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 Investment Fund Call for Applications - Housing Stability
In May 2023, York Regional Council approved six priorities for the Community Investment Fund and the program has a total budget of approximately $8.8 million.
The Region is accepting applications from not-for-profit organizations and registered charities to deliver services for the Community Investment Fund’s priority of Housing Stability.
Funding will be provided to projects for up to 39 months of service delivery, starting October 1, 2023. There is no limit to the amount of funding that can be requested per project. Single and multi-year applications are being considered.
Applicants are asked to submit funding requests that are proportional with proposed activities. There is limited funding available and there is no guarantee that any project that meets the overall criteria will be funded.
This is a competitive process and applications will be assessed based on a number of considerations including demonstration of service need, clarity of proposed initiative, project goals, and key activities, organizational capacity of the applicant to deliver services, and potential impact on identified outcomes.
Applicants may submit more than one project proposal. For each proposal a separate submission is required.
Additional details including eligibility criteria can be found in the Call for Applications Guidelines.
How to Apply
Applications and attachments must be submitted through the online application. Please review the Call for Applications Guidelines prior to completing an application. The following items are required for an application to be considered complete.
- Completion of required online application questions - (application preview)
- Submission of Project Plan
- Submission of Budget Workbook
- Submission of Collaborative Application Form, only for applications submitted as a joint proposal
Pre-recorded information session
Coming soon.
Questions?
Please email questions about this funding opportunity to [email protected]. Please use “Housing Stability Call for Applications” in the subject line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted and updated as questions are received. Please note the final date the Frequently Asked Questions will be updated is June 23, 2023.
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
2023 Funded Projects – Mental Health Call for Applications
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.
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
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.
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/
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.
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/
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.
Other 2023 Funded Projects
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of York Region
Strengthening Resiliency
Youth will receive one-to-one mentoring to address trauma and build resiliency for better mental health.
https://york.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association
Connecting Social Housing Tenants to Mental Health Supports
Social housing residents will receive mental health and addiction supports to support their tenancy and improve landlord and tenant relations.
Catholic Community Services of York Region
Healthy Minds, Healthy Communities
Residents experiencing mental health issues will receive case management and counselling services, including multilingual psychotherapy and group mental health sessions.
CAYR Community Connections
Peer Links: Intergenerational Social Inclusion Programs for HIV + 2SLGBTO + York Region Residents
HIV+ 2SLGBTQ+ youth, adults and seniors will be offered peer support to strengthen knowledge, leadership and community engagement. A Virtual Visiting Program, digital storytelling and peer support are the main program activities.
Centre for Immigrant and Community Services
S.O.A.R Employment Training for Immigrant Women
Immigrant women living with low income will receive technical and soft skills training to help them find and maintain jobs.
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.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel-Halton
Community Counselling /Court Liaison
Women in conflict with the law will be provided with counselling to address social and emotional issues and support with community re-integration.
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.
Future Possibilities for Kids
Connecting Kids and Communities
Children and youth can develop social, leadership and life skills through peer support networks in the community. Program participants have opportunities to set goals through active listening and experiential learning. The project has continuous recruitment for children aged nine to 12 and KidCoaches, which are volunteers who provide one-to-one support through weekly phone calls and activity days.
Georgina Trades Training Inc.
Skills, Education, Training (S.E.T) for Employment
Participants can prepare for employment through individualized employment plans, hands-on skills development and links to appropriate training programs to further their skills for employment.
Girls Inc. of York Region
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
East Asian Youth Mental Wellness ABC (Awareness, Balance and Connectedness)
Newcomer youth can access wrap-around, linguistically and culturally appropriate mental health supports for themselves and their parents.
Youth and Family Hub
Newcomer youth and their parents can develop confidence, social identity, leadership skills, resiliency and peer support networks at this culturally appropriate drop-in program. Parents develop parenting skills and knowledge to strengthen their children's mental wellness.
Human Endeavour
Multi-Community Building Project
Parenting education, youth projects, community events and wellness programs to help newcomers address cultural barriers and connect to resources.
Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario
JRCC Furniture Depot
Residents will be provided with gently used, donated furniture to help make their place feel like home.
Job Skills
Job Find Club Enhanced
Job seekers will receive job search and networking skills, based on labour market trends, to help them gain sustainable employment.
John Howard Society of York Region
Healthy Youth Preventative Education
Youth, ages 11 to 24, will be provided with activities that promote healthy relationships and target unhealthy behaviours to prevent bullying and violence. Individual and group activities develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, conflict resolution and other social and emotional learning skills.
Youth Counselling
Youth can access individual counselling sessions to support resilience, mental health concerns, and substance use awareness.
https://johnhoward.on.ca/yorkregion
JVS Toronto
Youth Reach II
Youth, who have a history of conflict with the law, will receive employment counselling and job development services, at various locations, to support their search for employment.
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
SOAR Mindful Transitions
Students in grades eight to 12, who have been diagnosed with a learning disability or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, gain practical coping and advocacy skills in one-to-one or group sessions.
Literacy Council of York-Simcoe
Essential Skills Development Program
Participants can access facilitated, self-paced training and workshops in basic and intermediate computer skills, including experience with computer-based applications, to increase labour market opportunities.
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.
NPower Canada
York Region Campus
Youth will launch into sustainable IT careers through the sector-specific technical and soft skills training.
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.
The Food Bank of York Region
Food Share
Housing co-operatives, community food banks and other agencies serving residents living with low to moderate income will receive food donated by the Ontario Association of Food Banks, Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and other local community donors.
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.
York Region Centre for Community Safety
Integrated and Coordinated Intake
Victims of domestic violence will receive referrals to, and support accessing, community services and programs.
York Region Food for Learning
Enhancing Nutrition Programs in Schools
York Region students will have access to breakfast and snack programs at schools identified as having a high population of families living with low to moderate income.
York Region Food Network
Good Food Hub
Activities including community kitchen sessions, a breakfast program, and gleaning. Workshops are also available to increase residents’ knowledge of healthy food preparation on a limited budget.
York Region Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers
Parenting and Personal Development Program
Young mothers receive counselling to address social and emotional issues as well as access to community supports and services, to help foster healthy interpersonal relationships.
Youth Assisting Youth
One-to-One and Group Mentoring Program
Children and youth engage in one-to-one and group mentoring to make connections, build skills and participate in leadership and community-based activities. Trained mentors, ages 16 to 29, are matched with mentees, ages six to 15, for the program.
Funding for Community Action Tables
Funding is being allocated to lead agencies to bring together community stakeholders 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.
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
