When the pandemic struck last March, charities across the City and County of Peterborough responded with compassion and imagination. While some had to close their doors to the public, many more came up with creative solutions to continue serving our community.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, local charities have kept showing up for our community, making sure that people who need it continue to have access to food, shelter and services.
There is still a tremendous need to continue to support local charities as demand for services continues to rise, while fundraising opportunities have declined so suddenly.
That’s why the Community Foundation’s 2020 Vital Community Grants are providing operating grants to help charities bridge the gap between emergency funding and longer-term recovery.
In total, more than $135,000 in grants will help sustain 30 local charities, with priority given to organizations that primarily serve marginalized people in Greater Peterborough.
“We know that the pandemic has had the greatest impact on people who are already experiencing marginalization, so the need to support organizations who deliver services and programs to people at the margins is more important now, than ever,” says Jennifer DeBues, Director of Operations and Granting at the Community Foundation. “Grants supporting organizations such as Four Counties Addiction Services Team, the Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough are examples of how the Foundation is backing charities that serve marginalized community members.”
DeBues is inspired by local philanthropists who helped to fund these grants. “We can make the biggest difference when we work together, and we’re grateful that so many donors have opted to create discretionary funds that can be pooled to provide this kind of community support, right when and where it’s needed most.”
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