COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM
Organizations have different historical and current financial realities. We recognize that while many organizations have the necessary staff capacity to participate in Pathways, some smaller and volunteer-run organizations may not. The community care program offers a model where organizations can optionally request funds to support their participation, or contribute (based on a sliding scale) to ensure the participation of others.
Note: Intent to contribute or request funds will not affect the review of your application.
Reflection Process
As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to reflect on their positionality and self-select whether they would like to contribute funds to the community care program to support the participation of others, request to receive community care funds to support their organization’s ability to participate, or neither contribute nor request funds.
How the Funds are Shared
The funds help ensure that more organizations can participate in the program. Although it is up to the organization to decide how to spend the funds, the primary intent of these funds is to reduce inappropriate unpaid labour. For example, if a staff member or contractor will be increasing their hours to do this program outside of their regular duties.
Pathways does not distribute the funds directly to individuals, nor is it involved in how the funds are spent by the organizations.
Examples of how the funds have been used by past participating organizations
- Increase part-time staff hours to compensate for hours spent on Pathways
- Increase the paid hours of a contractor (non-employee) to compensate for hours spent on Pathways
- Provide an honorarium for folks who normally play a volunteer role in the organization
- Facilitate team or board sessions to share learning from Pathways
- Provide wellness support for participants as they undertake this work
Why Your Organization Might Choose to Contribute to the Fund
Participating organizations are invited to contribute to the community care fund to ensure others can participate in Pathways. Examples of why past organizations have chosen to contribute:
- Recognizing that for many organizations, a free program is out of reach due to the capacity required to participate.
- Understanding that programs such as this are often costly to participants and this is an opportunity to contribute.
Timing
- If accepted into Pathways, organizations will receive an invoice for their contribution at the time of acceptance.
- If an organization’s request for community care funds is approved, a confirmation email will be sent in the second month of the program (November), after participants have engaged with their Guide.
