Emergency Community Support Fund

Applications Now Open:

The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) offers grants of up to $75,000 to charities working with vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in the Tri-Cities. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions made weekly. The ECSF is a rapid response fund program initiated by the Government of Canada through an investment of $350 million to charities and non-profit organizations across Canada.

Funds will be disbursed as soon as possible and on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted by July 27th.

Who is eligible?

The ECSF will provide immediate financial support for organizations that are serving vulnerable populations as they manage the impacts of COVID-19. Qualified donees may apply for a grant of up to $75,000 per project.

Criteria for eligibility:

Be a qualified donee
Be serving people in the cities of Port Coquitlam
Projects must:
- Clearly address a pressing social inclusion or well-being need caused by COVID-19
- Serve one or more vulnerable groups as defined in the application guide
- Be carried out in a short time frame with a reasonable budget. Project-related costs must be incurred between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021
Projects must not:
- Be designed for fundraising purposes
- Generate profits
- Take place outside of Canada

Eligible expenditures include reasonable and essential expenditures to carry out the project. These include:

Wages and benefits
Professional fees
Travel and accommodations
Materials and supplies
Printing and communication
Equipment rental/lease/maintenance
Administration costs
Disability support for staff

Projects can receive funding from other sources, including ECSF grants from United Way or Red Cross. However, the same budget item cannot be covered by two separate ECSF grants for the same project.

If you’re unsure of whether to apply here, or your local United Way or Red Cross, please take a look at this infographic for more information.

How are ECSF grants awarded?

Grant applications will be assessed and adjudicated by Port Coquitlam Foundation Grants committee to ensure funding is directed where it’s needed most.

What if I am not a qualified donee?

Canadian Red Cross provides ECSF financial support through their Granting Program for Non-Profits
Non-profits may also partner with an intermediary to carry out the activities associated with the funding request.
Email info@pocofoundation.com for additional opportunities with Port Coquitlam Foundation Covid-19 Community Support

How do organizations apply?

If you serve people in the Tri-Cities, apply through the Community Foundations Canada portal below
If you are unable to apply for ECSF through the online application portal, download and submit a paper-based application.
Registered Charities and Non-Profit service organizations may apply for PPE provisions and training through Canada Red Cross

Learn more about the program and find out if your organization is eligible to apply.