Community Foundations of Canada Emergency Support Fund
Since mid-March, Covid 19 has certainly presented challenges to many community groups and organizations. The normal operations and functions of these groups/organizations have dramatically changed. At top of mind for many is that normal fundraising events and activities have either been cancelled or postponed creating a large impact to any projects or good works that would normally occur in our community.
Your Foundation is no different as the special events and fundraising initiatives we normally do have been cancelled. Usually at this time of year we would be planning for our Win a Wine Cellar event at the Legion in which you may have supported or attended or both.
On a positive note, the Brokenhead River Community Foundation was fortunate to participate in the Community Foundations of Canada Emergency Support Fund. In September we were able to provide grants totaling $40,000 into the community to support the Association for Community Living, the Recreation Commission, the Community Kitchen, the Breach Drop in Centre and the SunGro Centre.
Recently the Brokenhead River Community Foundation Board approved its 2021 Grants. This year, besides its normal grant application process, the Foundation offered the opportunity for community groups to apply for a Stabilization Grant. The Stabilization Grant was designed to assist those community groups who were or are dramatically affected by Covid 19. A total of 10 applications were received seeking $68,721 in assistance.
The foundation only had $26,000 available to disburse and chose to support the Stabilization Grants this year. The Garson Arena, Beausejour Curling Club and the Brokenhead River Community Hall were approved for funding.
A second round of the Emergency Support Fund is available and the Foundation has up to $30,000 available. An announcement on the results of this program will be announced soon. The total of the three grant programs this year would be $96,000 to support local community groups and organizations!
But the asks by the community are much larger than what we can support so there may never be a better time to help our community flourish forever!