A Mar. 15 deadline for applications to the Northern Neighbours Community Foundation should have charitable groups in the area sharpening their pencils.
The foundation has at least $65,000 to disburse for community projects, and the amount available may be even more, according to board member Jane Robillard.
Any non-profit group can apply, as long as it has a Revenue Canada charitable registration number or is a registered Canadian amateur athletic association or Canadian municipality.
This includes groups that have received grant funds in the past.
“A number of people have said, ‘Well, we’ve got funding before,’” said Robillard. “That doesn’t matter. Apply again.”
Robillard said that disbursements are especially helpful for groups starting a program or a project.
According to the application guidelines, grants are awarded for definite purposes and for projects covering a specific period of time.
“If you are starting a project that people in the community are going to benefit from, definitely put an application,” said Robillard.
Projects must benefit primarily the people of Denare Beach, Creighton, Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon or Snow Lake. Other guidelines include demonstrating a strong and committed board, fiscal responsibility, and management qualifications.
As well, applicants must establish there is a need for the project.
Last year the foundation handed out more than $85,000 to support 18 community projects. Among the recipients were schools, daycares, municipalities, health and wellness groups, charities and community support groups.
“It can be any group that would service disadvantaged people, families, youth, any group that community people
benefit from,” said Robillard.
Northern Neighbours Foundation was established in 1994 and to date has granted more than $190,000 into the community.
This year a matching program from the Thomas Sill Foundation, in effect until approximately October, means that any donations to the endowment are increased by half, so every $1 donated actually adds $1.50 to the fund.
Over the years Northern Neighbours has accepted gifts in a variety of forms, with the largest part being gifts in memoriam.
The foundation keeps the principal and awards grants each year from the fund’s interest.
Groups wanting to apply can find forms online. Application packages are also available by contacting the Northern Neighbours foundation by email at [email protected] or by calling Betty Kendall at 204-687-4453. Packages will also be available at the Flin Flon Public Library.
Application packages consist of a declaration of affiliation, guidelines for applying and the application form itself.
