The Winnipeg Foundation wants to assure the charitable sector, our community partners, generous donors and the entire community that we are doing our best to provide appropriate support and leadership throughout this period of heightened risk and uncertainty.
Foundation staff are working remotely and are available via email – all addresses are listed on our Staff page.
What charities are telling us
During the coming weeks, The Foundation is working together with 18 bellwether organizations to learn more about how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting program and service delivery across Winnipeg’s charitable sector.
Each week, the same bellwether organizations will be asked different questions about the effect of the evolving circumstances of the pandemic on their organizations and The Foundation will share the key themes.
Listen to Rick Frost speak about the key themes from Week 6.
For more information and the key themes from every week, visit the What are charities telling us page.
How you can help
The impact of COVID-19 is more challenging for Winnipeg’s most vulnerable. You can help local front-line agencies provide essential support during this difficult time.
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund allows us to quickly direct funds to organizations who need it most to address their most pressing needs.
COVID-19 Response Grants
The Winnipeg Foundation is committed to supporting our community during this uncertain time. Our grant response to COVID-19 is evolving as implications of the pandemic unfold.
The first phase of our emergency support saw $1.2 million granted to more than 100 organizations to meet the immediate needs of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable. (complete list of Phase 1 grants below)
We are currently offering two types of grants:
- Emergency Community Support Fund (Phase 2) – Immediate needs of vulnerable community members. For more information, visit our Emergency Community Support Fund page.
- Stabilization – Short- and medium-term needs of organization. For more information, visit our Stabilization Grants page.
For all the details of our COVID-19 Grant Response, visit our Granting page.
Winnipeg Foundation – Emergency Support Grants (Phase 1)
(click to view complete list)
The following grants made from mid-March to May are funded by discretionary endowments and gifts to The Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund:
May 21, 2020
Elmwood Community Resource Centre – $25,000
- Support for women experiencing family violence
Nor’West Co-op Community Health Centre – $9,500
- Seven Oaks Resource Network’s Better Access to Groceries food program
Ronald McDonald House – $18,000
- Increased cleaning and safety protocols to ensure health and wellness of families
West Broadway Youth Outreach – $5,000
- Distribute family care packs filled with food, cleaning and hygiene supplies
May 20, 2020
Ethio-Canadian Cultural Academy – $5,000
- Online homework tutoring and electronic devices
Innovative LIFE Options – $3,750
- Personal protective equipment
Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch – $7,500
- Short-term financial assistance program for dialysis patients
Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba – $25,000
- Virtual therapy sessions for children with special needs
May 12, 2020
Broadway Neighbourhood Centre – $2,500
- Remote arts programming, with a focus on vulnerable participants and youth
CancerCare Manitoba Foundation – $25,000
- Personal protective equipment for staff, cancer patients and family
members
Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba – $5,000
- Chromebooks to deliver remote programming to isolated stroke survivors
Taking Charge! – $5,000
- Food hampers to families
May 6, 2020
Immigrant Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) – $25,000
- Provide residents with food, technology to support youth with school, crisis response/social workers, interpreters, and financial empowerment supports
St. Raphael Wellness Centre – $20,000
- Staffing to support increased demand for addiction and mental health services
May 5, 2020
Canadian Cancer Society – $10,000
- Support for increased demand for Cancer Information Helpline and online peer support programs
Ka Ni Kanichihk – $25,000
- Indigenous wellness assessments and supports
Misericordia Health Centre Foundation – $5,000
- COVID-19 Relief Fund
April 29, 2020
Nor’West Co-op Community Health Centre – $20,000
- Support women experiencing family violence or struggling with substance use
Spence Neighbourhood Association – $5,000
- Distribute well-being kits to older adults
April 28, 2020
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) – $5,000
- Support for increased demand for online services, community outreach, and Vision Mates peer support program
Gwen Sector Creative Living Centre – $20,000
- Mobile meal program for isolated seniors
Indigenous Family Centre – $3,000
- Craft and cleaning supplies kits for families
Life’s Journey, Changes Supported Living Services, and Opportunities for Independence (collaborative project) – $10,000
- Assist clients with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders, addictions issues, and mental health concerns to maintain physical distancing
April 24, 2020
Remote schooling assistance
Purchase Chromebooks so You Can Do It Award recipients can continue their studies remotely
- Children of the Earth High School – $18,000
- R. B. Russell Vocational High School – $18,000
April 23, 2020
Personal Care Homes
Total of $70,000
- Actionmarguerite Foundation – $5,000
- Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home – $5,000
- Calvary Place Personal Care Home – $5,000
- The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg – $5,000
- Deer Lodge Centre – $5,000
- Fred Douglas Lodge – $5,000
- Holy Family Home – $5,000
- Lions Personal Care Centre – $5,000
- Luther Home – $5,000
- Misericordia Health Centre – $5,000
- Park Manor Care – $5,000
- Riverview Health Centre – $5,000
- Salvation Army Golden West Centennial Lodge – $5,000
- The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre – $5,000
April 22, 2020
Life’s Journey – $2,000
- Technical upgrades to residences to encourage clients, who have FASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders, to stay at home
Manitoba Brain Injury Association – $4,000
- Assist with their pivot to offer their services online
