The Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) is a unique funding opportunity that aims to respond to the adaptation and modernization
needs of charities and non-profits facing immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as they continue to support communities across Canada.

Although some projects may touch on more than one Project Focus Area, eligible organizations are asked to select one focus area that best relates to the main intention of their project:

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.

Applications will be accepted January 6 – February 21, 2023.

Payments will go out by early June, 2023 (split payment for non-qualified donees).

Funded projects are to begin after May 1, 2023 and end by June 30, 2024. Projects must be complete by this date. 

Community Service Organizations, which means non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies or Registered Charities/Some Qualified Donees located in Canada who 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. 

The minimum grant size for the local stream is $10,000. 

The volunteer grant committee will be looking at some of these key criteria when evaluating the applications:

1. Has the applicant articulated how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted its staff and volunteers, organization and/or programs/services.
2. Has the applicant identified key project timelines and activities that are reasonable, effective and feasible. Is the budget balanced, reasonable, appears sound and includes eligible expenses. Has the applicant outlined reasonable project oversight and monitoring indicating the project will be delivered on time and on budget. 
3. Do the project’s expected results support the applicant to modernize and/or adapt. Will it help the applicant better deliver on its mission/mandate.
4. Does the applicant include representation from equity-deserving communities in its leadership, staff, and volunteers. Does the applicant demonstrate that it operates using the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ in its policies and practices. 

The Recovery Fund grant program committee is comprised of members from the community.  The committee oversees the Community Services Recovery Fund Grants. 

This one-time committee is comprised of:

• Arzoo Babul
• Susan Beck
• Jamshid Hashimi
• Maureen Nicholson
• Julia Parker
• Kumar Shivdasani