Photo: Mental health, addictions and community safety grant recipients, January 2020. |
In January 2020 – prior to COVID-19 arriving locally – The Foundation announced $5.27 million in strategic grants for charities that work in mental health, addictions and community safety.
The Foundation recognizes that mental health and addictions are often linked to inequity, poverty, and colonialism, and can also lead to concerns over community safety. Based on feedback from the charitable sector and community leaders through focus groups and ongoing conversations, The Foundation developed a strategic response falling under four pillars: Prevention, Crisis Intervention, Treatment and Post-Treatment.
Six charities providing support for those experiencing mental health and addictions received more than $4.6 million. In addition, 12, one-time grants totaling $650,000 were distributed to front-line community organizations. This funding was unrestricted, in acknowledgement that organizations know best how to use the funds in their community.
