NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF WATERLOO
************************
The launch of the $2.1 million Upstream Fund marks a new, innovative and community-led approach to creating a better region for all. Aligning with the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (CSWP), this fund will support organizations, groups and individuals whose projects are creating a more equitable region.
The Upstream Fund is designed to remove barriers for those who have historically, and continue to be, excluded from funding opportunities. Applications can be made through an online form, a phone call, an email or conversations with a Regional staff member. This is part of $5 million of new direct-to-community funding opportunities alongside the Region’s Equity Investment Fund and the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives.
“Using an upstream approach to community funding means that together as a community, we can combine our efforts with financial and other resources to get to the root causes of issues to prevent them from happening in the first place,” said Fauzia Baig, director of equity, diversity and inclusion for the Region of Waterloo. “We are not just giving out money for projects, but putting decision making and power into the hands of the community who know best what they need to create capacity and sustain long-term change.”
As part of the process, Regional residents have been coming together at Community Collaborative Events to discuss priorities, share project ideas, and build capacity by working together. Registration is still open for these events, and anyone interested in joining the journey is invited to attend. These events are helping to ensure that funding is only one part of the process of creating a more equitable future that centers strong communities working together.
The Upstream fund is part of the Region’s Community Safety and Wellbeing plan that will help to prevent harm and reduce barriers giving residents the ability to thrive. By getting to the root causes of issues like opportunities for Indigenous communities, unequal access to housing, education, food security, racism and other forms of oppression and discrimination, the upstream approach will help to create a safer and more well community.
“This is a new way forward for the Region,” added Baig. “This will improve wellbeing and help to create a more equitable community where everyone is able to thrive.”
Applications will be accepted until Sept. 23, 2022.
Please visit www.engagewr.ca/communitysafetywellbeing for further information on the Upstream Funding, including eligibility and the different ways to apply.
************************
