Funding helps charities balance demand with capacity

Jul 21, 2021 | 5:30 PM Pete McIntyre

The year 2020 stormed in and shook up the non-profit sector, causing many organizations to deliver their critical programs and services while experiencing an extreme loss of revenue and with increased stress on employees.

According to Imagine Canada’s sector monitoring report, 45 per cent of charities are now reporting that while there is an increase in demand for their services, this demand is growing faster than their capacity.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the sector, six local charitable partners have collaborated to create an innovative funding program called The Sustainable Recovery Grant. The local funders include United Way British Columbia, Interior Savings, Valley First, Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO), and Community Foundation South Okanagan Similkameen.

The Sustainable Recovery Grants program responds directly to the emerging and shifting needs of charities in the Southern Interior region of B.C.

“While it is unusual for funders to work together in this way, the group recognizes that without support to specifically explore sustainable revenue models and strong internal capacity, our non-profits are at risk. The program provides grants for coaching and support focused on resilience and recovery in four key areas: revenue, operations, people and impact,” a news release from CFNO stated.

The 2021 Sustainability Grants have been awarded to seven charitable organizations seeking to build a regenerative economy with a refreshing commitment to enhance their capability and long-term sustainability.

All seven organizations will receive grant funding for customized coaching and support through Purppl’s Resilience & Recovery Program. The program enables recipients to work with Purppl, who will match the organizations with experienced “Entrepreneurs in Residence” to help them focus on their specific sustainability needs and opportunities.

2021 Sustainable Recovery Grant Fund Recipients:
Canadian Mental Health Association (Vernon & District)
Clubhouse Childcare Center
Connect Counselling & Therapy
Grist Mill and Gardens
Indigeneyez / Kinshift
Kelowna Gospel Mission Society
Penticton Resource Recovery Society (Discovery House)

“Resilience is often defined as the ability to recover after a setback or having the capacity to adapt to new challenges,” Leanne Hammond, Executive Director, Community Foundation North Okanagan said. “For many non-profits, resilience is essential for everyday mission-advancing work and is not only relevant in the face of an existential crisis. The Community Foundation is committed to partnerships that build and sustain organizations delivering critical services to our local communities.”

For more information on the Sustainable Recovery Grants, please visit www.cfno.org/srg.