NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
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The County of Simcoe recognizes that strong local programs are important resources to support individuals and families living in poverty in Simcoe County. One important tool for local organizations is the Social and Community Investment Fund (SCIF).
The SCIF invests in eligible organizations working to address poverty in our community. It is intended to bridge funding gaps for these organizations not covered by other funding sources. Local organizations are invited to apply through a Call for Applications (CFA) process. The CFA will be posted on the County of Simcoe website along with the application form, eligibility requirements, and frequently asked questions.
This information and application forms will be posted as of Jan. 30. The 2025 Call for Applications will open on Jan. 30. Community organizations are invited to visit our website after the Call for Applications opens for more information and to submit an application prior to Feb. 6. Project submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored in accordance with an established framework.
Recommendations for project funding will be presented to County Council for consideration and approval. Priority areas for 2025 align with the pillars of the National Poverty Reduction Strategy:
- Dignity: Lifting Canadians out of poverty by ensuring basic needs are being met. Examples of initiatives under this priority could include but are not limited to: food insecurity, system navigation, or access to basic needs;
- Opportunity and Inclusion: Helping Canadians join the middle class by promoting full participation in society and equality of opportunity. Initiatives under this pillar could include, but are not limited to supporting vulnerable populations (Indigenous peoples, seniors, immigrants, racialized populations, 2SLGBTQ+, children, youth, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addictions, and working low-income individuals/families), or essential skills training such as literacy and numeracy skills; and
- Resilience and Security: Supporting the middle class by protecting Canadians from falling into poverty and by supporting income security and resilience. Examples of initiatives under this priority could include but are not limited to: employment skills or support training, living wage initiatives, or financial literacy. SCIF funding is provided in addition to several other poverty-reduction initiatives, including the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy, which has created lifesaving programs and supports for those living unhoused in our community.
Since launching its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy in 2023, the county has been making significant investments and enhancements to social services programs and supports in cities of Barrie and Orillia and in our member municipalities across Simcoe County. The plan is a strong, data-driven strategy designed to help vulnerable residents in our communities.
The plan takes a collaborative approach to building up communities, service providers, the business community, and residents. Through this strategy, the county continues to work collaboratively with partners and municipalities to continue to prevent and end chronic homelessness.
For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem. This is just one more way that the county is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp.
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