The Recovery and Resiliency Fund offers new support for BC’s not-for-profit sector

A new $34 million fund for British Columbia nonprofits will provide much-needed support to organizations that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during the recovery.

Budget 2022’s historic $30 million investment includes an additional $4 million from the Vancouver Foundation. The not-for-profit sector contributes $6.7 billion to the provincial economy and employs more than 86,000 British Columbians in approximately 29,000 not-for-profit organizations across the province.

“Our government recognizes the important work nonprofits do to build the strength and resilience of our communities, which is why we have created a Recovery and Resilience Fund,” said Niki Sharma, Parliamentary Secretary for community development and non-profit organizations. “They’ve been there for British Columbians through the challenges of the past year, and we’ll be there for them through the economic recovery.

A 2021 Vantage Point survey noted that due to the pandemic, 48% of nonprofits experienced challenges such as reduced revenue, higher operating costs to provide services, increased demand for services and a drop in the number of volunteers and limited financial reserves to bridge through the impacts of COVID-19 or to invest in technological infrastructure for a virtual transition.

The goal of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs and operations have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The funding will fill critical gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.

The Vancouver Foundation and United Way British Columbia will administer the funds. Both organizations have experience delivering multiple grant programs to organizations across British Columbia and raising funds from other sources to ensure the Recovery and Resilience Fund is used for a maximum profit.

The New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led funding body, will administer at least $5 million to support Indigenous community recovery and resilience. Ministry staff are working closely with funding agencies to finalize details of application criteria and guidelines.

The fund is scheduled to launch in June 2022. To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to the Vancouver Foundation at: https://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/grants/recovery-and-resiliency-fund

Quote:

Walter Schneider, CEO, New Relationship Trust –

“We are thrilled to collaborate and stand with the Government of British Columbia, the Vancouver Foundation and United Way in delivering an initiative that advances reconciliation beyond the crossroads of mere talking. A key commitment to reconciliation is the fundamental understanding, knowledge and willingness to meet Indigenous organizations where they are in their own journey towards recovery and resilience in their own contexts. We believe this initiative is at the forefront of that commitment.

Michael McKnight, President and CEO, United Way British Columbia –

“Community-led organizations are strengthening vital ties in every BC community, but the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened their operations and survival. This fund will ensure that community services are well positioned to contribute to economic recovery and long-term community development. Together with the Province and the Vancouver Foundation, we are ready to support our neighbours.

Kevin McCort, President and CEO, Vancouver Foundation –

“This partnership will mobilize new funding for a vital sector at a crucial time. Working together, we look forward to bringing new innovations to how we support community-led organizations today while building a strong foundation for their long-term success. This is good news for the organizations that do important work across British Columbia and great news for the communities that depend on them.

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