With nearly a 50 per cent increase in grant applications from last year, the president of The Comox Valley Community Foundation said the response from the community is “wonderful.”
“There’s quite an increase in the numbers — which is new to us — it shows we’re appealing to a broader composition of the community,” explained Norm Carruthers.
“Our mandate is to broadly serve the community and try to enhance the entire Valley and not just select groups.”
Carruthers said last year they had 37 applications, and this year they had 58.
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 Carruthers explained through grants, scholarships and income paid to agency endowment funds, the foundation gave out $80,000. This year, he estimates it will be between $100,000 to $120,000.
He attributes the increase to a variety of factors.
“Last year was a very good year financially … we had good earnings on the funds,” he noted, but added more than a year ago one organization ceased to be and gave them a significant amount in earnings income.
In addition, Carruthers said an individual donor left the foundation $100,000 in her estate.
The successful groups will be informed of their granting status in December, and a formal awards ceremony will be held Jan. 15, 2015.