United Way NWT launched its Emergency Response Fund program to provide funding for First Nations governments, charities, non-profits, and municipalities who are currently working to support those impacted by the ongoing wildfires across the Northwest Territories.
About the Fund
The Emergency Funding Program (EFP) is funding program for eligible Northwest Territories (NWT) organizations, including First Nations governments, charities, non-profits, and municipalities. The fund is divided into two phases – Response and Recovery, as outlined below.
The EFP is overseen by an Emergency Management Committee (EMC) of the UWNWT, made up of residents of the NWT who manage and oversee the Emergency Funding Program. The Emergency Management Committee ensures the policies, procedures and intentions of the Emergency Funding Program are carried out responsibly, ethically and equitably.
EFP: Response Phase
During active emergencies, applications will be accepted on an open ended basis as funds are available.
An example of an active emergency would be if a community was evacuated due to climate crisis such as a fire, or flood. We understand that during these times there is a great need for financial support to community members and in order to reach these demands immediately, eligible organizations can apply for funds immediately.
Objectives under the Response Phase are:
- To provide immediate support to NWT community members experiencing challenges due to emergencies;
- To decrease barriers to NWT community members navigating emergencies;
- To increase individual supports for NWT community members navigating emergencies; and
- To provide support to vulnerable populations during NWT emergencies.
The three funding pillars under the Response Phase are:
- Creating Organizational Capacity: Helping organizations to be better equipped in addressing the immediate emergent needs of the communities they serve during emergencies.
- Providing Direct Aid: Helping organizations to be able to provide direct aid to individuals, families, community members, and animals during emergencies.
- Addressing Gaps: Supporting gaps identified by communities and organizations that are being impacted by emergencies or emergency orders for projects or initiatives that are not likely to be covered by existing governmental (territorial or federal) programs.
The Response Phase funding applications are currently open for communities affected by wildfire evacuation orders and support of temporary resettlements.
All applications from eligible community organizations will be reviewed and all applicants will receive notice of the outcome of their application. We aim to assess all applications fairly and equitably, based on current needs, the severity of the situation and available funds. Due to the nature of this funding all applications may not be funded and/or may only be able to receive partial funding for projects.
EFP: Recovery Phase
Following active emergencies, such as when community members return home after an evacuation order, applications from eligible NWT organizations will be accepted monthly, until funds have been exhausted or a full year has passed.
Objectives under the Recovery Phase are:
- To develop better practices, resources and services to NWT community members during emergencies;
- To provide individual supports to NWT community members recovering from emergencies;
- To improve services and supports from NWT community organizations who are supporting NWT people following emergencies; and
- To decrease systemic barriers for community organizations to recover from emergencies.
Funding is allocated to projects that fit under one of the three following focus areas:
- Rebuilding Communities: Applications under this pillar are to support the rebuilding of community infrastructure and community organizations that have been impacted by emergencies or emergency orders.
- Supporting Recovery: Applications under this pillar are to support the recovery needs of NWT communities after emergencies or emergency orders. These projects often include direct aid components, but are not required to. Recovery needs may include addressing basics such as food, hygiene products or clothing, or may include addressing additional needs such as cultural or emotional wellness.
- Addressing Gaps: Applications under this pillar are for specific community requests to support an unexpected cost that the Territorial and Federal Government do not cover. All requests under this third pillar will be reviewed by our Emergency Management Committee and may require supporting documentation from the applicant for review. This pillar is to cover the unique needs that are unprecedented during times of emergency and each request will be reviewed carefully to determine fundability. Requests under this pillar are important as they help to inform our advocacy to the Territorial and Federal Government on the unique needs of Northern community organizations.
Funding Application Process
Eligible NWT organizations, including First Nations governments, charities, non-profits, and municipalities, are invited to express a request for funding by contacting us directly at ed@nwt.unitedway.ca to schedule a time to discuss their project.
Application Evaluation Criteria
1. The proposed project is reasonable, will be delivered in a timely manner to address the emerging needs of community members facing and recovering from emergencies;
2. The applying community organization has the capacity to execute the financial oversight and management of the project and provide sufficient reporting upon completion;
3. The proposed project will support NWT community members under the objectives outlined under each pillar;
4. The proposed project is aligned with the mission and goals of the United Way NWT and the purpose of this funding;
5. In the case that the application falls under the Addressing Gaps pillar, all other funding possibilities have been explored and supporting documents have been provided demonstrating such;
6. Other criteria as deemed appropriate and/or necessary by United Way NWT Staff or Committee.
Application Deadlines & Timelines
EFP – Response Phase – Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We do our best to provide a notice of application status within three (3) business days during an active emergency.
EFP – Recovery Phase –Applications will be reviewed on the 25th of each month as long as funding is available and the Fund remains open.
All applications will receive a notice of their application review whether they are approved or not.
Unapproved requests will also highlight the reason for denial and ways to improve their application should they want to reapply. Unapproved applications can also choose to appeal.
For more information or to request an application form, please contact us at ed@nwt.unitedway.ca
