The Ontario government will invest $83 million to support Royal Canadian Legion branches, non-profit organizations when the province reopens after months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will see grants of $150,000 awarded to organizations that are looking to deliver vital programming to their communities amid the world health crisis.

Dubbed the Resilient Communities Fund, eligible non-profit organizations will be supported to navigate the impacts of the pandemic such as strategic planning, organizational training, research and development, mental and physical health resources as well.

The government says the fund will also help non-profit organizations to improve their ability to access and develop new and alternative revenues sources, including seeking public-private partnerships and developing fundraising plans.

Additionally, the fund will allow non-profits to adapt or reimagine the delivery of their programs and services to their communities and to adhere to the province’s public health restrictions. Moreover, according to the government, organizations may be eligible for the procurement of equipment and renovations in order to respond to the challenges caused by the virus.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reports on Wednesday that Legion halls not only lead them in honoring their heroes, but they also do incredible work in their communities, educating their younger people, provide services to veterans and their families, and give back to their communities in so many ways.

Lisa MacLeod, Minister of heritage, sport, tourism, and culture industries was also on hand for the announcement and said the government acknowledges how difficult the COVID-19 pandemic has been for Ontario’s non-profits.

He added that from loss of revenue due to the canceled fundraisers to the disruption of services to community members, they know that the pandemic has made it difficult for the sector to continue operating. That’s the reason why they are taking action to support initiatives like the Resilient Communities Fund making such a positive contribution to communities across Ontario during this hard time.