The Essentials Fund is Back

Helping local non-profits support their clients' essential needs

Last year, I shared about the Essentials Fund which seeks to address the challenge of basic items like transit passes and hygiene items not being covered by grant funding (which is usually tied to very specific purposes). The Essentials Fund offers ‘unrestricted grants’ which organizations can use at their discretion. That funding has allowed groups to provide needed items such as baby diapers and formula, menstrual products, and basic toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste.

Since launching in 2022, The Essentials Fund has provided over $77,000 to 22 local community organizations in Waterloo Region. Essentials Fund co-founder Allyson Kroetsch says, “The success of The Essentials Fund is dependent on the generosity of community members. We are so thankful for the financial support we have received during the last two years during the fundraising campaign and hope to build on that generosity this year.”

Grants are disbursed through an application process in the summer, in accordance with Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s rules and guidelines. Essentials Fund donor Sally Sarachman says, “I appreciate that The Essentials Fund connects my donation with needs that can be easily overlooked, but are critical to providing people with the foundations they need to thrive.” If you’d like more details about the fund, reach out via email: essentialsfundWR@gmail.com

If you are interested and able to provide a donation to the Essentials Fund, you can donate here and donations are eligible for a tax receipt. The campaign to collect funds ends April 30th. The Essentials Fund also provides a year-end update from the committee.

The Essentials Fund is led by an organizing committee of community volunteers who have come together because they recognize and appreciate the vital work being done by Waterloo Region charities and organizations. If you have questions, visit their (recently updated!) website. Scroll to the bottom of their homepage to subscribe to updates.