The City of Ottawa allocated funding to 28 projects that will help boost non-profits, encourage cultures and update needed infrastructure.
In a memo to council, Shanna Culhane, Interim Director Gender and Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development, Community and Social Services, notes that 193 applications were received, asking for $27.5 million, but only 28 projects were selected.
The total $1.5 million given to organizations is under the new Community Funding Framework that council updated and approved on Oct. 2. This year’s priorities went to projects and programs for children, youth and neighbourhood organizations that address poverty reduction or that have social development initiatives.
City staff, community experts and youth reviewed the proposals and selected the projects based on funding priorities, collaborations and the impact of the program.
“To ensure an equitable distribution of funds, some agencies will not be receiving the full funding requested. An assessment of viability was conducted when deciding the distribution of funding amounts,” the memo reads.
Some of the organizations approved include the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, Family Services Ottawa a la famille Ottawa, Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa and more.
Projects include food programs, updating a kitchen, adding an additional coordinator and a counsellor for vulnerable youths, among others.