Financial Resources
“I’ve been lucky enough to make my living wage as a musician, collaborator, producer, and entertainer for over a decade. When the pandemic hit, I had nothing to fall back on, and my bills and rent had piling up and I wasn’t sure how I would catch up. The Unison Fund simply put me back on track when the pandemic had derailed my ability to sustain myself. Thank you Unison, you’re all miracle workers, and the music industry is a much happier place with you in it.”
National Resources
Government of Canada Funding programs (General) – Programs, services, initiatives for Indigenous and northern communities and organizations.
Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund – Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is the national leadership organization for Canada’s 191 local community foundations. Together with community foundations across the country, we help drive local solutions for national change on the issues that matter most to Canadians.
CSARN (the Canadian Senior Artists Resource Network) – CSARN engages “senior” professional artists in Canada – that is, artists who, either by age or years of experience, consider themselves seniors in their field – in their desire to continue their life’s work as creators, in the visual and performing arts, through the written word, as well as on production teams.
PAL Canada – The root and heart of the philosophy of PAL Canada, Supporting Cast is a group of volunteers who offer personal assistance to elder PAL members so that they can continue to lead meaningful, independent lives. These services may include assistance in dealing with community agencies and health care providers. In some jurisdictions, rides to medical appointments, running errands and light housekeeping may be available.
Food Banks Canada – Find a local Food Bank – In collaboration with a supportive food bank network that spans coast-to-coast-to-coast, Food Banks Canada’s mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow.
Funding for Indigenous Housing – Discover funding and financing opportunities for Indigenous housing construction and renovation in Canada. We offer a range of low-cost repayable and non-repayable loans and contributions for qualified projects.
Habitat for Humanity Canada – The affordable homeownership program provides working families and individuals with an opportunity to purchase a decent home by partnering with a local Habitat for Humanity.
Provincial Resources
ALBERTA
Emergency Financial Assistance – Financial assistance for unexpected emergencies is available through the Emergency Needs Allowance.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Financial Help & Support – Financial assistance for businesses, families and youth and social supports for Islanders.
ONTARIO
Ontario Works Child-Related Benefits – Get a personalized list of available benefits, including help with child care, employment, housing and living expenses.
Ontario Electricity Support Program – The OESP will reduce the cost of your household electricity by applying a monthly credit directly to your bill.
Ontario Non-profit Housing Association – Information on non-profit housing and where to find it.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program – If you’re behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and face having your service disconnected, you may qualify for emergency financial help through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
Social Assistance – Learn how to get financial and employment assistance if you don’t have enough money for things like food and housing, or if you have a disability and are in financial need.
Artist Housing Support – Developing and managing secure, sustainable spaces for artists and cultural organizations has been at the core of Artscape’s work since 1986. These spaces enable artists to live, work and thrive in Toronto, while also contributing to the cultural, social and economic enrichment of our neighbourhoods.
Toronto – Housing Support – Toronto’s housing support directory.
Toronto – Subsidized Housing & Housing Benefits – Information on subsidized housing, allowance subsidies and supports.
Toronto – Financial Support for Renters – Information on the Housing Stabilization Fund, Toronto Rent Bank, Toronto Tenant Support Program, Rent Reduction Program, Emergency Energy Fund and Home Energy Conservation Supplies.
Toronto – Financial Support for Homeowners – Information on the The Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) for low income homeowners, financial help paying water and tax bills, financial help to pay utility bills, money for energy conservations renovations and money to buy smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Toronto – Rent Geared to Income Subsidy – Information on Toronto’s rent-geared-to- income subsidy.
Toronto – Tenant Defence Fund – The City of Toronto created a Tenant Defence Fund (TDF) to support the preservation of affordable rental housing in the City of Toronto.
Toronto – Hydro Financial Assistance – Low-income Toronto residents may qualify for help from the City of Toronto with energy-related emergencies to reconnect, prevent disconnection or to assist in the payment of energy arrears for hydro services.
Toronto – Utility Billing & Relief Program – Information on Utility billing and relief programs for individuals behind on payments.
Toronto – Property Tax Appeal – Eligibility criteria, essential documents and how to apply.
Toronto – Property Tax, Water & Solid Waste Relief Programs – Eligibility criteria, essential documents and how to apply.
Toronto – Rent Bank – Eligibility criteria, essential documents and how to apply.
Unison is always here to help, for more information on our financial assistance program click here.