Community. Gifts today, grants tomorrow Local issues, homegrown solutions Supporting our communities

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1 Community M A N I T O B A S C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D A T I O N S 2 O O 8 Gifts today, grants tomorrow Local issues, homegrown solutions Supporting our communities

2 Message from Rosann Wowchuk, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives As Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, and on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, I offer my greetings and thanks to all those citizens whose contributions continue to support Manitoba s community foundations. Community foundations offer a venue for Manitobans to provide permanent, long-term, community-based support. The visible outcome is vibrant rural communities offering social, educational, cultural, artistic, environmental and health-based programs and services. What is also unique is the fact that each of the province s 40 community foundations operates autonomously. This allows for the focus on local needs and local priorities. The efforts of Manitoba s community foundations are complemented by a number of provincial initiatives. These provide communities and citizens with the tools they need to support economic development. In this way, Manitobans can take charge of their own destinies. Community foundations create an everlasting and living legacy through thriving communities. I wish Manitobans and their foundations continued success in the coming year. Message from Cathy Auld, Regional Coordinator, Community Foundations of Canada and Director of Donor Relations, The Winnipeg Foundation As Community Foundations of Canada s Regional Coordinator for Manitoba, I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize the philanthropic spirit that supports every part of our province. This third annual issue of Community Roots again showcases people from all walks of life who have made lasting commitments to their communities by supporting local foundations. It also demonstrates the impact of gifts made by donors, and the diligent work being done by staff and volunteers at our province s 40 community foundations. Manitoba s community foundations are a source of local pride and independence that support the unique identities or of our towns, cities and municipalities. They help address specific regional and local concerns, and ensure our communities will weather change and continue to thrive for future generations. We re very proud of our grassroots giving traditions and the community spirit that unites us all. On behalf of both Community Foundations of Canada and The Winnipeg Foundation, I salute all the Manitoba community foundations that are part of this powerful philanthropic network, and wish you continued success in the coming year. 2 Table of Contents What is a Community Foundation? 3 Foundation Faces, Citizenship 4 Foundation Milestones and News 5 Why Give? 6 Donor Stories 7 Grants 8-11 Scholarships 12 Youth in Philanthropy 13 Events 14 For Professional Advisors 15 How to Give 16 Build Your Community 17 Community Foundation Affiliates Program 18 Map of Manitoba Community Foundations 19 Read about community foundation activities near you! (RMs covered by each foundation are indicated on the map on page 19.) Community Page Community Page Altona 9, 13 Morden 4, 13, 14 Beausejour Neepawa (Brokenhead River) 11, 12, 13, 14, 18 (Beautiful Plains) 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 Boissevain 7, 10, 12, 13 Oak Lake 9, 11 Brandon 7, 11, 12, 13, 15 Pilot Mound 4, 10, 12 Carberry 10, 12, 13 Plum Coulee 4, 9, 14, 18 Carman 7, 9, 10, 11 Portage la Prairie 5, 11, 12, 13, 15 Cartwright 9, 11 Reston 10, 12, 18 Dauphin 9, 11, 12, 13, 18 Roblin 5, 8, 12, 13, 15, 18 Deloraine (Southwest) 4, 8, 11, 14 Russell (Living Legacy) 9 Dominion City (Sturgeon) 9 Selkirk 4, 10, 11, 12, 13 Elkhorn 12 Souris 10, 11, 12 Gimli (Westshore) 7, 11, 12, 13 Steinbach 9, 10 Gladstone (Big Grass) 5, 12 Swan Valley 5, 13, 14, 18 Glenboro 10, 12, 14, 15, 18 Teulon (Interlake) 5, 12, 13, 14 Grandview 12 Thompson 5, 12, 13 Killarney 10, 11, 12 Treherne (Tiger Hills) 5, 10, 14 MacGregor Virden 9, 10, 15 (North Norfolk MacGregor) 12, 13 Winkler 4, 13, 14 Manitou (Pembina Manitou) 14, 15 Winnipeg 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 15 Minnedosa 4, 14

