To mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Fiona, the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is making a second request for proposals from parishes and not-for profit community groups .
This initiative is being funded by donations received in response to the PWRDF Hurricane Fiona Appeal from last Fall. Anglicans across Canada donated generously resulting in a total of $50,000 being available to fund projects. PWRDF has entered into an agreement with the Diocese to administer and deliver this fund.
The strategic goal or overarching objective of this fund is to help parishes/communities take steps or measures to make them more resilient and resistant to future major weather events.
This Request for Proposal seeks to attract projects that may fill gaps as to what may not have been funded through other recovery and relief programs that are currently available in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It is important that projects do not duplicate efforts or existing funding streams but, rather, leverage and collaborate with other programs and funding initiatives.
Project proposals will be evaluated on how closely they align with the following three criteria:
1) Does the project proposal demonstrate a clear case for support, with goods, services and training that responds to an identified need and significant community interest;
2) To what extent does the proposed initiative support mid to longer term needs for planning; and
3) Does the proposal demonstrate availability and commitment of proponents of the application to implement the project efficiently and effectively, leveraging other sources of funding and in-kind resources as possible and available from government and other sources.
Examples of inputs and activities for projects that would be considered are:
Infrastructure/Equipment
• Readiness of warming stations should there be power outages or other damage;
• Purchase of generators for such emergency use; and
• Improving connectivity within the church physical plant;
Community Education and Awareness
• Community gatherings for processing and preparing for weather / climate related events
• Awareness and Preparedness trainings for Emergencies including hurricanes, storm surges, etc. ;
• Counseling and supports for those impacted by an emergency; and
• Support to community efforts to enforce resilience and solidarity in the face of coming climate events
Compassionate Response and Spiritual Care for Communities
• Direct support to community organizations providing relief for those affected by climate emergencies and especially marginalized and vulnerable persons – seniors, renters, the homeless, racialized communities, low income families;
• Social and spiritual support for those affected, including community activities, memorializing climate events, ecumenical/regional/parish quiet days, retreats; and
• Support to communities and their leaders in addressing mental and emotional health in the aftermath of climate emergencies;
Engaging and Supporting Youth
•Activities that foster a sense of reverence for creation and care for the earth;
•Activities that build youth agency through climate activism and youth networking;
•Integration of youth in the parish and community decision making on climate issues;
•Integration of climate concern in Sunday School curriculum, Vacation Bible Schools, confirmation classes and youth group activities;
•Equipping adults who work with children and young people to develop climate concern in their ministry to children and youth; and
•Equipping adults to recognize and respond to eco-anxiety and related mental health distress.
The maximum amount of funding per project is $8,000 and smaller value projects are welcome. The deadline for project applications is December 1, 2023 and projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.
For more information on the Hurricane Fiona Resilience Response Fund or to receive an application form please email:
Chris Pharo, PWRDF Diocesan Representative cpharo@eastlink.ca