National Programs

Recognizing the tremendous impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on community service organizations, United Way Centraide Canada stepped forward as a powerful voice advocating for new and improved funding support for the non-profit and charitable sector — including a budget proposal that was endorsed by a coalition of Canada’s largest non-profits.

In 2021, the Government of Canada responded with the creation of the Community Services Recovery Fund — a $400 million fund that will provide much-needed support to community service organizations experiencing ongoing challenges due to the pressures created by the pandemic.

In November 2022, the Government of Canada announced that United Way Centraide Canada, together with the Canadian Red Cross and Community Foundations of Canada, had been selected as a National Funder for the Community Service Recovery Fund.

“This transformational investment with the National Funders supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities at the community level.”

—The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, November 2022.

The three National Funders collaborated to develop the program and design an equitable, effective, and efficient application process, which opened on January 6, 2023. United Way Centraide Canada’s efforts were supported by an advisory committee, which included representatives from nine United Way Centraides across Canada — all of whom provided invaluable guidance and insights.

With all United Way Centraides participating in this important opportunity, we look forward to sharing insights into how charities and non-profits across Canada are using these funds to recover in the wake of COVID-19 and continue to meet the growing needs of the communities they serve.

Explore More National Programs

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Local Love in a Global Crisis

Emergency Community Support Fund

An upcoming New and Comprehensive national Labour Force Strategy