In an effort to help the charities and non-profit organizations that are serving Canada's most vulnerable people during the global pandemic, the federal government just announced a new $350-million Emergency Community Support Fund. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement during his daily press briefing outside Rideau Cottage Tuesday morning while also acknowledging the tremendous work being done by Canada's charities in such trying times.

We need to look out for one another in these difficult times. That’s why we’re taking these steps to get our most vulnerable the help they need, when they need it. For more details on today’s announcement, click here: https://t.co/ZS6zsqWmzK

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 21, 2020

He explained that that some of the money will be distributed through three large national groups — such as United Way and Red Cross — to Canada’s 86,000 registered charities, while a separate portion of funds will be reserved for small, independent organizations.

"This is so they can adapt to the new realities and difficulties brought on by this pandemic," he said.

Trudeau specified that the new funding will help organizations with things like training new volunteers, increasing home delivery for seniors, providing transportation for those who are disabled and more.

He also acknowledged that many of the countries charities and non-profits have struggled amid the pandemic and have been forced to change how they operate due to social distancing measures. 

"While COVID-19 is affecting all Canadians, some people are more at risk to the impacts of the pandemic," Trudeau said in a statement. 

"Today’s announcement will further help our most vulnerable Canadians and ensure organizations have what they need to help. Canadians need to look out for one another in the these difficult times. We will get through this together."

We’re making sure these organizations can keep delivering groceries and medications, driving seniors and persons with disabilities to appointments, offering support through help lines, training volunteers, and so much more. Because this work is needed now more than ever.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 21, 2020

At the end of March, a coalition of more than 200 major Canadian charities called upon the federal government to establish a $10-billion stabilization fund to prevent the non-profit sector from collapsing amid the pandemic. 

While the newly announced funding falls short of this demand, organizations will also be able to access a wage subsidy program to help them rehire employees. 

In today's press conference, Trudeau said online applications for the 75-per-cent wage subsidy program will open next week and the Canada Revenue Agency is setting up a calculator so employers can find out how much assistance they should expect to receive.