The Canadian Red Cross has launched the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program to aid recovery for those affected by the 2025 Saskatchewan wildfires. Backed by a $15 million funding commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan, the program provides $2,000 in financial assistance to eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organizations directly impacted by the fires.
Eligible recipients include organizations located in communities that experienced mandatory evacuations of seven days or more. Funds can be used to cover urgent expenses such as clean-up costs, insurance deductibles, storage, inventory movement, and other recovery-related needs. To qualify, organizations must have been operational before the evacuation order and plan to resume activities after the wildfires. A separate program to assist trappers affected by the fires, who may not meet the main eligibility criteria, is also under development.
Applications for the program will be accepted until March 27, 2026. Communities eligible for support were identified in consultation with the Government of Saskatchewan. In addition to this funding, the Red Cross continues to provide personalized recovery support to individuals and families, including financial aid for early recovery needs for those whose primary residences were damaged or destroyed.
Luc Mullinder, vice-president of the Canadian Red Cross for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and non-profits, calling them “the backbone of Saskatchewan communities.” Marlo Pritchard, President and Fire Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, highlighted the significance of the support for recovery after an unprecedented wildfire season.
The Canadian Red Cross, a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, remains committed to helping people and communities in Canada and globally, both during and after disasters, and to strengthening their resilience for future emergencies.
