News Release

For Immediate Release
March 15, 2005

Community-Based Organizations To Receive Funding Grants For Projects

TORONTO — The Ontario government is announcing new grant funding for community-based projects that will improve the lives of victims of crime and ensure that they receive the supports and services they need, Attorney General Michael Bryant said today.

"We are ensuring that victims of crime get the services they need to begin putting their lives back together," said Bryant. "We are also ensuring that individuals who are knowledgeable about victims' issues and experienced in providing services to victims are involved in deciding how the money is spent so the money does the most good."

Bryant said $14.3 million from the Victims' Justice Fund will go to projects that assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, children who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and under-funded or unfunded victims. Funding will also be made available for community education initiatives that support these priority areas. Also, for the first time ever, applications will be specifically solicited from organizations that support victims of hate crimes.

"Clearly, the community grants program enhances the capacity of community-based victim service organizations to develop and deliver innovative and meaningful programs," said Jim Stephenson of the Office for Victims of Crime. "This new approach will give community-based organizations a real voice in building the necessary services in communities across Ontario."

The government is inviting not-for-profit, community-based organizations, First Nations and Aboriginal organizations, police services and other large organizations, such as hospitals, universities and school boards, to apply for funding. The government is also asking interested members of the public to sit on six new regional project review committees, which will help recommend projects for funding.

"Review of proposals will be undertaken by people who know how to do the most good, and in the most innovative and effective way," said Bryant. "It means we will get the money where it is needed most."

The funding is being allocated from the Victims' Justice Fund over three years, with $2.329 million being spent in 2005-2006, $6 million 2006-07, and an additional $6 million in 2007-08. Monies in the Victims' Justice Fund are collected through a victim fine surcharge applied to provincial and federal fines and dedicated to providing services for victims.

For information on how organizations can apply for funding, see the ministry website at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

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