As our support during this crisis evolves, we will be updating this page on an ongoing basis. Click here for more information about the Emergency Community Support Fund.
Last updated: May 22, 2020

It is a difficult moment for communities in Canada and around the world. With the declaration of a COVID-19 pandemic, we want to share information about the steps we are taking to support community foundations as well as updates about our operations during the crisis. 

We understand that the impacts of this crisis are profound across your community and for many areas of your core business. Community foundations have important work to do. We are committed to supporting all foundations who may be seeking guidance or a space to exchange with others while navigating the crisis over the coming days and weeks.

We will be hosting COVID-19-specific online learning sessions, as well as providing written support documents. We have also compiled a selection of free online resources, below, which we will update regularly going forward. We are engaged in active dialogue with sector partners and peer organizations about ways we can best support the charitable and non-profit sector during the crisis. 


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Coping with COVID-19: A Weekly Newsletter for Community Foundations

May 8, 2020
May 1, 2020
April 24, 2020
April 17, 2020
April 9, 2020
April 3, 2020
March 27, 2020


The Learning Institute
Resources and guides designed for community foundations
Emergency Community Support Fund Links
Ensuring no one is left behind: Putting equity and inclusion at the heart of our emergency response
Applications open for new $350 Million Emergency Community Support Fund
FAQs: The Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)
Map: Community Foundations Participating in the ECSF

Journal Posts
Map: Local Community Foundation Responses to COVID-19
A COVID-19 Statement from CFC, PFC, EFC, and The Circle on supporting grantees
Programming FAQ and Updates Amid COVID-19
Five tips for community foundations on responding to COVID-19
Leading in a time of crisis: An interview with our President and CEO
A Global Movement: 10 Examples of How Community Foundations are Responding to COVID-19 Around the World

Community Foundations in Action
Community Foundations in Action: Fondation du Grand Montreal
Community Foundations In Action: South Saskatchewan Community Foundation
Community Foundations in Action: Prince George Community Foundation
Community foundations in action: Victoria Foundation
Community foundations in action: Oakville Community Foundation
Community foundations in action: Edmonton Community Foundation
Community foundations in action: Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta
Community foundations in action: Windsor-Essex Community Foundation
Community foundations in action: Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island

Webinars
For our upcoming webinars, please visit our Events page
Recording COVID-19 and Impact Investment (with Philanthropic Foundations Canada)
Recording COVID-19: Stewarding donors in turbulent times
Recording COVID-19: Community Foundations and the Canada Wage Subsidy Program
Recording COVID-19: How are community foundations responding?
Slide Deck COVID-19: How are community foundations responding?
Recording COVID-19: Managing investments in volatile markets
Recording Canadian Foundations In Times of Crisis: Giving to Non-Qualified Donees
Recording Best Practices for Engagement in Virtual Meetings
To view all past events, including those that were note recorded, visit our Past Events page

Documents
When Disaster Strikes: A guide for community foundations
When Disaster Strikes: A webinar for community foundations

Additional Resources and Guides
Resources from across the Sector

Crisis Communications Support
Coronavirus Crisis Comms Triage Kit, The Communications Network
Tech companies are offering free tools to support remote work, including Zoom videoconferencing technologies , Business Insider
Connecting with community foundation peers during the COVID-19 pandemic, CFLeads
Virtual Communities Toolkit, Communities for Impact
What to Say to Donors about COVID-19, LinkedIn Creative
The “Scary Times” Success Manual, Strategic Coach

Articles
COVID-19 and the charitable sector, Imagine Canada 
Nonprofits on the front lines of COVID-19, Ontario Non-profit Network 
Philanthropy and the Pandemic, The Philanthropist 
6 Steps for Grant Makers to Take Now to Ensure Nonprofits Recover From Coronavirus Spread, The Chronicle of Philanthropy 
COVID-19⁠—Seven Things Philanthropy Can Do, FSG Consulting 
COVID-19: Five Things to Know and Do, Nonprofit Risk Management Centre
Covid-19: A Test of Community, The Heinz Endowments
Why Women Will Feel the Societal Impacts of Coronavirus More Intensely, Future of Good

Government Resources
Public Health Agency of Canada
Preparing Communities for COVID-19, Government of Canada
Coronavirus and First Nations Communities, Government of Canada
Getting Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19, World Health Organization

External Webinars
Recording COVID-19 Coronavirus: How Philanthropy Can Respond, Centre for Disaster Philanthropy 
Recording What to Know and How to Communicate about COVID-19 COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Richard Wenzel, The Communications Network
Recording Indigenous Communities and COVID-19, Indigenous Climate Action & Idle No More
March 24 Responding to COVID-19: What Canadian NPO boards and management teams should know, PwC

If there are other actions we can take to help you, please let us know by emailing communications@communityfoundations.ca. We can all continue to learn and support each other during this difficult time. 

In our own operations, CFC is taking several measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and wellbeing of our team and extended network. These measures include: 

  • Enhancing hygiene and cleaning procedures in our Ottawa and Toronto offices 
  • Limiting business travel and using remote work procedures 
  • [Update: Mon March 16] CFC staff will be working from home as of Monday, March 16
  • Postponing CFC network gatherings, or large group meetings scheduled in March and re-organizing, where possible, using virtual teleconferencing systems. We are monitoring the situation closely and will make a decision in the coming weeks about whether to hold or postpone the April and May peer gatherings

We remind everyone to please prioritize personal hygiene by washing your hands often with soap, using hand sanitizer, and limiting person-to-person contact (ie handshaking, hugging). Other reliable tips are available via Health Canada and the World Health Organization

There are many actions we each can take personally to not only ensure our own safety, but also that of others in our immediate vicinity.

While we adjust our operations, members of our team are available to address any questions or concerns you may have. We will continue to communicate updates to you as the situation evolves. 

Finally, we know that times like these put communities to the test. Vulnerable populations typically feel the weight and negative social impacts most acutely. As pillars in your communities, thank you for all that you do to bring out the best in people and for championing compassion and resilience in uncertain times. On behalf of CFC, we wish you and all those in your community good health throughout the weeks to come.