Community Investment Fund
The Community Investment Fund invests in local initiatives delivered by not-for-profit community agencies and other partners. These initiatives target gaps in the delivery of human services, complement or enhance Regional programs and deliver on policy priorities set by Regional Council.
The Region is committed to strengthening community capacity and social infrastructure to improve the ability of communities to identify and respond to the needs of residents.
Community Needs Call for Applications
The Community Needs Call for Applications is now closed. We thank all applicants for their interest in this funding opportunity.
Mental Well-Being Call for Applications
The Mental Well-Being Call for Applications is now closed. We thank all applicants for their interest in this funding opportunity. Applicants will be notified of the results later this year.
E-newsletter
The Community Development Newsletter is a weekly email that provides sector-based, up-to-date information on funding, professional development and training opportunities.
Contact
Have an inquiry about York Region’s Community Investment Fund? Interested in learning more or have an idea for a community project? Please connect with us at @email
Currently Funded Initiatives
Community Projects
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peel | York
Strengthening Resiliency Among Priority Populations
One to one mentoring services for young people aged 6 to 18 to address trauma and build resiliency.
https://york.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
Blue Door Support Services
Open Door: Supporting the Mental Health of our Community’s Diverse Frontline Staff
Addressing and supporting mental health issues of the organization’s frontline staff.
CAYR Community Connections
Rainbow Space Youth
Virtual drop-in program for LGBTQ2S+ youth aged 13 to 20.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – York and South Simcoe
Gender Affirming Health Clinic
Counselling, referrals, and/or support for residents who identify as transgender.
Community Legal Clinic of York Region
Eviction Prevention Project
Tenants living with low income with emotional and mental health challenges, who are at risk of eviction, will receive legal support.
Cornerstone to Recovery
Training and Employment Preparation Program
Residents in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction will receive training and pre-employment supports to help them find and maintain employment.
https://cornerstonetorecovery.com
COSTI Immigrant Services
Life Success Strategies
Participants learn life management skills to obtain and maintain jobs through a personal action plan, workshops, assessments and group engagement activities.
EFRY Hope and Help for Women
Court Liaison/Community Counselling Program
Counselling for women who are experiencing homelessness or in conflict with the law.
Family Services York Region
Families and Schools Together
Newcomer parents can work to strengthen parenting skills for academic performance, attendance and behavioural issues with their children. Group activities include curriculum-based learning.
Outreach and Counselling and Support for Culturally Diverse Residents
Newcomers can receive counselling and mentorship to address social and emotional issues. Counselling is delivered in the following languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Tamil, Urdu, Punjabi, Spanish, Hindi, English and Arabic.
Priority Counselling Services
Prioritizing waitlisted residents from equity-seeking/marginalized population who are looking to receive counselling services.
Girls Inc. of York Region
Improving Mental Health and Well-Being Outcomes for Vulnerable Girls During and After COVID-19
Counselling sessions with a Social Worker/Psychotherapist for girls aged 6 to 18 from vulnerable and marginalized communities, and parents, wellness and safety checks by Social Workers, and assessments, referrals, and system navigation support.
Leadership Program for Girls
Girls (ages six to 18) strengthen their life skills through an after-school program located on Georgina Island. Topics covered include social media awareness, leadership, anti-bullying, nutrition, positive body image, self-defense, active living and violence prevention.
Hong Fook Mental Health Association
Asian Youth Mental Health Clinic Counselling
Counselling, psychoeducational groups, and community outreach to immigrant youth of Asian ethnicity aged 12 to 29, and their families.
Shift
Workshops for Asian youth aged 12 to 29 on mental health and mental illness signs and symptoms, development of a peer-support Youth Ambassador training curriculum with emphasis on developing self-expression, confidence, leadership skills, and mental health knowledge.
Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto
Stronger Together
Supports to reduce social isolation and improve mental health for women impacted by intimate partner violence.
John Howard Society of York Region
Mindful
Skills development program that aims to enhance youth well-being and engagement with their peers and community. The program will provide group-based sessions for Indigenous, Black, and racialized youth ages 11-18 attending Performance Plus schools in York Region.
Thrive
Individual and group counselling to engage youth aged 11 to 24 to learn skills and make positive choices while promoting mental health awareness, resiliency, and system navigation.
https://johnhoward.on.ca/yorkregion/
Krasman Centre
Application Support Worker
Participants will be provided with case management to guide them through successfully completing the Ontario Disability Support Program application process.
