About the GSC Community Impact Fund:
Creating Communities of Care for Algoma

From April to September 2022, the Algoma Community Foundation (ACF) spent time listening deeply to individuals and organizations interacting with the mental health and addictions sectors in rural, urban, First Nation and unorganized communities across Algoma.  The GSC’s Community Impact Fund: Creating Communities of Care in Algoma program was developed using this feedback.  This fund is made possible with financial support from Green Shield Canada.

Coming out of that process, the ACF is now inviting local community groups to apply in support of new or existing projects, programs or operations that support the positive mental health and well being of individuals and communities across Algoma.  

NOTE: we will be developing a sibling fund specifically for youth-led initiatives that will be launched in 2023.

Overview of the funding opportunity

If you are working on an initiative, idea or program that supports the mental health and well being of individuals or groups across Algoma we want to hear about it!

We invite applications from community groups (incorporated non-profits, collectives and grassroots groups, registered charities, Indigenous Governing Bodies, municipalities) in the Algoma Region (from Spanish to Wawa, inclusive of Sault Ste. Marie) for new or existing projects, programs or operations.

Your idea could be:

• Something you know is working but you need more support to keep going or grow

• An innovative solution that you feel would be transformational, that is not typically supported through mainstream funding sources

What kinds of initiatives will be supported

Through our community consultation process, we heard that support is needed for the following kinds of initiatives:

1. Community spaces that spark joy
   Creating or increasing availability of existing spaces (physical spaces, events, activities) that offer accessible, welcoming, culturally inclusive opportunities for social interaction, the development of support networks and incorporate activities that contribute to positive mental health (examples include: creativity, music, nature, food, ceremony, talking circles, physical activity, etc.)
   

2. Training and public education that builds support and reduces stigma
   Creating or increasing availability and accessibility of local opportunities for training and public education that will help decrease stigma and increase understanding, empathy and/or skills related to the root causes or outcomes of negative mental health (e.g. Narcan training; trauma-informed training; Indigenous cultural competency; anti-oppression; anti-racism, etc.). 
   

3. Mental health and addictions services that are available, accessible and welcoming
   Increasing access and reducing barriers to mental health and addictions services and supports (e.g. transportation to mental health services, system navigation, hiring mental health providers and supports, offering childcare or food, etc.)
   

4. Care for the Caregivers
   Opportunities for respite, retreats, peer support, wellness programming, and other mental health supports for those who have been in caregiving roles throughout the pandemic (parents, spouses, support workers, service providers, teachers, EAs, nurses, health care practitioners etc.)
   

5. Other great ideas that you think will lead to positive improvement in overall mental health and well-being.

Who will be prioritized?

While initiatives serving any communities located in Algoma are welcome to apply, based on community feedback, we will be prioritizing initiatives that focus on one or more of the following groups:

• Youth serving programs (a youth-led funding program will be launched in 2023)

• Rural, outlying and First Nation communities, Métis settlements, small towns and municipalities

• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities

• 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

• People living with trauma, mental illness and/or addictions

• Caregivers (parents, spouses, support workers, teachers, EAs, nurses, health care practitioners etc.)

Funding available

A total of $200,000 is available to be distributed to groups across Algoma through this fund. We encourage applications with requests of $5,000 to $25,000. If you have an idea in mind that would need over $25,000 please contact us to discuss your application.

How funding decisions will be made

Applications will be assessed by a local Community Grant Review team comprising individuals from across Algoma who hold lived and professional experience related to the mental health and addictions sector.

Applications are now closed.