Ontario Launches Second Round of Local Poverty Reduction Fund

News Release

April 14, 2016

Province Tapping into Innovative, Community-Driven Solutions to Poverty

Ontario is inviting community, broader public sector and Indigenous organizations to submit proposals for the second round of the Local Poverty Reduction Fund.

The fund, announced in April 2015 and now in its second year, provides $50 million over six years to support innovative, local, community-driven solutions that measurably improve the lives of those most affected by poverty. Through the fund, Ontario is investing in local programs that will help break the cycle of poverty for children and youth, increase employment and income security and end homelessness in Ontario.

This year, Ontario is introducing two special streams of funding:

• Up to $10 million will be targeted for projects related to homelessness over the 2016 and 2017 rounds of funding to help deliver on the commitment to end chronic homelessness in 10 years.

• A minimum of $2 million will be dedicated to support projects in Indigenous communities and by Indigenous-led organizations.

By identifying effective local, community-driven solutions to tackle poverty, our aim is to find out what makes a difference for those living in poverty, share knowledge and use the evidence gathered from these projects to expand successful solutions across the province.

Organizations can now register and begin developing their proposals. More information about the application process, timelines and resources is available at Ontario Trillium Foundation. Registered organizations will be able to submit project proposals starting in May 2016.

Fighting poverty is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented business. The plan is also helping Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTS The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is focused on innovative programs that encourage communities to collaborate on solutions that target groups disproportionately affected by poverty including women, single parents, people with disabilities, youth, newcomers, visible minorities, seniors and Indigenous Peoples. Ontario has partnered with the Ontario Trillium Foundation to administer the Local Poverty Reduction Fund. The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s primary role is to issue, execute and oversee funding agreements with community organizations that are selected to receive funding, and to provide outreach, marketing and proposal support to applicants. Communities and organizations interested in applying for funding can access a range of supports including webinars, workshops and one-on-one sessions. These enhanced supports will help promote local partnerships, encourage knowledge-sharing and assist applicants in preparing strong project proposals. This is the second of three calls for proposals. Last year Ontario supported 41 projects in 20 communities with a total investment of over $12.6 million. Organizations will also have another opportunity to apply in 2017.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Ontario’s Local Poverty Reduction Fund

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Realizing Our Potential: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Poverty Reduction Strategy 2015 Annual Report Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUOTES “It is more important than ever that we measure our results and invest in initiatives that work. The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is helping government, communities and all of our partners to design and deliver more effective programs using proven approaches. That means a real difference in the lives of people who are working hard to leave poverty behind.” — Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy “The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is a strong step to solve one of the most complex societal issues. I look forward to the projects that this fund will support to make a difference in our communities throughout Ontario. I am proud that the Honourable Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, has chosen Ontario Trillium Foundation to administer this fund so that we continue to help Ontarians enhance their economic well-being.” — Janet Yale, Board Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation