Durham Community Foundation

Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is working with partners across the country to fund projects as part of the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative. Toronto Foundation and Durham Community Foundation are teaming up with CFC to award $2,088,820 to projects in Toronto, York Region and Durham Region that meet the eligibility criteria. Organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help create safe and vibrant... public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide digital solutions to help their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and look to build back better in the COVID-19 recovery. This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, the creation of community gardens, and art installations, and free wifi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations. The submission deadline is March 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM PST. We invite you to learn more via Community Foundations of Canada's site. https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/chci/

DCF is accepting Ajax Community Fund applications made possible by the Town of Ajax. $30,500 is available to grant to charities directly impacting the residents in Ajax. Submission deadline is Friday February 26, 2021. The application is available now at http://ow.ly/vr0L30ruK0i

Every Action Counts! Today Bell donates 5 cents to mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube view of http://ow.ly/zFw950DkFx2

Today is the 11th annual #BellLetsTalk Day and everyone’s invited to join the conversation to support people living with mental illness while also driving up Be...ll’s donations to #mentalhealth programs just by getting engaged. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3omtYO1 Photo credit: Cpl Brandon James Liddy, RMC Public Affairs

Practice mindfulness with the Bell Let’s Talk mandala This year, Bell Let’s Talk has designed a mandala that you can print out and colour in. Many mental health professionals recommend colouring as an effective way to practice mindfulness. Mandala, meaning "sacred circle" in Sanskrit, is a circular art form often containing geometric and repeating designs. Similar to meditation, it focuses your attention on the present moment and away from worries and stress. Share your creat...ion on social media using #BellLetsTalk On January 28, join us to help create positive change. See more

Use these graphic assets to help spread the word about your #GivingTuesdayCA campaign. You can find more in both English and French at: www.givingtuesday.ca and www.mardijedonne.ca

Give Back to Your Community on GivingTuesday

Bridging to Resilience: Mental Wellness for Charity Leaders During Covid-19 Funding of this program is made possible by Bell...Continue reading

They're walking for Epilepsy Durham Region. Who are you walking for this week during DCF's Walk for YOUR Cause?

The application portal for Round 2 of the Emergency Community Support Fund has closed. Durham Community Foundation received almost 3x the funding requests than is available to grant in this round. The need in our region is great and we encourage those who have the capacity to give to reach out to the causes they care about and make a contribution if they can.

Maggie's already walking for Durham Deaf Services! Where are you walking and what's YOUR Cause?

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Durham Deaf Services Durham Deaf Services (DDS) is a non-profit organization that offers services and educational programs to promote self-reliance within the Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing community. ... DDS is committed to reducing isolation for Deaf individuals in our community and in increasing Deaf cultural awareness. Durham Deaf Services ensures that the Deaf community is fully aware of their rights to be independent and to make their own choices. Durham Deaf Services advocate for quality of life and equal access so members of the Deaf community can live in dignity. DDS offers a literacy program for individuals over the age of 18. We encourage referrals to our program for anyone Deaf or hard of hearing interested in upgrading their literacy skills. The instruction focuses on upgrading math, English, reading, writing, and digital technology skills with classes taught in American Sign Language. Unfortunately, due to COVID many of our students are unable to connect with DDS virtually. We are pleased we have connected with all the students and now have instruction both online and in class. We also offer sign language classes to hearing individuals that want to learn to communicate in American Sign Language. Classes are taught in full immersion ASL instruction and due to COVID all of our classes are now offered online. Durham Deaf Services has a strong partnership with the Durham Deaf Club (DDC) and the Oshawa Deaf Senior Citizens (ODSC). DDS encourages and assists the operations of both the DDC and the ODSC. Both clubs host social events for members of the Deaf community. Due to COVID, we have had to change how our programs and services are offered and how we interact with the Deaf community on a daily basis. Now, especially during this time, the most vulnerable in our community are facing social isolation and DDS is working to ensure no one goes without support with our staff working with members of our community, one to one, to assist them in dealing with COVID. For more information, please visit our website https://durhamdeaf.org/ and to donate please visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/52669/donation.

