Investment Fund supports ‘community well-being’
More than 52,000 residents benefitted from the York Region Community Investment Fund last year, the Region reports.
“The Community Investment Fund addresses gaps in essential services, supports healthy living and fosters safe, accessible and inclusive environments,” says York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe.
The fund invests in local initiatives delivered by not-for-profit community agencies and partners. The Region invested nearly $8.6 million in 131 projects and initiatives delivered by 86 community agencies in 2024, according to the Community Investment Fund Activity Update for 2024.
“The fund aligns with York Region’s Strategic Plan to support community well-being and remain flexible and responsive to our community needs, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive future,” Jolliffe says. Funding is primarily allotted to community agencies through open and competitive calls for applications and in some instances direct or limited selection processes.
Key areas of work included housing stability, with $3.4 million allocated to projects to help residents find or keep stable housing. 360 Kids Support Services, Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, Inn From the Cold Inc., John Howard Society of York Region and Yellow Brick House are among agencies that received funding.
Mental well-being was another focus, with $2.9 million invested in projects to help residents have positive mental health. Those projects included Blue Door Support Services Wellness Warriors, which offers psychotherapy support and wellness workshops to participants of Blue Door’s Construct program, and Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe Gender Affirming Health Clinic for counselling, referrals and support for residents who identify as transgender.
An additional $1.4 million was allocated to support various critical community needs, including initiatives to help residents access York Region Transit and three projects that respond to the needs of residents victimized by crime, tragic circumstance and human trafficking. About $457,000 was invested in initiatives supporting organizations with operational, small capital and resident needs.
Some $352,000 went to projects and initiatives to improve food system access and strengthen the food security system. The Region also put money towards diversity, equity and inclusion, investing $30,000 in an Odeiwin Foundation project to promote revitalization and foster community connections with Indigenous culture.
“York Regional Council is committed to supporting community socio-economic, health and well-being,” says City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, chair of Community and Health Services. “Through community investments, the Region benefits from agencies’ connection to local needs, expertise supporting specific populations and existing services.”
Performance of funded projects is continuously monitored and assessed, with 72 per cent of projects meeting or exceeding their primary service targets, the Region reports. More information on the Community Investment Fund, including additional details on the 2024 activity results and the 2025 funded projects and initiatives, are available on york.ca/CommunityInvestment.