Pulford Community Living – $5,000
- Personal protective equipment for staff
April 21, 2020
Winnipeg Harvest – $100,000
- Distribution of hampers for isolated older adults and other community needs
April 17, 2020
Family Resource Centres
Total of $112,000, in collaboration with United Way of Winnipeg
- Andrews Street Family Centre – $10,000
- Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute – $7,000
- Elmwood Community Resource Centre – $10,000
- Family Dynamics – $10,000
- Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre – $2,000
- Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre – $20,000
- Marlene Street Community Resource Centre – $2,500
- North End Women’s Centre’s Resource Centre – $8,000
- North Point Douglas Women’s Resource Centre – $8,000
- Nor’West Co-op Community Health Centre – Family Resource Centres – $15,000
- Thrive Community Support Circle – $4,000
- West Central Women’s Resource Centre – $8,000
- Wolseley Family Place – $2,500
- Winnipeg Central Park Women’s Resource Centre – $5,000
Homelessness Initiatives
Total of $112,000, in collaboration with United Way of Winnipeg
- Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg – $5,000
- Main Street Project – $30,000
- Macdonald Youth Services – $5,000
- Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre – $5,000
- Mount Carmel Clinic – $5,000
- Morberg House – $5,000
- Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad – $5,000
- North End Women’s Centre – $4,000
- North Point Douglas Women’s Centre – $4,000
- Resource Assistance for Youth – $10,000
- Rossbrook House – $5,000
- Spence Neighbourhood Association – West End 24 Hour Safe Space for Youth – $20,000
- Wahbung Abinoonjiiag – $5,000
- West Central Women’s Resource Centre – $4,000
April 15, 2020
House of Hesed – $10,000
- Support for residents with HIV/AIDS
Manitoba School Improvement Program – $5,000
- Distributing groceries to families
ImagineAbility Manitoba – $20,000
- Preparing and delivering food to people with disabilities
Remote arts programming
Focused on serving vulnerable participants and youth
- Art City – $2,500
- Artbeat Studio – $2,500
- ArtsJunktion – $2,500
- Graffiti Art Programming – $2,500
April 14, 2020
Inspire Community Outreach – $5,000
- Virtual support for caregivers of children and youth with disabilities or mental health challenges
New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults & Families – $25,000
- Food and toiletries for the most vulnerable participants in their Supported Independent Living Program
St. Boniface Street Links – $10,000
- Outreach and essential items for those who are homeless
April 13, 2020
Knowles Centre – $5,000
- Personal protective equipment for group home clients and staff
Manitoba Islamic Association – $5,000
- Online supports and to deliver food/essential items
April 7, 2020
Inclusion Winnipeg – $10,000
- Production of a video on COVID-19 and social distancing for people with intellectual disabilities
Inner City Youth Alive – $10,000
- Outreach and support for children, youth & families
April 6, 2020
The Children’s Hospital Foundation – $10,000
- Patient & staff supports
Grace General Hospital Foundation – $10,000
- Patient & staff supports
Health Sciences Centre Foundation – $25,000
- Patient & staff supports
St. Boniface Hospital Foundation – $10,000
- Patient & staff supports
April 3, 2020
Resource Assistance for Youth – $15,000
- Outreach and other supports for homeless youth
St. Amant Centre – $5,000
- iPads so clients can connect with family, online supports
Winnipeg Inner City Missions – $7,000
- Food for families
April 1, 2020
Ability Online – $5,000
- Online supports to children, youth and young adults with disabilities
Continuity Care – $10,000
- Remote support to families
Red Road Lodge – $20,000
- Meals, shelter and extra cleaning, to meet an increased demand
March 27, 2020
Dakota Ojibway Child & Family Services – $10,000
- Food, essential supplies and educational materials for families
Never Alone Foundation – $3,000
- Financial assistance and other supports to individuals undergoing cancer treatment
SSCOPE – $20,000
- Deliver food on behalf of Winnipeg Harvest, and to support homeless individuals
March 25, 2020
Rossbrook House – $15,000
- Youth drop in centre
Abilities Manitoba – $25,000
- COVID-19 response activities
March 19, 2020
Family Resource Centres
With support from the Moffat Family Fund, in collaboration with United Way of Winnipeg
- Andrews Street Family Centre – $10,000
- Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute – $8,000
- Elmwood Community Resource Centre – $8,000
- Family Dynamics – 3 sites – $13,000
- Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre – $4,000
- Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre – $15,000
- Marlene Street Community Resource Centre – $4,000
- North End Women’s Resource Centre$10,000
- North Point Douglas Women’s Resource Centre – $10,000
- Nor’West Co-Op Community Health Centre – Family Resource Centres – $13,000
- South Winnipeg Family Information Centre – $4,000
- Thrive Community Support Circle – $4,000
- West Central Women’s Resource Centre – $10,000
- Wolseley Family Place – $4,000
- Winnipeg Central Park Women’s Resource Centre – $3,000
Spence Neighbourhood Association – $25,000
With support from the Moffat Family Fund, in collaboration with United Way of Winnipeg
- West End 24 Hour Safe Space for Youth
March 16, 2020
Winnipeg Harvest – $100,000
- COVID-19 response activities
March 12, 2020
Meal programs
- Agape Table – $10,000
- Lighthouse Mission – $10,000
- Nor’west Co-op Community Food Centre – $10,000
- Sunshine House – $10,000
- Union Gospel Mission – $10,000
- 1JustCity, to support the following:
- Oak Table – $10,000
- St. Matthews Community Ministry – $10,000
- West Broadway Community Services – $10,000
Overnight shelters
- Main Street Project – $25,000
- Salvation Army – $25,000
- Siloam Mission – $25,000
Our fundholders are also working with us to support our community during this difficult time. If you would like to work with us to respond to COVID-19, contact us by email.
Donor Advised Grants
(click to view complete list)
The following grants are supported by Donor-Advised Funds, held at The Winnipeg Foundation:
- Agape Table – $10,000
- Winnipeg Harvest – $20,000 provided by two Donor-Advised Funds
- Kids Help Phone – $100,000 provided by two Donor-Advised Funds
- MSC Canada – $5,000