LIFT Philanthropy Partners (LIFT), with funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is excited to announce the launch of Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact, a new LIFT initiative. Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact will help 10 immigrant-serving organizations across Canada expand their capacity and reach to deliver meaningful change in the lives of newcomers.
“LIFT is pleased to bring our proven capacity building formula to newcomer organizations,” said Bruce Dewar, President & CEO of LIFT. “By participating in Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact, the organizations will be able to have a bigger impact on newcomers who have come to Canada seeking better lives for themselves, their families and future generations.”
Immigration to Canada continues to increase. According to Statistics Canada, more than 1.2 million newcomers settled in Canada between 2011 and 2016.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that high-quality settlement services are provided to all newcomers, including refugees, across Canada,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “That’s why we are proud to contribute funding to LIFT’s Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact, an initiative that will help service provider organizations increase their capacity to better serve newcomers.”
LIFT will select newcomer organizations across Canada whose programming falls into one or more of the four core areas: language skills, employment assistance, community connections, and needs assessments to provide a smooth transition to life in Canada.
Windmill Microlending, formerly Immigrant Access Fund Canada, has been selected as the first newcomer organization to participate in Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact. Windmill reduces barriers to employment for skilled immigrants and refugees who arrive with international credentials and the desire to work in their field in Canada.
“We are thrilled to be participating in LIFT’s Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact. With greater capacity, we hope to realize the economic potential of ten times more newcomers, creating more than $1 billion in impact for our clients and Canada at large,” said Claudia Hepburn, CEO, Windmill Microlending (formerly Immigrant Access Fund Canada).
Newcomer organizations who are interested in participating in the initiative are encouraged to apply online by completing the application form on the Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact webpage.
About LIFT Philanthropy Partners
LIFT Philanthropy Partners is a national non-profit organization that believes vulnerable and at-risk Canadians deserve access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in society. Through hands-on management and pro bono contributions from its national network of leading experts and businesses, LIFT supports social purpose organizations (SPOs) to improve their operations, accountability and measurement practices, so they can deliver meaningful, lasting impact in Canada.
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