The Winnipeg Foundation distributes $3.5 million in Capital Grants to 11 Winnipeg charities

For immediate release – Today, The Winnipeg Foundation announces support for the capital projects of 11 Winnipeg charities, which will receive grants totaling $3.5 million. Most of the charities work in the areas of health and education – areas that are vital, given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grants, ranging in size from $100,000 to $500,000, are allocated to the following organizations:

• CEDA (Community Education Development Association of Winnipeg)
• Centre Flavie-Laurent
• Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
• Health Sciences Centre Foundation
• Nor’West Co-Op Community Health Centre
• Riverwood Church Community
• Ronald McDonald House
• Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation
• Snowflake Place
• St. John Ambulance
• Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre

Learn more about the projects in the backgrounder – Media Release with backgrounder [PDF].

“Every year, The Foundation sets aside funds in support of major capital projects in the community. All of these projects feel even more compelling in the face of COVID-19,” says Megan Tate, The Foundation’s Director of Community Grants.

“Ensuring youth have access to important after-school programming; providing parents and families a safe, socially-distanced place to stay if children are in the hospital; supporting those experiencing addictions, poverty, and homelessness with stable housing; creating spaces for citizens to learn and grow – these are all important initiatives in our community,” she adds.

Centre Flavie-Laurent is one of the 11 organizations receiving a capital grant to purchase and construct a new warehouse and renovate existing spaces. Centre Flavie-Laurent provides essential household supplies to up to 100 families every day.

“Centre Flavie-Laurent strives to be an effective ally in the battle against poverty so that the most vulnerable may live in a dignified manner,” says Julie Turenne-Maynard, Chair of the Centre Flavie-Laurent Board of Directors. “This grant will enable us to have greater means to serve clients, support volunteers and staff, and house material goods, clothing, furniture, and bedding for impoverished and vulnerable populations who rely on our service. This support brings our organization one step to expanding our services, renovating a building, and constructing a new warehouse to support people in need.”

The Foundation uses a two-stage grant application process for its Major Capital Grants. For Stage 1, The Foundation received applications from 25 organizations requesting $10.75 million in support. Of these, 13 organizations were invited to Stage 2. The total value requested in the second stage was $6.35 million, of which 11 grants were approved totaling $3.5 million. Applications received from charities always outweigh The Foundation’s capacity to respond.

“The Winnipeg Foundation is a 360-degree funder, which means we support charities working in all Causes areas in our community,” says Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. “This support would not be possible without the generations of generous donors who have chosen to support the community through The Winnipeg Foundation. Gifts to The Foundation are endowed, meaning they support our community’s changing needs and emerging opportunities For Good. Forever.”