3 3 What is a Community Foundation? A community foundation is a charitable organization that consists of permanently endowed funds contributed by members of the local community. Community foundations: Work with donors to establish permanent endowment funds that will benefit the community forever Commit to sound stewardship and prudent investment of all funds entrusted to them to ensure financial resources will have the greatest possible benefit in the community and be used according to donors wishes Act as a resource to the local charitable community, by providing grants to support a broad spectrum of worthwhile projects Provide leadership within communities by responding to changing local needs Depending on the size of a community foundation, it may be administered entirely by volunteers, or may be run by a mix of staff and volunteers. How do community foundations work? All gifts made to a community foundation are pooled and permanently invested; the interest earned on these funds is distributed in the form of grants to support a wide range of local charitable projects. The capital is never spent, ensuring a lasting source of monetary support for a community s charitable causes. Who supports community foundations? A wide range of donors support community foundations: individuals, families, businesses and groups of like-minded people. Donors to community foundations come from all walks of life, and gifts of any size have impact on community life today and for generations to come. Donors support community foundations to create a permanent legacy where they have lived and worked. Some donors choose community foundations as a way of providing ongoing support for particular charitable organizations or causes that have been meaningful to them. Others choose to support a wide range of charitable work by making unrestricted gifts to foundations. These gifts allow foundations the greatest flexibility in responding to changing community needs. Community Foundations in Manitoba Manitoba is the birthplace of the Canadian community foundation movement, thanks to the establishment of The Winnipeg Foundation in Manitoba community foundations regularly network and collaborate to help ensure strong communities with sustained philanthropic support. Community Foundations of Canada Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is an umbrella organization that provides Manitoba foundations with tools and resources to help them flourish in their communities. CFC helps new and existing foundations with leadership and organizational development. Cathy Auld, Director of Donor Relations for The Winnipeg Foundation, acts as CFC s Manitoba Regional Coordinator. She assists foundations through: strategic planning, training, assessment and advice. For more information about CFC, visit: To contact Cathy Auld, call (toll-free ) or cauld@cfc-fcc.ca

4 Foundation Faces ] Pilot Mound and District Foundation honoured one of its own with a special presentation at its annual grants ceremony. Fay McCannell (left), who served as the foundation s secretary for 10 years, received a plaque in appreciation of her dedication to the foundation and the community. Photo courtesy of Pilot Mound and District Community Foundation. 2] Bud Oliver, Board Member of Selkirk and District Community Foundation with Cathy Auld, Community Foundation of Canada s Regional Coordinator and Director of Donor Relations for The Winnipeg Foundation, at the annual grants ceremony in Selkirk. 3] Susan Hagemeister (left), Director of Finance for The Winnipeg Foundation meets the Board of The Minnedosa Foundation. 4] Board members of the Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation. Photo courtesy of Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation. Recognizing Contributions Community Foundations see firsthand the impact individuals have on the community as a whole particularly those who give of their time as volunteers or their resources as local philanthropists. Several Manitoba foundations have chosen to recognize these people publicly by providing an annual award and raising the foundation s profile in the process. Plum Coulee Community Foundation honours two individuals at its annual meeting a Community Builder of the Past and a Citizen of the Year. Morden Area Foundation sponsors the annual community Volunteer of the Year award. Since 2006, Winkler Community Foundation has sponsored the community s Citizen of the Year Award. The award program, titled Shining the Light on People Who Make a Difference, recognizes individuals, groups and organizations for their volunteerism and good citizenship. 4 5] Winkler s 2007 Citizen of the Year, Sharon Dueck (left), receives her award. Photo courtesy of the Winkler Community Foundation. 5.

5 Foundation Milestones and News Three years since it was established, the Big Grass Community Foundation was pleased to make its first round of grants in Congratulations! Interlake Community Foundation has recently launched a new website! Visit them online at November has been declared Thompson Community Foundation month in Thompson, Manitoba by the community s mayor. A number of Manitoba foundations have recently reached asset milestones, including: Community Foundation of Portage and District at $2 million; Roblin District Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Swan Valley and Tiger Hills Community Foundation have all reached $500,000 in endowments. Earlier this year, The Winnipeg Foundation established a U.S. corporation, The Winnipeg Foundation USA, to accept gifts from American donors and provide tax receipts in U.S. funds. The corporation also enables the Foundation to process gifts in U.S. funds on behalf of other Manitoba community foundations. Contact The Winnipeg Foundation for more information at info@wpgfn.org or through its new toll-free number, below. The Winnipeg Foundation has recently established a toll-free phone number: Supporting the movement Denise Campbell has recently been made Partner Services Administrator at The Winnipeg Foundation, a position that includes working closely with community foundations across the province. Denise provides resources and information to all Manitoba foundations, and fund information to those with assets managed by The Winnipeg Foundation. To contact her, phone ext 239 (toll-free ) or dcampbell@wpgfdn.org. Denise Campbell, Partner Services Administrator Manitoba growth Manitoba s community foundations continue to grow and thrive. Thanks to contributions by donors from all walks of life in every community, foundations have expanded their asset bases and increased annual granting capacity. Special incentive programs offered by Manitoba Hydro, the Thomas Sill Foundation and The Winnipeg Foundation have also helped foundations expand their administrative capacities and better-serve their communities. Outside Winnipeg In Winnipeg Assets Grants Assets Grants 2006 $29,760,986 $1,212,016 $414,690,710 $16,684, $34,099,160 $1,359,510 $447,809,536 $17,775,086 % increase 14.6% 12.2% 8.0% 6.5% Photos courtesy Travel Manitoba. Our Thanks Community Roots is published annually by The Winnipeg Foundation. The publication is made possible by the generous support of the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro and the Thomas Sill Foundation. We thank all the community foundations of Manitoba that submitted information and ideas for this issue. Community Roots is available for download from The Winnipeg Foundation s website at or from the Manitoba community foundations website at 5

