The Cortes Island Community Foundation (CICF) is partnering with the Community Foundations of Canada, the Equality Fund, and the Government of Canada to focus on local gender equality initiatives.
The Fund for Gender Equality "looks to support local initiatives in over 20 communities across Canada. Hosted by local community foundations, the Fund builds on efforts to shift power to women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people, and will work towards a future grounded in justice and gender equality," according to the Community Foundations of Canada.
Grants for up to $40,000 are being awarded to fund local projects.
Applications are being accepted until Oct. 31 for new programs, projects, or expanding programs on Cortes Island that qualify for the national Fund for Gender Equality. Christina MacWilliam, CICF director, spoke with CKTZ about eligibility for projects and applicants.
“Registered charities, registered Canadian amateur athletic associations, registered Canadian municipalities or their housing, cultural and recreational agencies, First Nations, and other registered municipal or public bodies performing a function of government in Canada…That's the official definition of qualified donee," MacWilliam said. "And that's why there are so many organizations… that aren't considered qualified donees.”
MacWilliam says that individuals and non-qualified donees may also apply in partnership with qualified donees. Non-qualified donees may be allowed to manage the projects or programs. Those that offer the programming are expected to be a part of the community that they are serving, under the grant.
The deadline for the application is fast approaching, and the initiative was only announced to Cortes Islanders on Oct. 7. MacWilliam explained how they are coping with the short notice.
“This whole initiative is really new... I just became aware of the deadline on September 26th," MacWilliam says. "Having looked back through the original application that we made to be part of this initiative in May, this information was there. There was a change in leadership within the Community Foundations of Canada around the project management… and that's why we will do whatever is needed to help support these organizations that wanna apply, to get that in before the 31st of October. We would love to see some good applications come in from Cortes.”
CICF is encouraging the public to visit their website where they can learn more about the fund.
To learn more about the Gender Equality Fund opportunity, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: