Do you have innovative ideas to help meet the needs of your community? The Prescott-Russell Community Innovation Grant Program has $140,000 to distribute to address critical needs as Prescott-Russell communities recover from the pandemic. Funded by the Ontario Social Services Relief Fund, the grant program is led by Prescott-Russell Community Services in partnership with United Way East Ontario and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.
Through collaboration and innovation, this grant program is meant to enable people’s enthusiasm and skills in building solutions that match their community’s needs. Funding will focus on local initiatives aimed at enhancing social connections, inclusion and safety, and at removing barriers to healthy nutrition; transportation, and mental and physical wellness.
The program is open to individuals; for profit and not-for-profit organizations and businesses; social enterprises; co-ops; municipalities; hospitals and schools, and features three funding levels: $4,000, $15,000 and $30,000.
Workshops and coaching are available to help applicants with their proposals. Here are just a few examples of eligible projects: art or nature therapy sessions; after-school programming for youth; community garden and kitchen; activities to support intergenerational and newcomers’ connections; educational workshops and peer groups. More project ideas are listed on the program’s website.
The deadline to apply is August 11, 2021 and all projects must be completed by December 31, 2021. Information is available on the Prescott-Russell Volunteers website or by calling 613-632-0939, extension 125.
Quotes
“This funding will help bring innovative ideas and projects to life. We look forward to working with individuals and community partners in improving the quality of life of our most vulnerable citizens.”
–Sylvie Lefebvre, Executive Director, Prescott-Russell Community Services
“Issues like poor mental health, social isolation, poverty and food insecurity are not new to Prescott-Russell, but the pandemic has made them much worse. The Social Services Relief Fund has empowered us to make a difference in the lives of local residents already, and we are humbled to be able to build on this momentum. As the economy reopens, this partnership will lift up local people who have been sidelined by COVID-19.”
–Agata Michalska, Director, Regional Affairs, United Way East Ontario
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