Erin Haluschak
Record staff
With the mandate to be a broad-based grant maker, applications for grants for the Comox Valley Community Foundation are now being accepted.
Norm Carruthers, foundation president, said he expects between 50 to 60 applications, and added the foundation hopes to satisfy about one- third of them.
“Last year, we handed out 20 different grants, and this year it’s likely in the same order of magnitude. The number of applications and recipients keeps growing.”
The foundation attracts, develops and manages permanent endowment funds through responsible stewardship. They assess and respond to existing, emerging and changing community needs through grants to eligible organizations.
Additionally, they provide a means for individuals and organizations with varied interests and levels of giving to contribute financially to their community.
Last year, the foundation granted more than $118,000, and Carruthers noted the offering this year for grant funds is around the same amount.
The foundation considers primarily applications in seven broad areas: arts; culture & heritage; environment; seniors; health & welfare; education & youth; developmental disabilities and homelessness.
Other areas providing significant benefits to community life are also considered.
“We try and distribute granting across the community to support the growth of the volunteer sector as a whole,” added Carruthers, who said he encourages a variety of groups and organizations to apply for funding.
“If a group hasn’t received a grant in a while, we strongly encourage them to apply.”
The application deadline for grants is Oct. 23, and the foundation only accepts applications online. For more information or for an application, visit cvcfoundation.org.