Investing in the Community
Funding is disbursed to programs in the KFL&A region that fit within United Way’s three Community Impact Areas: Helping Kids Be All They Can Be, Building Strong and Healthy Communities, Moving People From Poverty to Possibility
To learn more about United Way’s funding strategy, please click the link: Community Investment Strategy
The United Way invests in programs that have a wide range of impact. These programs support thousands of local residents, helping them when they need it the most. Last year, over 79,000 local residents found support through United Way funded programs. In 2020, United Way disbursed funds to 220 programs. A list of these grants can be found at www.unitedwaykfla.ca/grants/
Recognizing the ever-changing needs of the community, United Way offers grants that provide support, enabling agencies to respond to new emerging needs and issues, often leveraging other sources of funding.
United Way KFL&A Covid-19 Response Fund
United Way KFL&A has created a Covid-19 Response Fund to support local responses to the pandemic. For more information on how to apply for these grants, please contact Kim Hockey at khockey@unitedwaykfla.ca
Community Investment Fund (CIF) Grants
These one-time grants are disbursed through a joint City of Kingston and United Way KFLA fund. These grants encourage innovative and collaborative responses to social needs in our community. There is an annual call for applications in the fall. City of Kingston and United Way provide grants of up to $25,000. Due to COVID-19, some timelines have been adjusted.
2021 Round 2 – CIF Grants: Application process closed on May 21, 2021.
The City of Kingston has provided funding to help local organizations with additional expenses related to service delivery during pandemic and/or post-pandemic. Organizations that applied will be advised about the outcomes of the volunteer review process by the end of July 2021.
Please Note: CIF Round 2 will replace the Fall 2021 process. The next round of Community Investment Fund grants will be in the Fall of 2022, for programs running in 2023.
Resources
Community Investment Fund Working Application
Community Investment Fund Frequently Asked Questions
For more information regarding the Community Investment Fund, please call the United Way at 613-542-2674 ext. 1503 program@unitedwaykfla.ca
Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy
United Way, as the community entity, is responsible for distributing federal funding for homelessness. A volunteer panel makes recommendations based on guidelines and priorities established and recommended through a Community Advisory Board.
The United Way, in collaboration with the Community Advisory Board, disburses project funding to organizations that meet an identified need and goal within one of the following 3 priorities:
Priority – Housing Loss Prevention: by supporting individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness before a crisis occurs. This includes supporting those who are currently housed but at-risk of losing their housing, as well as, preventing individuals who are being discharged from public systems (for example, health, corrections, and child welfare) from becoming homeless.
Priority – Housing Services: to improve the self-sufficiency of homeless individuals and families, and those at imminent risk of homelessness, through individualized services that lead into more stable, safe, appropriate and affordable housing (i.e.) transitional, supportive, permanent housing, Indigenous housing that reflect cultural values, beliefs and practices.
Priority – Capital Investments to preserve or increase the capacity of facilities: used to address the needs of people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, including those that support culturally appropriate programming for Indigenous individuals and families.
Guidelines & Application Forms:
At this time there is no additional call for proposals. Please visit this site for updated information. You can also contact associate@unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
- Application Form (Word Document)
Capacity Building:
United Way offers supports to agencies through workshops that provide professional development, leadership development and board governance. Please contact Chelsea Overstrom for more information at program@unitedwaykfla.ca
Partner Agency Funding
Through an annual rigorous review process by volunteers who participate in our Review Panels, United Way allocates ongoing, stable funding to its partner agencies for specific programs. Partner Agency funding allows agencies the flexibility to develop and respond to the emerging needs of the communities they serve. It allows them to make plans, knowing they have a reliable source of funding. This year, the process and Community Investment Strategy have been adapted to meet the changing and evolving needs locally.
Community volunteers and professional staff ensure accountability through a thoughtful review process. Agencies submit applications and volunteers make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. They ensure that community resources are well invested, avoiding duplication and redundancy.
United Way would like to thank all volunteers who participate in the review process. This process ensures accountability and supports strong service networks to help the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community.
United Way collaborates with frontline agencies, government funders and people with lived experience, identifying gaps, challenges and opportunities, facilitating coordination of services to avoid duplication. More details, including criteria, reporting and dates, can be found in the Community Investment Strategy.