includes reimagining the way they present their parenting workshops and enhancing their community engagement. Results will include a refreshed website, an email and social media strategy, new local partnerships and a multi-channel fundraising campaign.
Family Transition Place
$28,600.00 – Payroll Processing Modernization
The funding will allow FTP to adapt and modernize to an online payroll processing system. The new payroll system will provide an equitable and simplified experience for staff regardless of their working location and streamline the detailed processing practices currently in place. The project will reduce the staff time required for payroll and increase efficiency.
Headwaters Communities In Action
$36,900.00 – Prepare to Engage Dufferin!
This project will deliver a needs assessment, updated digital tools, improved operational processes and reporting. This will allow better control, customization and automation of tasks, build capacity and skills, and prepare us to support innovations that respond to emerging needs and promote community engagement beyond traditional volunteering.
Hospice Dufferin
$43,600.00 – Resource Development and Communication Reboot
Hospice Dufferin will develop a new resource development and fundraising strategy plan that will modernize their practices and recruit and train new volunteers into fundraising leadership. It will position their organization for greater success in the years to come, allowing them to better serve their clients and pursue their mission more effectively.
Streams Community Hub
$86,000.00 – Sustainable Streams
The Sustainable Streams project will help this youth arts organization build a robust and diversified revenue base to ensure their sustainability for the future. They will develop and execute a philanthropic strategy, including articulating a compelling brand story, creating a case for support, and preparing for a capital campaign.
Theatre Orangeville
$16,565.00 – Fundraising Capabilities Upgrade
The project will help to continue Theatre Orangeville’s journey to dramatically improve and simplify the patron experience and donor journey. The funding will allow them to purchase new fundraising technology to modernize administrative capabilities, increase accessibility and enable the execution of multiple fundraising campaigns throughout the year.
“Community service organizations are at the heart of communities like Dufferin County, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “The Community Services Recovery Fund will enable the organizations that serve our diverse communities to adapt and modernize their programs and services and to invest in the future of their organizations, staff, and volunteers.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Michele Fisher, Executive Director
Dufferin Community Foundation
519-938-0780