Every year the Comox Valley Community Foundation disperses funding to a diverse mix of community groups and organizations.
Groups such as the Comox Valley Transition Society, Cumberland Community Forest and L’Arche received grants in early 2011.
The Comox Valley Transition Society operates Lili House, a shelter for women and children who are fleeing abuse. The grant monies received for Lili House were used to refurbish the laundry room including the appliances.
Since 1992 over 4,000 women and children had used the laundry facilities.
“Community support for the programs we provide is absolutely essential, in terms of fundraising and awareness of the problem of violence against women and awareness of the existence of services that can help," says executive director Heather Ney.
"Through the donation of the CVCF, the practical problem of the aging laundry room was solved, awareness was raised, and a message of care and concern was sent to the women and children who use the shelter.”
The Cumberland Community Forest Society has preserved 150 acres of forest land surrounding Cumberland. These trails are well known to both local and visiting enthusiasts in the biking and hiking communities.
The society utilized their CVCF grant for trail maintenance including drainage work on heavily used trails, bridge replacement, new signage, a lockbox and a portable desktop display for the information booth.
“Because of the generous grant from CVCF, the Cumberland Community Forest Society has been able to install signage and make improvements to the trail network within the Cumberland Community Forest that we otherwise would not be able to afford," says volunteer co-ordinator Mary Lynn DesRoches. "Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy these improvements for years to come.”
L’Arche Comox Valley operates Jubilee House, a home for people with special needs.
"Through the grant that we received from CVCF we were able to buy new furniture for Jubilee House," states Christine Monier, community leader and executive director.
"Most of the former furnishings were second hand and had outlived their life many times over. So now that we have beautiful soft leather couches, new curtains, a solid wood dining room table, sturdy chairs and a brightly painted living room, everyone just loves lounging around together chit-chatting away.
"We have received many compliments and there has been lots of oooing and awings. Through the generosity of the CVCF our home has taken on a new life and created an enhanced welcoming atmosphere that matches the smiles and good humour of its residents. Thank you to the many generous donors for making this happen!”
Eligible applicants for Foundation funding include registered charities and qualified donees under the Income Tax Act. They must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and effective management. Grants are not made to individuals or businesses.
Projects and activities must occur in the Comox Valley (School District 71) or be of direct benefit to the residents of the Comox Valley. The Foundation will consider applications in five fields of interest — arts and culture, environment, seniors, health and welfare, education and youth.
The Comox Valley Community Foundation accepts grant applications online. The Foundation holds one grant cycle per year. Applications will be accepted between Sept. 17 and Oct. 21.
Last year the Foundation hosted a free workshop to organizations who were considering applying. The response from those who attended was that it was very helpful and worthwhile.
The next workshop will be held Sept. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Space is limited, so RSVP to cvcf@shawcable.com, 250-338-8444 or 467 Cumberland Rd. in Courtenay.
For more information on the Community Foundation and how to apply for funding, visit www.cvcfoundation.org or contact president Lorne Harder at 250-338-1401.
— Comox Valley Community Foundation