A 91原创-based credit union is giving out money to local charities in need due to COVID.

Envision Financial and the First West Foundation has launched a $600,000 community response fund to help charities, said Susan Byrom, executive director of the First West Foundation.

The charitable sector is facing a considerable challenge, she elaborated. COVID-19 has increased the demand on services that support the community鈥檚 most vulnerable鈥攁nd decreased non-profit resources to provide these supports.

Sadly, said Richard Hill 鈥� board chair of the First West Foundation 鈥� this lack of resources is also limiting these organizations in their ability to fundraise for donations they 鈥渄esperately need.鈥�

First West Foundation, philanthropic partner to Envision Financial (a division of First West Credit Union), is stepping up to meet this need by launching its community response fund.

The fund will bestow $600,000 in community grants to charities in regions served by First West, specifically $300,000 in the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and Kitimat regions.

鈥淭hese organizations urgently need funds to deliver their programs and services to the community鈥檚 most vulnerable during the very difficult circumstances the pandemic has created,鈥� Hill said. 鈥淥ur mission is to help them do what they do best.鈥�

Registered charities focused on addressing food security and basic needs for youth, families, and seniors impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for the on the First West Foundation .

鈥淭ypically, granting applications require detailed information to qualify and then the funds may take several months to be distributed,鈥� Byrom explained.

鈥淲e know the need in our communities is urgent, so we鈥檝e set up these funds as low-barrier 鈥� meaning the application process is fast and simple and funding will be disbursed quickly to address this need.鈥�

The community response fund will provide $500,000 in grants to charitable organizations focused on food security and basic needs support for youth, families, and seniors most impacted by COVID-19 in the regions First West Credit Union serves.

Another component of the Community Help Fund will provide $100,000 in the form of two hundred $500 grants to charities that complete a profile on about their organization, to kickstart their fundraising efforts. Do Some Good is a social impact technology platform designed to amplify community impact by connecting Canadians with local causes.

Applications are now being accepted.

Charities can request any amount but may not receive all the funding requested.

A small committee will review grant applications and make funding recommendations, Byrom elaborated. And, as part of its community investment, First West Credit Union pays all operating expenses, ensuring 100 per cent of foundation funds are used for charitable purposes.

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