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Scientists in School Scientists in School is a leading science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education charity that annually inspires over 700,000 children and youth in Canada to be confident in STEM, build critical thinking skills, and heighten their interest in STEM careers. Over the past 31 years, over 10 million children in Canada have been transformed into scientists in our hands-on classroom and community worksh...ops. Led by dynamic presenters who are experts in their fields, our curriculum-aligned workshops enhance learning and help STEM come to life. In response to COVID-19, Scientists in School is now providing virtual STEM workshops to classrooms and community groups across Canada until in-person workshops are possible again. Over 5,000 young scientists took part in our new virtual STEM experiences over the summer months. Our virtual classroom workshop program has launched with one topic per grade to an avalanche of inquiries and over 200 workshops booked to-date! We are immensely grateful for the Durham Community Foundation’s support and dedication during such a difficult year. Together, we are ensuring that children and youth in Durham continue to have opportunities to dream of a future in STEM. Find out more about this charity www.scientistsinschool.ca Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Art With A Heart Art with a Heart Inc. is dedicated to using the arts to assist and empower people in various situations of need through multidisciplinary projects and programs. We strive to recognize the uniqueness of the individual while building creativity, confidence, and self worth in an inclusive environment. Through various programs, we encourage team building and develop synergy allowing participants to explore and expre...ss their creative spirit. We aspire to challenge, encourage and equip these individuals to join in and build community.This year, COVID-19 has allowed us to re-envision our programming and build strong connections virtually. During the summer, we facilitated a successful Virtual Expressive Arts Day Camp for over 50 campers. This Fall, we are continuing our commitment to building community through art by facilitating virtual kids, youth and adult programming! All donations will go to removing barriers to accessing our programs. Find out more about this charity www.artwithaheart.ca Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Autism Home Base Autism Home Base is a local grassroots charity. We are family-driven. Autism Home Base creates opportunities for adults (18+) on the autism spectrum to engage and connect with a supportive community through arts, sports, and recreation programs.... Find out more about this charity www.autismhomebase.com Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Durham Rape Crisis Centre As a Rape Crisis Centre we work with and provide support services to recent as well as historical or childhood survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse and their families. Our services include 1 on 1 counselling (currently offered remotely via phone or zoom), group programs, such as Survivors Circle, Youth Survivors Circle, Meditation, Yoga, and YANA Black Women’s Suppor...t Group. As well as our 24/7 Crisis and Support line and public education initiatives. Find out more about this charity https://drcc.ca Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Victim Services Durham Region Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) provides crisis response, intervention and prevention services immediately following a crime or sudden tragedy. Our services are free and confidential. On-site or over the phone, our flexible Crisis Intervention Counsellors, and Volunteer Responders, are well trained to handle crises. VSDR is a registered charity founded in 1997. We are on call 24/7 to respond... to police requests for victim assistance. VSDR is also a national leader in human trafficking prevention and intervention, providing interactive workshops to service providers and youth across the region. Find out more about this charity https://victimservicesdurham.ca Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Durham Alliance Outreach Our Mission Statement: * To advance education by providing workshops and lectures on life skills, such as self-esteem, confidence and communication, to the general public, and especially to LGBTQ individuals in Durham.... * To provide a counsellor-lead peer support-group for youth and adults in the Durham region who identify as LBGTQ, which will provide techniques in coping, self-advocacy, and awareness issues unique to this Community. Find out more about this charity https://www.durhamallianceoutreach.org Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - The Denise House Shelter The Denise House Shelter exists to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to abused women and their children in Durham Region and strives to provide integrated, anti-racist, anti-oppression services to empower the diversity of all women to choose their own future. The Denise House further exists to educate the public at large about issues resulting from the abuse, oppression and discriminati...on of women and their children. Find out more about this charity https://thedenisehouse.com Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington Many children and youth in Clarington struggle with societal barriers and face adversities in their lives like detrimental living conditions, family violence, risk factors for mental health, school issues and identity challenges. These circumstances have nothing to do with the value of who they are or who they can become, but because of these situations, children and youth risk not having th...e opportunity to live up to their full potential, that is where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington steps in. We connect young people in our community with positive life-changing mentorship opportunities. In doing this, we hope to help them ignite the power and potential within themselves. Find out more about this charity https://clarington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - 2nd Chance International We serve the socio-economically impoverished Muñoz community in Dominican Republic. In this area, there is a limited water supply, sanitary health measures, and job opportunities for the individuals living there. Life is especially difficult for the Haitian population as the unemployment rate is higher than average. ... Find out more about this charity https://2ndchanceinternational.com Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Rose of Durham Vision Stronger families brighter futures ... Mission To nurture young parents and their children through free counselling, education and programs to build stronger futures. Find out more about this charity http://roseofdurham.com/ Join the Walk for YOUR Cause https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/i/walk-for-your-cause/

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - MADD Durham We are excited to announce our 2020 Annual 5km Strides for Change Walk will be going virtual......walk/run your favourite path or trail anytime between October 18th and October 25th. Get Involved for MADD Durham:... Grab your family and walk 5km anytime between Oct 18 and 25th. Show your support and walk in honour of all victims and survivors of impaired driving. Post pictures to social media using the tag #sfcdurham and tag @MADDDurham and @DurhamCF We have simplified the process to fundraise by eliminating traditional pledging. Follow the link below to register as an individual to start raising funds OR find an individual to sponsor https://app.gigitmarketplace.com/event/sfcdurham This year, we teamed up with Durham Community Foundation's 'Walk for YOUR Cause'. This joint campaign aims to bring local charities and organizations together for a joint campaign to raise awareness and funds. Follow along here: https://www.facebook.com/events/366525258065971