While the financial savings to taxpayers from cutting any or all of the City of Toronto’s grants to community groups is very small, the impact of the loss of that funding would be widespread. Recent research from the Wellesley Institute shows that strong and resilient community networks have a positive impact on individual and population health by attending to local needs, supplying important services, engaging community members, mobilizing public policy advocacy and helping to ameliorate the harsh effects of inequalities. But adequate and stable funding is a key condition for a dynamic and responsible community sector. As Toronto City Council continues its Core Services Review and launches the municipal budget process, the urgent need to invest in healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods remains an important priority.
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Tiny savings from cutting Toronto community support: Wellesley Institute policy backgrounder
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Role of vibrant community sector in reducing disparities and improving population health: New research.
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Take care of the health of our city: Key resources on Toronto’s Core Services Review and municipal budget process.