Community Crisis Response Fund

The purpose of the funds is to support communities impacted by traumatic incidents and community violence. A crisis is a community-wide, trauma-inducing physical act of violence (shooting, shots fired, stabbing or gang-related activity. Community violence based on gang-related activities can include raids and threats of community harm and victimization that may or may not result in life-threatening injury or death.

Groups must connect with a local Community Development Officer to apply.

Group Eligibility

• A group must consist of three or more members
• Grassroot groups, resident-led groups, non-profit organizations or charities can apply
• Must be located in Toronto
• Faith-based applicant groups can only use the fund to support healing, wellbeing and capacity-building activities (religious activities are not eligible)

Youth-Led Project Stream Eligibility

• A group, organization or initiative that is predominately created, devised, governed, staffed and implemented by young people
• Youth age for project participants: 12 to 29

Project Eligibility

• Responds to specific violent incident in Toronto (shootings, shots fired, stabbings and gang-related activity)
• Contributes to local community capacity building or community healing (see Funding Priority section)
• Applications must be submitted within three months of the violent incident
• Projects must be completed in a six-month period
• Projects must prioritize community healing and capacity building activities

Key Requirements for Applying

•  Applicants will not be considered for new funding while still completing a previously approved application, or if they have not submitted a project completion report for previously funded activities
• Applicants cannot apply for the general stream and the youth stream at the same time
• Applicants must demonstrate their project’s connection to the impacted community or communities
• Before applying, groups must connect with a Community Development Officer for support, and share the application, workplan and budget

Funding priority is given to applications that meet the below guidelines.

Community healing and resiliency activities or projects that:

• Provide opportunity for participants to connect and support one another to process feelings on the impact the incident has had or is having on the community
• Allow participants to reflect on the impact the incident has had or is having on the community and themselves
• Help participants in identifying needs related to response, recovery, healing and resiliency
• Support participants to envision hope and direction for the future

Examples:

• Organizing a community BBQ, recreational event, wellness workshops and activities
• Cross-community initiatives such as collaborating with leaders from impacted communities to support relationship building
• Supporting local resident leaders to provide mental health, wellness and healing activities
• Arts-based healing sessions, dance showcases, painting and murals
• Grief and wellness initiatives including healing circles and cultural activities

Community capacity-building activities or projects that:

• Involve community input and participation in planning, implementation and feedback
• Help participants to develop knowledge, skills and resources
• Build on the strengths of the community

Examples:

• Providing opportunities for direct community feedback through surveys and other tools
• Hosting a community resource fair for connections to local non-profit and grassroots services
• Creating resource materials for healing and recovery
• Provide training and skill building related to community safety and wellbeing

Connect with your Community Development Officer to explore options.

Groups can apply for up to $5,000.

Eligible Expenses

• Project coordination (maximum $1,500)
• Honoraria
• Facilitation and speaker fees
• Food and drinks
• Basic project supplies
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Other costs, activities or initiatives (reviewed on a case-to-case basis)

Ineligible Expenses

• Major equipment purchases such as BBQs, computers, and other items (connect with staff to learn more)
• Fundraising events
• Donations to charitable causes
• Reserve funds
• Debt repayment or deficit funding
• Political or religious activities
• Raffles
• Scholarships
• Individual subsidies

A trustee is an incorporated not-for-profit organization or registered charity with audited financial statements that becomes a “legal home” for your project. A trustee will hold and distribute funds to your group, take on liability for project activities, and provide insurance, administrative support and mentorship.

If your group or organization does not have recent audited financial statements, you will need to work with a trustee. Your group has two options:

Work with an assigned partner trustee organization:

Your group can be matched with Delta Family Resource Centre or The Neighbourhood Group, based on your location and the nature of your project.

Choose your own trustee organization:

• You may choose your own trustee organization; however this may involve the organization asking you to add a trustee fee, which must be included in your project budget. This trustee fee could be up to 20% of your overall budget.
• The organization you select as a trustee may require a vetting process from City of Toronto staff to ensure they are eligible to be a trustee organization. This may also add time to the processing of your application.

If you are unsure if you need a trustee organization or want to confirm if you are eligible to receive the funds directly, please contact ccrf@toronto.ca.

There will be consideration for all groups applying through an equitable process that will also support first-time, diverse applicant groups.

Steps to apply:

1. Connect with a Community Development Officer in your area before applying.
2. Ensure that you download, complete and submit the Project Activity Workplan and Project Budget Template with your application.
3. Submit your application online.

After applying:

• Funding decisions may take up to two months.
• City staff may reach out with questions about your application. Your Community Development Officer will send these questions with a timeline of 30 days to respond. If you do not respond within the 30 days, you will need to start a new application.

For questions about the Community Crisis Response Fund, please contact the Community Development Officer for your area or email ccrf@toronto.ca.