COVID-19 Emergency Support for Community Organizations
COVID-19 Emergency Support for Community Organizations Granting Program for Non-Profits
United Way: Emergency Community Support Fund
United Ways have received additional funding through the Federal Government. This time, we can provide grants to organizations outside of our typical funding area. Both United Way of Regina and United Way of Saskatoon and Area have put out a call for applications.
United Way of Regina is looking after the southern part of the province and we are looking after the central and northern regions. I have included links to both the websites. The websites provide lots of detail and information on how to apply, who can apply, etc. If an application is incorrectly submitted to the wrong link, we will ensure it is sent to the proper one so that it can be reviewed.
https://www.unitedwayregina.ca/servlet/eAndar.article/442
https://unitedwaysaskatoon.ca/emergency-community-support-fund/
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Federal Support for Seniors
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Supporting the delivery of items and personal outreach
We are contributing $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.
https://www.unitedway.ca/how-we-help/find-your-uwc/
Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
We reduced the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25 per cent for 2020.
Providing immediate and essential services to seniors
We are expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network.
For all organizations who received funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream, funding can be used to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html
Providing a one-time tax-free payment
We are providing a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
This measure would give a total of $500 to individuals who are eligible to receive both the OAS and the GIS, and will help them cover increased costs caused by COVID-19.
Temporarily extending the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance payments
We are temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed.
This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than by October 1, 2020.