ANNOUNCEMENT: United Way NWT has 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.
Currently, we are working to support those communities impacted by the wildfire surrounding Fort Good Hope.
About the Fund
The Emergency Funding Program (EFP) is a funding program that is implemented in anticipation of or during natural climate emergencies or disasters in the Northwest Territories.
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 Recovery 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 Recovery 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, in response to the Fort Good Hope wildfire.
To access our Emergency Recovery Fund following the 2023 Wildfire season, visit this page.
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.
Funding is allocated to projects that fit under one of the three following focus areas:
- Creating Organizational Capacity
- Providing Direct Aid
- Addressing Gaps
There is no minimum or maximum application request, but this does not mean that the UWNWT will be able to support every request to the maximum amount requested. We recommend that organizations seeking more than $25,000 contact us at support@nwt.unitedway.ca or (867) 675-2643 to discuss their project. This is to ensure that the funds donated to UWNWT are redistributed equitably to all communities affected.
NOTE: WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO GET OUR ONLINE APPLICATION AND PORTAL ONLINE. IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT.
Application Evaluation Criteria
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.
Assessment 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
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.
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, please contact us at 867-675-2643 or support@nwt.unitedway.ca
