COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)
Funded by the Government of Canada
The United Way of Pictou County is now accepting applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help charities and non-profit organizations serve and support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding has been made available by the Government of Canada and funding streams are being administered by United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross in communities from coast to coast to coast. The United Way of Pictou County is proud to support this important investment by the Federal Government.
Starting May 19th, 2020, United Way of Pictou County will be accepting applications for funding.
For Pictou County:
Download ECSF Application for Pictou County
Download ECSF Applicant Guide for Pictou County
Download ESCF Frequently Asked Questions for Pictou County
For Antigonish County:
Download ECSF Application for Antigonish County
Download ECSF Applicant Guide for Antigonish County
Download ESCF Frequently Asked Questions for Antigonish County
Who can Apply?
The United Way of Pictou County will fund organizations that provide direct services to vulnerable populations who are impacted by COVID-19. Your organization is eligible to receive funding if your organization has a charitable number, or is otherwise a qualified donee, and is providing supports and services to meet immediate community needs related to the COVID-19. Check the Canada Revenue Agency list of qualified donees by clicking here.
The United Way of Pictou County may also partner with non-profits, through agent agreements, delivering services that align with our organization’s charitable objects.
This funding is intended to support frontline community service organizations providing services to support vulnerable Canadians, including low-income seniors, women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, refugees, Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities, and more.
Funds may be used for immediate needs and priorities related to the impact of COVID-19. This includes, but is not limited to, services such as:
- Preparing and delivering meals and/or food hampers
- Supporting individuals in accessing income supports and financial coaching
- Providing home care or personal support for seniors, elders, and persons with disabilities
- Mental health & wellness supports, including crisis counselling and peer support
- Personal safety supports, including for those living in or escaping situations of violence
- Access to safe transport for essential appointment and errands, and
- Others
What Types of Activities could be Funded?
- Community outreach and engagement
- Developing and/or delivering new programs, services or delivery models as a result of COVID-19
- Sharing information and knowledge
- Engaging and recruiting volunteers
How to Apply
Pictou County: Applications for Pictou County will be accepted until 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5th. We anticipate a high volume of requests and are working to ensure that all requests are reviewed as quickly as possible.
All applications will be reviewed and decisions for Pictou County will be finalized Monday, June 15th.
Antigonish County: Applications for Antigonish County will be accepted until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15th. We anticipate a high volume of requests and are working to ensure that all requests are reviewed as quickly as possible.
All applications will be reviewed and decisions for Antigonish County will be finalized Monday, June 22nd.
Questions?
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions, the Applicant Guide, or contact our office 902-755-1754 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions.
______________________________________________
Atlantic Compassion Fund
Recently, the provincial government in Nova Scotia announced a $1 million investment in the United Way’s Atlantic Compassion Fund to help fill gaps and support vulnerable Nova Scotia’s across the province. Applications are once again open locally, and grants in this next phase of funding will be provided to organizations and programs meeting the immediate needs of families and youth directly related to COVID-19, for issues like food insecurity, safe shelter, physical distancing supports, connections and/or mental health.
The United Way of Pictou County is committed to helping the most marginalized, and those negatively impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis in our community. Registered Canadian Charities serving marginalized community members in Pictou and/or Antigonish Counties are eligible to apply for this funding. Individuals and families are not eligible to apply. The United Way can only disburse funds to registered charities in good standing. Individuals and families will receive support from charitable organizations in their community. Our aim is to compliment not duplicate other relief efforts.
Applications must be received no later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 21st, 2020.
Depending on the number of applications received and funds available, The United Way of Pictou County may not be able to provide the full dollar amount requested or be able to fund every application.
Further details are available on the Funding Criteria Guide and Application Form below.
Download Atlantic Compassion Fund - Funding Guidelines
(To be posted soon - in the meantime, criteria and applications are available by contacting the persons below)
If you have any questions, please contact either:
Ellen Fanning at 902-755-1754 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Elaine White at 902-755-1754 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Funding is made possible by the joint efforts of the United Way Atlantic Compassion Fund, Nova Scotia Power, EfficiencyOne, the Province of Nova Scotia and many generous corporate and individual donors.
______________________________________________
COVID-19 Seniors Response Fund
On Sunday, March 29, 2020 the Prime Minister announced a $9M investment by the Government of Canada to a COVID-19 Seniors Response Fund to support vulnerable seniors at risk due to the COVID-19 Crisis. The funding is being distributed through the United Way Centraide (UWC) network in Canada via United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC).
Seniors are at the greatest risk of poor health due to the COVID-19 crisis. Social Isolation and poverty are placing many at even greater risk. The United Way is pleased to support this important initiative by using our local capacity to help identify and quickly address seniors’ most urgent needs in our communities. We are working together with municipalities, local public health, community agencies and volunteers to ensure funds are going to where they are needed most.
DEADLINE: Applications must be emailed and received no later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 30th, 2020.
THE FUNDING CRITERIA GUIDE and APPLICATION FORM can be downloaded below.
Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program.