Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services, is announcing the government will invest $1 million this year to support local organizations in their efforts to reduce poverty. Funding for forty seven proposals is being awarded to community and Indigenous organizations through the 2019/20 Anti-Poverty Fund.
The fund was created to support initiatives in the Northwest Territories that reduce poverty and was a result of the strategic framework Building on the Strength of Northerners.
This year’s successful proposals aim to reduce poverty through providing support for healthy living; mental wellness; early childhood development; initiatives for Elders and youth; training and employment; housing and homelessness; food security; on-the-land activities; traditional knowledge; and the integration and coordination of services.
All proposals look to overcome the root causes and direct impacts of poverty, and are linked to one of five priorities in the Anti-Poverty Strategic Framework: children and family support; healthy living and reaching our potential; safe and affordable housing; sustainable communities; and integrated continuum of services. The proposals also encourage community participation and facilitate partnerships to provide residents with better information and resource tools to address poverty.
Quote
“The Anti-Poverty Fund is an important tool we use to take action against poverty. It is through partnerships with community and Indigenous organizations, that we have seen successful community driven solutions that have touched the lives of youth, women, persons with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness by addressing both their immediate and long term needs.”
-Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services
Quick Facts
- Funding is allocated based on the fiscal year, which starts on April 1 of each year, and finishes on March 31 of each year.
- The Anti-Poverty Fund has an annual budget of $1,000,000. There is no maximum or minimum funding limit for individual projects.
- Over 50 proposals were received for 2019/20 requesting $3.4 million in funding. Forty seven applications were approved for funding.
- The range in awarded funding amounts for 2019-20 was $7,000 to $50,000.
Related Links
- Anti-Poverty NWT
- Building on the Strengths of Northerners A Strategic Framework toward the Elimination of Poverty in the NWT
Media Contact
Damien Healy
Manager of Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
1-867-767-9090 ext. 49034
Damien_Healy@gov.nt.ca