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Lutheran Social Services partners with London Community Foundation to provide $148,000 in urgent need grants to 16 charities throughout the city
(June 28, 2010) Observing the increased need throughout the country, trustees from London's Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Fund are working with London Community Foundation to assist many local organizations that reach out across their communities to provide food, clothing, transportation and shelter to those in need.
”Working together is mutually beneficial for our organizations but even more important our combined impact on those who need our help is very meaningful," states Martha Powell, London Community Foundation's CEO. “We believe a vital community is one that can meet its most important needs, challenges and opportunities, both today and in the future and we are pleased to be able to invest these funds where they are needed most."
London Community Foundation managed the overall grant application process contributing $103,150 for funding, while LSS contributed an additional $44,850.
The 16 charitable organizations receiving spring 2010 urgent need grants includes:
- At'Losha ($12,000)
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters ($6,000)
- Childreach ($8,000)
- Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre ($10,950)
- The Daily Bread ($12,000)
- Girls and Boys Club ($12,000)
- Limberlost Chaplaincy ($7,500)
- Merrymount Children's Centre ($12,000)
- Salvation Army ($12,000)
- South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre ($12,000)
- Thames Valley District School Board, Adult Education ($7,000)
- United Way/Family Networks ($9,000)
- Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness in London ($5,000)
- Women's Community House ($3,800)
- Youth Action Centre, Youth Opportunities Unlimited ($9,050)
- North London Resource Centre ($10,000)
Collectively, the agencies represent a wide geographic area serving a broad demographic. Individually, each agency has a strong organizational capacity. All have been experiencing a continuing surge in demand for crisis intervention services this year. Funding will be used to replenish food banks, diaper and baby formula food supplies, supply health and hygiene products, supplement breakfast programs, emergency cash banks, or/and other basic human needs.
Christine Walker from Merrymount Children's Centre says the urgent need grant comes at a significant time as they have been struggling to keep short term crisis residential beds open.
"During this difficult time, it would be impossible to support the families that come to our door without many essential basic needs met. This emergency funding will aid services such as overnight care for young children. Although it's pouring down rain, it feels like a rainbow has to be out there somewhere."
About London Community Foundation & the Urgent Need Grant Program:
In 2008, poor market returns on endowments reduced money available for Community Foundation grants at the same time our community was met with unprecedented need from non-profit agencies serving the social service sector. In response, the Community Foundation's 2009 and 2010 traditional small grant cycle was suspended in favour of a more immediate and responsive granting strategy, the Urgent Need Grant Program.
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For more information
Martha Powell, CEO
London Community Foundation
519.667.1600 ext 101
mpowell@lcf.on.ca
