March 2024

In This Issue

• 2024 Launch of the Region of Waterloo's Upstream and Community Capacity Building Funds

• The Region's New "Growing with Care" Strategic Plan
• Pride Bus - Call for Artists
• Bridges to Belonging Future Planning Webinar Series
• Call for Funding Proposals- Building Safer Communities

In 2024 the Region is investing $2.89M in community-led initiatives that are creating a safer, more inclusive Waterloo Region.

Funding supports projects related to: 

• Truth and Reconciliation 
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Safety and Wellbeing
• Creating Systems that Support Everyone 
• Building Supportive Communities 
• Equitable Access to Basic Needs 
• And Much More! 

Virtual and In-Person Community Collaborative Events

Join The Upstream Team and other community change makers to learn more about how you can apply for Upstream and CCB funding.

Register Below!

Are you doing good work in North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich?

The Upstream team invites you to attend a drop in at any of the following township library locations to learn more about the Upstream and CCB funds and how they can benefit your initiative(s). Registration is not required for the Township Drop-In sessions.

Virtual Support Time

Starting Wed, March 20, 2024 until April 24, 2024 Upstream staff will be available every week on Wednesday's from 11-11:30 am to answer any questions or assist with your application to Upstream/CCB. Please join by using this Zoom link .

Alternatively, contact Julie Thompson at jthomspson@regionofwaterloo.ca or 226-753-3006.  

Community News and Events

Creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a good life

The Region of Waterloo’s new “Growing with Care” strategic plan was created in partnership with residents, who told us they want a compassionate community that cares for all people and stewards the land for future generations. 

Our Plan outlines the Region’s commitment to address the housing and homelessness crisis; support community growth that adapts to a changing climate; make services and opportunities more equitable for all; and cultivate an organization that supports staff wellbeing and improves services to better support residents. Indigenous Reconciliation will be vital to the success of the plan over the coming years.  

Learn More Here

Call for artists for Pride bus wrap design

Grand River Transit invites local artists, graphic designers, and illustrators aged 18 and above to submit their qualifications to design an original full-color digital image to be applied on a GRT bus, posters, interior bus cards, decals, and a window mural at 105 King St. E., Kitchener, in recognition of Pride Month for June 2024.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 17, 2024

See the GRT website for more information.

Bridges to Belonging Future Planning Webinar Series

Bridges to Belonging presents Future Planning Webinar Series. Learn from legal, financial, health care specialists and community developers about important considerations to create a safe and secure future for yourself and your loved one with a disability.

Join Bridges to Belonging for the third Future Planning virtual session with David Amy from GGFI Law. The session focus is on wills and estates, trusts and henson trusts, and powers of attorney.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Virtual, Zoom

Call for Funding Proposals

Building Safer Communities

The Building Safer Communities (BSC) project is pleased to announce an open call for applications for one-time project funding.

$850,000 is available to be distributed among Waterloo Region organizations who support African, Caribbean and Black-identifying (ACBi), First Nations, Inuit and Métis (Indigenous), and racialized youth.

This one-time project funding will support upstream mental health and addiction crisis prevention activities for ACBi, Indigenous, and racialized youth between the ages of 12- 25.

Activities must demonstrate an impact on increasing protective factors and/or decreasing risk factors for mental health and addiction, or on reducing police interactions.

Interested organizations are invited to apply online. Applications will be accepted until March 22, 2024.

Funding decisions will be made by BSC’s Youth Decision Making Team.

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