COVID-19 has seriously impacted our access and use of public spaces which are the glue to our communities. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected.
The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to support communities as they create and adapt public spaces to respond to the new realities of COVID-19. We are proud to be working with CFC, the Government of Canada, and other community foundations in South Western Ontario to provide $1.3 million of funding to support organizations who are showing creativity and resourcefulness in creating solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely while still respecting public health measures. Organizations can apply from February 9, 2021, at 1:00 PM EST until March 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM PST. A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021.
Visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants and sign up for community mobilization sessions.
Who can apply?
The Healthy Communities Initiative supports communities as they create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces to respond to ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years.
What type of projects are eligible for funding?
Healthy Communities Initiative projects will:
- respond to identified needs arising from impacts of COVID-19;
- create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces in the public interest;
- demonstrate consideration of and connections with the community;
- serve the general public or a community disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 ; and,
- fall within the three Healthy Communities Initiative theme areas.
What projects are ineligible for funding?
Examples of ineligible projects include but are not be limited to:
- Partisan, political or election-related activities
- Research projects where findings are not, or are not intended to be, tangibly applied as an outcome of the project. For example, carrying out a feasibility study without intending to carry out the project.
- Publication of books or reports
- Projects that solely sponsor other organizations’ events or activities
- Research and development for a for-profit endeavour
- Projects that benefit only private interests or are implemented only on private property
- Projects that promote a for-profit entity or its products and service.
