The Toronto Community Challenge: Investing back into your community takes a holistic approach

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Have you been interested in starting a project that will help to improve your local community?

Are you passionate about building a thriving community where you live in the city of Toronto and York region?

Are you a legally registered nonprofit organization?

We are at the inception of something beautiful here in Toronto. Every day I am witness to the genesis of community projects that have emerged in response to specific needs and challenges in the African-Caribbean community. These projects are addressing the needs, and directly improving the quality of life for community members. These projects have also provided opportunities for individuals and groups to take initiative and lead, which not only helps in project implementation but also contributes to the personal and professional development of the community.

They are now serving as catalysts for broader social change. By challenging existing norms, advocating for justice, and promoting inclusivity, these projects can contribute to positive transformations at both the local and societal levels.

Last week, I was contacted by ChangeX. Established in 2015 they work with social innovators to scale proven solutions to: environmental, economic and social issues, and partners with companies and foundations to support local communities with the necessary funding. Its funders include Microsoft, Accenture and the LEGO Foundation, among others. As a community engagement platform, they work to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighbourhoods.

Here is the good news; supported by a Community Empowerment Fund Award from Microsoft, ChangeX has launched a fund to support registered nonprofits to start or expand impactful community projects in the City of Toronto and York Region.

This is the first year of the Toronto Community Challenge. If you are an eligible non-profit organization, you can choose from a curated portfolio of 11 proven ideas that have already had a positive impact in other communities around the world or apply with an existing project.

Local nonprofit organizations applying for funding to start one of the projects offered will have 30 days to form a project team and develop an action plan. Once you have completed these steps, you will be eligible for start-up funding. Funding will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is December 15^th, 2023.

Ideas offered include Little Free Pantry, a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to help tackle food insecurity; FIRST LEGO League, a hands-on program that supports children aged 4 to 14 in developing STEM skills; and Eartheasy School Garden, which brings communities together by starting a school garden for education and fun. Hour of Code, another exciting initiative in the portfolio, is focused around teaching the next generation coding skills to equip them for the modern world.

In addition to being awarded funding, every applicant that successfully applies to start an idea in their community in Toronto will receive a range of supports including:

• A five-step starter guide for your chosen project
• Free tech tools and website to help get your project started and manage your group
• Advice and support via email and Zoom

“The Toronto Community Challenge offers a chance for communities to unite in fostering vibrant and sustainable environments throughout the City of Toronto and York Region.

We’re excited to support local action to see the collective impact we can have in building healthier, more sustainable communities,” shared Chad Wesen (Microsoft Community Affairs Team).

• Select an idea listed or submit your existing project and register to get your project page
• Use your project page to complete the 30-Day Challenge
• Submit a photo and your action plan
• Let us know what impact you are having in your community

Engaging in impactful community projects helps instill a culture of giving back. As individuals witness the positive impact of their efforts, they are more likely to continue contributing to the well-being of their community in various ways. Investing back into your community is a holistic approach that benefits the: economic, social, and cultural aspects of the area and the people. Together we can create a positive feedback loop that contributes to the well-being and prosperity of the community as a whole.