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COVID-19 Resources for Non-Profits

To say that the last few weeks have been a challenge would be an understatement.

Across the country, millions of us are making rapid, unplanned changes to the ways we live, work, and connect to others. Even in the best conditions, change is difficult.

Recognizing that, our team has prepared a list of resources for non-profits, including supports for organizations that receive funding from REFBC. We hope the information is helpful – feel free to share and send us an email if there is a new resource you think we should add to the list.

Our priorities haven’t changed. We’re committed to supporting our grantees and partners, our staff members and their families, and the communities we serve.

Supports for non-profits and workers

The Government of Canada has announced several economic measures to support individuals and businesses, including non-profit organizations:

  • A 75% wage subsidy for qualifying businesses and non-profits, for up to three months.
  • An option for businesses to defer income taxes, until after August 31, 2020.
  • An additional $157.5 million to support people experiencing homelessness.
  • Increases to the Canada Child Benefit and a special one-time GST credit payment.
  • A Canada Emergency Response Benefit of up to $2,000 a month for four months for workers who are sick, unable to work, or out of work and don’t qualify for Employment Insurance.

Imagine Canada is releasing regular updates on national supports for non-profits and charities.Generation Squeeze has an excellent guide on supports for individuals and households.

The Province of British Columbia has also announced several economic and social support measures, including:

  • An option for businesses to delay provincial tax filing until September 30, 2020.
  • A one-time $1,000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers who have lost income.
  • A $500/month temporary rent supplement, a moratorium on most evictions, and a freeze on rent increases.

Supports for REFBC grantees

If you are currently (or expect to be) receiving funding from REFBC, we want to make sure our processes aren’t getting in your way or making a difficult situation even worse.

We’re offering extra flexibility and supports to grantees:

  • Need extra time? We can extend deadlines for project reports, reviews, and grant correspondence.
  • Need to prioritize? We can relax funding conditions for organizations that need to focus on core needs.
  • Need dollars sooner? With a conversation, we can release grant payments early for organizations with cash-flow concerns.
  • Need to cancel or postpone an event? We will not be withdrawing support from events we’ve funded or sponsored. If possible, we’ll aim to roll our commitments forward to future events. 

As with any disruption, quick, specific communication is always helpful. We want to support you – please tell us what you need. Our team is available by email and voicemail.

Resources on technology, health, and community

Technology and remote work:

Health and well-being:

Real estate:

Community connection:

What’s working for you?

We aren’t experts in working remotely. The word “pandemic” isn’t in our usual lexicon.

Like you, we’re learning as we go and making adaptations to respond to the needs of our team, our grantees and partners, and the communities we serve.

Through this crisis, we’ve been inspired by the ways non-profits, community groups, and neighbours are stepping up to support one another through this. 

So, tell us, what’s working for you and your team?

Leave a comment for us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Or feel free to drop a note to our CEO, Mark Gifford: mark@refbc.com.  

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Past REFBC updates re: COVID-19:

Posted in:
News
Published on: March 2, 2020

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