“To ensure a just recovery and a more inclusive future, it is more pressing than ever to invest in women, girls, Two-Spirit people and gender-diverse people.”
That’s from Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) spokesperson Mindy Stroet as the organization has announced a $40,000 commitment to helping local non-profits that support gender equality, diversity, inclusion and justice.
In a release this morning (Nov. 3), the PGCF says its one of just a few across the country taking part in this initiative, which is a nation-wide joint partnership with Community Foundations of Canada as well as the federal government.
“We’re pleased to be taking part in this funding initiative as we help to advance equality in our community,” adds Stroet.
The PGCF is set to accept applications from qualified charities from now until Nov. 30 with the funding expected to be distributed in January 2021.
Grants can be used for a variety of purposes:
- Pilot new initiatives
- Address long-standing community needs
- Support a just recovery from the COVID-19 crisis
The above projects could also highlight several other areas of immediate attention, such as food insecurity, income inequality, racial injustice and domestic violence, and many more.
It’s also part of a five-year commitment to the advancement of gender equality across Canada.
Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef acknowledges that women have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been hit the hardest by the virus.
“Our government is determined to protect the hard-won gains of the feminist movement and to build back better,” she said in the same statement.
“We are applying an intersectional feminist response to our pandemic response, supporting the most vulnerable and investing in women entrepreneurs. This builds on our historic investments to support those on the frontlines of the fight for greater equality, including a six fold increase in funds for women’s and equality-seeking organizations since 2015 and dedicated funds to address and prevent gender based violence. We appreciate our partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, which is focused on strengthening the Women’s movement across the country.”
The PGCF has already separately earmarked $5,000 to the South Cariboo Community Enhancement Foundation for the same cause, totalling $45,000 from the national endowment for the north-central region.
