Local Poverty Reduction Fund to Support Community-Driven Solutions
New Fund Taps into Grassroots Initiatives
Ontario is investing $50 million to support grassroots community partners in lifting people and families out of poverty.
The Local Poverty Reduction Fund will support innovative local solutions and help community organizations demonstrate their progress, evaluate their programs and build a collective body of evidence of poverty reduction initiatives that work.
“I am proud of our government’s support of this grassroots initiative that works hard to make a positive impact on the lives of those living in poverty. Supporting local solutions to address poverty reductions just makes sense.” MPP Michael Gravelle, Thunder Bay – Superior North
Reducing poverty means investing in the right supports that improve outcomes for people. Ontario’s work to fight poverty has made a difference in the lives of children and families, including preventing thousands from falling into poverty during the recession. Despite these successes, we know there is more work to do.
There are many local, grassroots and innovative programs in communities that are making a difference in the lives of people living in poverty. Using the evidence gathered from these programs, the government will work to apply best practices across the province and focus on funding programs that are proven to work and that can expand over time.
Fighting poverty is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
“Our partners know their communities and what makes a difference for people living in poverty. We have an opportunity to capture innovative solutions from across the province that are working to help people become healthier, more ready for employment and better able to contribute to their communities.” Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy
QUICK FACTS
- The Local Poverty Reduction Fund will focus 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 Aboriginal Peoples.
- The fund will support projects that focus on local community partnerships, and include a third-party evaluation component.
- The fund will also support projects led by Aboriginal communities and organizations both on- and off-reserve.
- The $50 million will be invested over six years.
LEARN MORE
- Apply to the Local Poverty Reduction Fund
- Read Realizing Our Potential: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.
- Read Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy 2014 Annual Report.
