ECSF: FGM has distributed $11 million in response to the pandemic

The Foundation of Greater Montréal (FGM) has distributed all the funds it managed under the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)’s second cycle of funding. This program was created by the Government of Canada to support populations vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic

In all, FGM supported about 100 new community projects through this second phase of the ECSF. These projects cumulatively represent an additional investment of $3.2 million. This brings the total ECSF grants close to $11 million in the Greater Montréal area.

“Once again, the study and selection of projects have been challenging. The combined value of the granting requests we have received represents 700% of the funds we had on hand. This is a clear indicator of the scale of the needs in the community.” said Karel Mayrand, FGM’s President and CEO. “This pandemic is not over yet. The Greater Montréal community needs to come together to ensure no one is left behind. We hope the ECSF will be the beginning of an enhanced support system for our exhausted community sector. Numerous people are vulnerable and dependant on our community organizations, having nowhere else to turn in this time of crisis”, he added.

In this second cycle of funding, 63% of the projects (representing $2 million) are based on the Island of Montreal. 21% are located in the South Shore and Montérégie region ($640,000) and 16% in Laval and the North Shore ($500,000). 75% of the projects belong to the social development area, where the level of need has skyrocketed. Food security, as well as psychosocial support – including funding for day centers –  is where the needs were the greatest. Funding for safe social activities and emergency housing has also been given out.

“Canadian charities and non-profit organizations play a vital role in our communities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so that they can continue to help the most vulnerable members of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.”, said the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen.

The projects funded through the ECSF specifically target populations that are more vulnerable to the consequences of the pandemic. As such, two thirds of the grants went to organizations offering services to groups needing specific forms of support. Racialized individuals or immigrants, the elderly, disabled persons or people living in homelessness, for example, match this description.

“These community organizations are all part of our social fabric, and they are hurting at the moment. This crisis has put enormous pressure on them. They will need continued support in the coming months if they are to keep carrying out their mission. The Foundation of Greater Montréal will answer the call,” Mr. Mayrand concluded.

The Foundation of Greater Montréal (FGM) helps individuals, families and organizations to  support their community by creating philanthropic funds. FGM manages the assets of about 650 funds, guides donors and supports community organizations. A member of the Community Foundations of Canada, FGM encourages philanthropy as a driver for well-being in Greater Montréal.

The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) is a $350 M emergency financial support program from the Government of Canada. Alongside the Red Cross, United Way and Community Foundations of Canada, FGM is proud to participate in its distribution. The Fund assists the most vulnerable populations in Canada, those less equipped to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. To that end, the ECSF provides much needed support to front-line organizations