(file photo/ CHAT News Today)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Province launches charitable giving matching program for COVID-19 campaigns

Apr 12, 2020 | 12:02 PM

EDMONTON- The province of Alberta has launched a charity giving matching program to incentivize donations to charity organizations hit hard because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dollar-for-dollar matching will take place for donations up to $2 million at Alberta- based charities and non- profit organizations with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns.

The initiative starts April 15, and organizations will be waiving administration fees associated with campaign donations

“Alberta’s charities and non-profits and the gift of those who donate is an integral part of what makes us Albertan. These incredible organizations are struggling to fill gaps created by the increased and changing demand for services created by the COVID-19 pandemic. By matching donations, we will amplify the generosity of Albertans and boost the capacity of community organizations working tirelessly to make sure vulnerable Albertans are cared for during the pandemic,” Leela Sharon Aheer, MInister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women said.

“Albertans have always been very generous in times of crisis. Our province has been hit hard by the pandemic, and we are once again calling on Albertans to donate what their finances allow. Every donation will help in some way so charities can continue to feed the hungry, care for seniors, support children and battle homelessness amid COVID-19,” Jeremy NIxon, Parlimentary Secretary to the minister of community and social services said.

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The organizations with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns that will be included in the government matching initiative include the following:

• United Way of the Capital Region – Local Love in a Global Crisis Campaign
• United Way Calgary and Area – COVID-19 Community Response Fund
• Calgary Foundation – COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Program
• Edmonton Community Foundation – COVID Rapid Response Fund
• Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta – COVID Response for Southeast Alberta
• Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta – COVID Response and Recovery Grants Program
• Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta – Better Together COVID-19 Response Fund/Community Kitchen and Food Bank Fund