The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) has invited non-profit organizations that serve English-speaking Quebecers to announce their intention to apply for the Community Innovation Fund (CIF) which will finance social initiatives to improve employability or secure basic socioeconomic security for vulnerable youth, seniors/caregivers or newcomers in Quebec's English-language communities.

"The focus of this Fund is on supporting organizations to find innovative and sustainable ways to serve the needs of our communities," said QCGN Board Member James Hughes who sits on the Governance Committee of the Community Innovation Fund. "CIF will empower communities to develop new financial models and to diversify partnerships while deepening existing ones."

"This is a model for the future that is people centered and holistic," added CIF Governance.

Committee co-chair Ian Kott, President of the NDG Seniors Citizens Council and President of Jormian Capital. "Not only will the Fund empower communities to address significant issues, it will also create corporate sector opportunities to realize long-term goals of social entrepreneurship."

"Through CIF, community organizations providing direct support to English-speaking Quebecers can benefit from funds to finance innovative projects that address the needs and priorities of vulnerable English-speaking youth, seniors/caregivers and newcomers," explained Maria Rivas-Rivero, manager of the Community Innovation Fund. Between April 2017 and March 2019, the fund will invest more than $1 million in social initiatives while building partnerships to increase funds that will be injected into the community.

"The Fund will bring new money into our communities by creating innovative collaborations with new partners, including the private sector, that will leverage federal funding and exponentially increase the benefits for the most vulnerable members of our communities," said CIF co-chair John Buck, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC).

"At this point we are asking eligible organizations that are interested in the Fund to submit preliminary proposals," said Rivas-Rivero, noting they must send in a letter of intent and supporting documents by December 9, 2016. An independent selection committee will review all letters of intent and shortlist 10 to 12 applicants who will be invited to submit a full project proposal through a supportive process.

Full details on the Community Innovation Fund

The Community Innovation Fund (CIF) is a new resource for Quebec's English-speaking communities to put social innovation in action. Funded by the Government of Canada through the Social Partnership Initiative in Official Language Minority Communities the fund is managed by the Quebec Community Groups Network. The project was announced in the spring by Liberal MP Marc Miller on behalf of his colleague, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 51 English-language community organizations across Quebec. As a centre of evidence-based expertise and collective action, it identifies, explores and addresses strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec and encourages dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

SOURCE: Quebec Community Groups Network