Item - 2019.EC10.1

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council approve total funding of $139,494 allocated from the 2019 Identify 'N Impact investment program to fifteen (15) youth-led projects, as set out in Appendix A, to the report (November 14, 2019) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, from the 2019 Approved Operating Budget for Social Development, Finance and Administration.

2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to re-allocate, or approve and disburse one-time Community Investment grants in 2020, with funding allocation to be subject to the annual budget process.

3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to re-allocate, or approve and disburse one-time grants totalling $125,000 in support of the 2019 implementation of the TO Wards Peace program.

4. City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to report back annually to the Economic and Community Development Committee on the grants approved through authority provided in recommendations 2 and 3.

This report recommends approval of the 2019 Identify 'N Impact youth-led grants to be made from Community Investment Funding, a project-based funding stream. A total of fifteen (15) projects are recommended for funding by a selection panel of six (6) youth community leaders for a total 2019 investment of $139,494.00.

This report also includes information about a project that will work with African, Caribbean and Black Queer and Trans Youth to increase social service system capacity to address their unique needs, in support of the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism. 

This report speaks to two other actions related to city priorities: the disbursement of grants in 2020 to fund actions developed through Social Development and Action Plans in four (4) community revitalization neighbourhoods, and the disbursement of 2019 funds related to the TO Wards Peace program.

Providing community grants is one way the city is working towards a future where all Torontonians live in vibrant, equitable, inclusive, safe neighbourhoods and communities where the needs of vulnerable people and communities are met.