Peer Support Outreach Program
People experiencing mental health challenges, addictions, homelessness and trauma will be offered peer support that includes engagement activities, referrals to other community resources, assistance with housing needs and employment supports.
Learning Disabilities Association of York Region
Strategies for Life
Counselling program for young people aged 19 to 29 to build life skills and enhance well-being of individuals with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or ADHD.
LOFT Community Services
LOFT Crosslinks Street Outreach
Residents dealing with homelessness, poverty, mental health and addiction issues will be provided with housing referrals and wrap-around supports, including food, harm reduction supplies, sexual health education and referrals to other services through a mobile van outreach.
Next Generation Arts
H.E.A.L. (Health Empowerment & Arts Leverage)
Art-based trauma-informed program that utilizes the power of the arts to engage youth in unpacking and processing feelings and experiences with grief, trauma, violence and mental health challenges.
https://www.nextgenerationarts.ca/
The Housing Help Centre
Information and Case Management
Residents can access and retain housing through workshops about housing rights and responsibilities, one-to-one case management, referrals and tenant mitigation services to stabilize housing.
Victim Services of York Region
Crisis Intervention and Human Trafficking Counselling
The agency will provide crisis intervention and counselling support to victims of human trafficking and provide additional support by offering practical assistance and referrals to community resources as needed.
Homicide Bereavement Group
To engage survivors and residents impacted by the loss of life that occurred at 9235 Jane St, Vaughan in December 2023. The group will provide emotional support and information to homicide survivors, help survivors work through issues of grief, offer space to share experiences and have open discussion, and provide information pertaining to the lifelong healing process.
https://www.victimservices-york.org
Women's Centre of York Region
Enterprising Careers and Financial Empowerment
Women gain life skills and are supported in their career exploration to help them build networks and achieve financial independence and personal empowerment.
Yellow Brick House
Mental Health Counsellor
Mental Health Counsellor to provide trauma training to staff and counselling for clients.
https://www.yellowbrickhouse.org/
York Region Alliance for African Canadian Communities
Removing the Hurdles, Black Health and Well-being
Culturally appropriate mental health counselling for Black residents delivered from an anti-Black racism, anti-oppressive, and afro-centric lens.
Youth Assisting Youth
Lifeline Program
Mental health counselling for children and youth aged 6 to 15, their mentors (aged 16 to 29), and parents/caregivers and the development enhanced mental health training for youth mentors.
https://youthassistingyouth.com/
York Region Centre for Community Safety
Integrated Service Support for Survivors of Gender-based Violence
Centralized intake, assessment, and case management for victims of intimate partner violence.
Support for Community Action Tables
Funding is being allocated to Lead agencies to bring together community partners in four York Region communities to identify community risks, determine risk mitigation strategies, and provide insights to inform the Community Safety and Well-being Plan for York Region.
Agincourt Community Services Association
Community Action Table Lead – South Central Markham
Lead agency for south-central Markham Community Action Table.
https://www.agincourtcommunityservices.com
Family Services York Region
Community Action Table – Richmond Hill
Lead agency for south-central Richmond Hill Community Action Table.
Routes Connecting Communities Inc.
Community Action Table – Northern Georgina
Lead agency for northern Georgina Community Action Table.
Community Action Table – Central Newmarket
Lead agency for central Newmarket Community Action Table.
Transit Assistance Support
The following community agencies will support the delivery of Transit Assistance Support Program in York Region in 2023:
- (A.C.C.E.S) Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services
- Blue Door Support Services
- Catholic Community Services of York Region
- CAYR Community Connections
- CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors
- Community Living Georgina
- Cornerstone To Recovery
- Girls Inc Of York Region
- Inn From the Cold Inc.
- John Howard Society of York Region
- Lance Krasman Memorial Centre for Community Mental Health
- Learning Centre of Georgina
- Next Generation Arts
- Routes Connecting Communities Inc.
- Sandgate Women's Shelter of York Region Inc.
- Victim Services of York Region Inc./ Services Aux Victimes De York Region
- Women's Centre of York Region
- York Region Centre for Community Safety
- Yor-Sup Net Support Service Network
- Youth Assisting Youth
Related Resources
- Report to Regional Council on Community Investment Fund Investment Priorities for this Council Term (May 2023)
- Community Investment Fund Program Framework
- Report to Regional Council on New Community Investment Find Program Framework (October 2021)
- 2022 Community Investment Fund Activity Report
- Community Supports
- Statistics and Data Resources
