(Canadian Red Cross)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$5,000 grants for community organizations

Canadian Red Cross launches funding program to support those affected by wildfires

May 24, 2023 | 2:20 PM

The Canadian Red Cross has launched a new program titled ‘Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations’ to help provide urgent and ongoing support to those affected by wildfires across Alberta.

The program supports local community organizations, registered charities and non-profits who are providing immediate and direct relief assistance to those affected by the fires, alongside the Canadian Red Cross and other responders on the ground.

“With an early start to the wildfire season in Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross is working closely with communities and governments to determine how best to support people impacted by the fires. The Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations program recognizes the critical role that local and neighbouring community organizations play in supporting people during the response and recovery from emergencies and disasters, such as the 2023 wildfires in Alberta,” said Pat Quealey, Vice President for the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Officials say the financial assistance is to provide urgent, flexible funding to organizations in recognition of the need for increased service delivery due to the wildfires in Alberta.

Eligible community organizations can apply for one-time $5,000 funding.

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Applications are being accepted from May 18 – July 14, 2023.

Full program eligibility criteria can be found on their website.

The Canadian Red Cross says the program is possible thanks to the generosity of donors, and with the support of the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the 2023 Alberta Fires donation match.

Those wishing to donate to the 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal can do so by phoning 1-800-418-1111, by visiting www.redcross.ca or by texting ABFires to 45678.