Centraide Emergency Fund

Background of the organization:

Founded in 1966, Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent organization managed by a board of directors which is representative of the community. It serves the Island of Montreal, Laval and communities on the South Shore. Centraide relies on a network of over 73,000 volunteers, 50,000 of whom work in the network of agencies it supports. More than 160,000 people contribute financially to Centraide’s campaign, which is supported by some 2,100 businesses and corporations, institutions, and public and parapublic organizations as well as large trade unions. Centraide funds 360 community agencies and projects that help over 500,000 vulnerable people.

Grant Description:

Centraide was designated by the City of Montreal as the key support organization to address basic human needs during the first wave of COVID-19 crisis: food distribution, and front-line support for people suffering from mental health problems, social isolation or homelessness. Centraide created an Emergency Fund, providing rapid response to funding requests from organizations already served by the city, Centraide or the Montreal Health Department.