The Bridging the Gap Fund (BTGF) was created to ‘bridge the gap’ for Bellwoods’ clients who may need one-time support during periods of greater financial hardship and/or help with emergency situations that cannot be funded through any other process.
Access to support under the BTGF will be flexible but accountability for proper use of funding will be integrated into the process.
The BTGF will be administered and overseen by a small Committee comprised of Bellwoods staff who will provide regular reports to Bellwoods Community Advisory Council (BCAC).
Eligibility is intended to be flexible but, in general, will be guided by the following criteria:
- Food security needs: assistance with meeting food needs i.e., groceries)
- Access to equipment: assistance with covering costs related to health, therapeutic or accessible equipment i.e., lifts, wheelchairs)
- Purchase of goods or services: assistance with covering costs/expenses of an item or service i.e., footcare, wheelchair cleaning, etc.)
- Other: items not listed above
All requests are important and we will do our best to review applications as they are received. However, some are more time-sensitive than others. Indicating the level of urgency will notify the committee the priority of the requests:
- Urgent: the request is needed as soon as possible due to the circumstances of the request.
- Non-urgent: the request is needed, but is not required immediately and can wait up to a few weeks.
BTGF will not cover: costs that can be supported through other programs, ongoing items/circumstances (i.e. monthly bills or expenses), multiple requests, debt of any kind (i.e. personal, or outstanding)
What is the process for accessing funds ?
The process is easy. Complete the application form or contact the BTGF Coordinator about your request so they can understand your need and, if appropriate, help you make a request for support.
For more information contact:
Bridging the Gap Coordinator
Bellwoods Centres for Community Living Inc.
Email: ciw@bcclsp.org | Phone: 416-970-6773