Together the United Way organizations of both Winkler and Morden will be distributing approximately $33,000 in the second round of the federal government's Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) this fall.

"The past several months have been a challenging time for local non-profits as the demand for their services increase while opportunities for fundraising events have stalled," United Way Morden board president Alex Fedorchuk says.

"That makes this funding all the more important," adds Winkler and District United Way board president Kim Nelson. "We’re pleased to be part of making sure it gets to the community groups and projects in our area that need it most."

Round two represents is the balance of funding from the $350 million ECSF made by the Government of Canada to support vulnerable populations as they manage the impacts of COVID-19.

Local registered charities and qualified non-profits can apply for the funding online at unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/ecsf. The deadline is Oct. 30. The Winkler and Morden United Way boards will be reviewing all local applications and distributing the money in November.

Funds can be used for community services that address a pressing social inclusion or well-being need caused or worsened by COVID-19, serve one or more vulnerable groups, and will be carried out with a reasonable budget before March 31, 2021.