Community Services Recovery Fund

Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) (2023-2024) Funded by Government of Canada and delivered through Community Foundations of Canada, Windsor-Essex Community Foundation

, Project Title "Building a resilient South Asian Centre of Windsor". 

The funds wil help us  review and develop effective organizational systems to guide good governance which will build a
resilient organization that can adapt to new demands and deliver on its mission effectively. Check more on the CSRF Announcement here

South Asian Centre of Windsor was invited to the Roundtable with Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kuzmeirczyk to hear about the plans for the organization with the funds.  The centre also joined Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kuzmeirczyk for the successful coclusion of the Community Services Recovery Fund projects.

Project Outcomes and Impact

Coming out of COVID-19, the South Asian Centre of Windsor faced significant challenges: rebuilding community connections, adapting programs to new realities, and strengthening governance after years of strain. The $81,300 CSRF grant provided a critical opportunity to stabilize and grow, enabling us to put in place the systems that will ensure resilience well into the future.

For, the first time in its 40-year history, the Centre created a 5-Year Strategic Plan Progressing Together 2029 and a comprehensive Board/Staff/Volunteer Policy Manual.

Through this process, we engaged community partners, board members, staff, and volunteers in meaningful dialogue. They not only gained valuable insights into the needs of our community but also contributed their aspirations for the Centre’s future. This collective effort built a strong sense of unity and directly informed positive changes in our governance structure, investment decisions, and programming.

Revisions to our Constitution and Bylaws allowed us to expand the Board to include both diverse South Asian community voices and leaders with professional expertise. This has significantly strengthened our governance capacity and improved financial oversight.

As a result, funders are confident in the Centre’s enhanced governance and accountability, the community has expressed appreciation for the Centre’s renewed direction, and staff are more motivated to deliver on its mission. These outcomes have led to new impactful projects, relocation to a more suitable facility, increased membership, successful fundraising initiatives, and continuous community engagement.

CLICK HERE for Strategic Plan Engagement with diverse stakeholders from Windsor

CLICK HERE for 5-Year Strategic Plan Launch