Item - 2015.CD4.6

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council approve the 2015 Community Service Partnerships allocation recommendations totalling $14,845,390.00 from the 2015 budget to 199 organizations that requested funding as described in Appendices A and B of the report (May 6, 2015) from the Acting Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration.

2.  City Council authorize reserving $15,000.00 of the 2015 Community Service Partnerships funding to administer claims by eligible seniors through the snow shovelling program.

3.  City Council delegate authority to the Acting Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to re-allocate the 2015 Community Service Partnerships (CSP) funds that are not used during the funding year by approved organizations to other CSP approved organizations.

4.  City Council request the Acting Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to report on any re-allocation of 2015 Community Service Partnerships funds as part of the 2016 grants allocation recommendations report.

5.  City Council approve the 2015 Service Development Investment Program allocations totalling $570,000.00 be allocated to 16 organizations as described in Appendices A and C of the report (May 6, 2015) from the Acting Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration.

6.  City Council authorize the Acting Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter into a four year service agreement with Findhelp Information Services in the amount of $591,670 for 2015, in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in Appendix E of the report (May 6, 2015) from the Acting Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, and any other terms and conditions and in a format acceptable to the City Solicitor.

7.  City Council direct Social Development, Finance and Administration staff to explore ways to increase funding to new and emerging groups through a targeted approach and report back in 2016 to the Community Development and Recreation Committee.

This report recommends funding to organizations requesting support under Community Service Partnership (CSP) and the Service Development Investment (SDIP) programs. It also recommends extending the term of the City’s service agreement with Findhelp Information Services (Findhelp).

CSP provides ongoing and stable support to Toronto's not-for-profit organizations to enable them to offer high quality and relevant services that strengthen the city's well-being.

Funding is recommended for 199 organizations for $14,845,390 to support 486 programs that improve social outcomes for vulnerable, marginalized and high-risk residents and communities.  Included in this recommendation is a 2.1 percent cost of living increase approved by Toronto City Council in the 2015 budget process. In addition, it is recommended that $15,000 be held to administer the senior's snow-shovelling program.

SDIP provides multi-year project funding to coalitions and organizations that develop community capacity and build effective partnerships within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs) and across the city. Funding is recommended for 16 initiatives for $570,000.

Findhelp receives funding administered by Social Development, Finance and Administration Division (SDFA) under the Council approved terms and conditions for line item grants. Established in 1971, Findhelp is a charitable nonprofit organization that works to ensure that all people, especially those who face barriers to service, have easy access to accurate and appropriate human services information.