Sunshine Coast Community Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary on June 20 by awarding its one-millionth dollar in grants during a ceremony held at Chatelech Secondary School.
“In 2003, the idea of a community foundation that would build a pool of capital to support community projects was warmly embraced,” said Vicki Dobbyn, chair of the board of directors. “Only 15 years later, thanks to the generosity of local donors, we are stewarding nearly $5 million in funds and have awarded more than $1 million in grants.”
During its annual grants ceremony, the foundation awarded 21 grants totalling more than $80,000 to local charities and organizations. Some of the projects receiving funding include support for the Syiyaya Reconciliation Project, a residency and workshop by Kokoro Dance Theatre Society, accessible mental health resources at Gibsons and Sechelt public libraries, an obstacle course play structure at Halfmoon Bay Community School, television equipment for Elphinstone Secondary School, and a mountainside garden habitat at Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden.
“These community grants are awarded through a competitive process held each spring,” Dobbyn said. “The foundation convenes a committee of community members to help us select the best projects.”
In addition to its community grants, Sunshine Coast Community Foundation makes annual grants to a variety of organizations that have created permanent endowments. In 2018, those grants will provide $68,000 in funding to 18 different charities on the Coast.
A further $2,000 in scholarships will be awarded during graduation ceremonies at Chatelech and Elphinstone secondary schools.
“We are proud of the impact we are having in the community” said Wendy Francis, executive director. “As the number of funds and the size of the invested pool grow, we will be able to make even more of a difference over the next 15 years and beyond.”
Sunshine Coast Community Foundation pools the gifts of many donors to generate earnings that are distributed back into the community annually as grants. Find out more at www.sccfoundation.com.
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