2021 British Columbia Floods – Community Gatherings Grants

Overview
Available Funding
Eligibility Criteria
Deadline to Apply
Resources for Applicants

Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Canadian Red Cross is pleased to make available a funding opportunity for organizations in communities in British Columbia that were impacted by the 2021 floods to host community gatherings or events in support of mental health and wellbeing recovery initiatives. In recognition of the critical role that community organizations play in supporting the recovery of communities following an emergency event, Community Gatherings Grants will help organizations looking to host gatherings or events supporting mental health and wellbeing recovery initiatives.

Overview

Community gatherings and events after emergencies are important for coming together, processing experiences, sharing resources and information, and setting priorities for community recovery. These initiatives significantly contribute to increasing community connections and cohesion, which support community wellness and individual mental health in the short and long term.

Available Funding

Eligible organizations may receive up to $10,000 for gatherings and events that support community wellbeing and connectedness following the impacts of the 2021 British Columbia Floods.
Gatherings or events funded by this program:

May be a one-time occurrence or multiple occurrences that support a shared outcome.
Must be open, inclusive, and free of charge.
Must be directly linked to your community’s experience and recovery from the 2021 British Columbia Floods.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations eligible for this program include registered charities or other qualified donees and non-profits that operate exclusively to provide social services, recreation, arts, education services, community service and engagement, and who:

Are registered federally, provincially, or territorially and are in good standing.
Are located and operating in an area impacted by the 2021 floods in British Columbia, including The Fraser Valley, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, and the Thompson Nicola Regional District.
Have been in operation since before June 1, 2021, and are currently delivering services for communities impacted by the 2021 floods.
Have a mandate, guiding statement, strategic plan, or established history of delivering mental health and wellbeing supports, including strengthening social cohesion and connectedness.
Are aligned to the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s Fundamental Principles.

The following are ineligible for this program:

Individuals
Municipalities
For-profit organizations and businesses
Organizations whose sole purpose is to fundraise or provide funding to other organizations
Organizations serving private businesses or economic development needs
Political organizations

Deadline to Apply

Organizations are asked to submit their proposals no later than October 8, 2024. This program is intended to support community gatherings and events scheduled between November 12, 2024, and November 30, 2025.

Organizations will receive an email with instructions for accessing the online application portal and an invitation to consult with Canadian Red Cross personnel for application support. Organizations will be notified of the outcome of the assessment of their submission within 30 days.

Due to the limited funding available, the Canadian Red Cross will prioritize organizations:

That provide community-based mental health and wellbeing support rooted in and reflective of intersectional considerations and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Whose gathering or event represents and contributes to the mental health and wellbeing needs of populations who may have been disproportionately impacted by the 2021 BC Floods due to existing barriers and/or systemic inequities.
Whose application reflects a critical awareness and understanding of community needs. Additionally, the Canadian Red Cross will seek to ensure that funded events or gatherings are distributed across the impacted communities.

The Canadian Red Cross can offer support for understanding the funding parameters and completing your application. Please email us at: 2021FloodsGrants@redcross.ca.

Resources for Applicants

Apply Here

Community-based organizations interested in learning more about this program or for assistance in applying to the program, please contact the Canadian Red Cross at 2021FloodsGrants@redcross.ca.