6 Why Give to a Community Foundation? Donors support community foundations for a wide range of reasons, including: Community foundations offer donors an opportunity to leave a legacy that will have tangible impact on their community forever and ensure their family s name lives on. A single gift to a community foundation can benefit a number of charitable organizations, spanning a variety of community needs. Because all contributions are pooled and invested, gifts of every size have impact in the community. Community foundations offer choice. Donors may support: a specific charity close to their heart, a field of interest, or the community as a whole. Donors can be assured that if their chosen organization or field of interest ceases to exist or be relevant, funds will be applied to a similar recipient. Community foundations maintain the purchasing power of the gifts entrusted by donors to achieve maximum returns consistent with prudent investment and sound financial management. Donors to community foundations may choose to build endowment funds over time, contributing both during their lifetimes and through their estates. Endowment funds at community foundations present an opportunity to engage an entire family in philanthropy, as multiple generations may contribute to the fund over time. Recognizing gifts While most people make charitable gifts to help meet a need, rather than for public recognition, community foundations show appreciation to donors in a variety of ways. Recognizing gifts also provides a promotional opportunity for foundations, demonstrates community support, and inspires new gifts. Seeing a friend or neighbour s name listed on a donor plaque or advertisement may encourage a person to give to, or want to learn more about, a community foundation. In addition to publishing donors names in their annual reports, a number of Manitoba foundations have found creative ways to celebrate those who give: Big Grass Community Foundation has recently launched a donor recognition initiative with plaques, listing the names of donors, located in each of the four communities it serves. As it began growing its endowment the Carman Area Foundation created a Founders Club for all individual and corporate donors who contributed $1,000 or more in the foundation s early years. Members of the club were given a plaque and are listed on the organization s website. The Interlake Community Foundation has a Community Builder Club for donors who commit to giving $100 per year for the next ten years. Carberry and Area Community Foundation lists all donors from the last two years on its website. Brokenhead River Community Foundation also lists its donors online as well as in a special donor book, available for the public to view in the local library. In celebration of its community s 100th anniversary this year, Community Foundation of Swan Valley has undertaken a special Legacy Club project. Every individual or family that donates a minimum of $1,000 will have its name on a plaque in Swan River s Legion Park. The foundation targeted current and former residents at its recent homecoming. 6

7 Remarkable Gifts Manitoba s community foundations rely on the generosity of people from all walks of life who have chosen to support their communities in perpetuity. Gifts to community foundations come in all sizes, made by individuals, families, groups and businesses. Longtime Carman residents Cliff and Helen Preston recently demonstrated their commitment to their community and one another by establishing a fund at the Carman Area Foundation. The Preston-Kitching Fund celebrates a number of milestones for the Prestons: 100 years since Mr. Preston s father settled in Carman, the couple s 65th wedding anniversary, and Cliff s 95th birthday. The designated fund supports the Boyne Lodge Personal Care Home and Carman Memorial Hospital, two organizations the Prestons have been involved with as volunteers. The 1. fund enables the Prestons, their children and extended families, to celebrate family events while giving back to the community so close to their hearts. From 1999 to 2004, The Manitoba Smart Network connected five Manitoba communities through information and communication technology in the areas of: health, education, community service and business. The Network linked Brandon, Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa and Souris and its successes included: integration of rural hospital lab facilities, patient registries, video conferencing, transportation of medical imaging, e-commerce training, and educational opportunities. As the Network wound down operations, its board of directors decided to make one last innovative decision to create a legacy in the local community. In addition to establishing a scholarship fund at Brandon s Assiniboine Community College, the group donated more than $125,000 to the Brandon Area Community Foundation to help non-profit groups access hardware and software technology. Westshore Community Foundation, located in Gimli, received a gift through the estate of Carole Ann Clark, a long-time resident. A bequest from Ms. Clark, who passed away in 2006, established the Carole Ann Clark Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Fund at the foundation. A second gift in her estate created the Carole Ann Clark Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, a community building fund that supports the complete range of community needs. A tireless volunteer who helped students with reading in the grade one class at Sigurbjorg Stefansson Early School in Gimli, Ms. Clark also ensured her estate provided a gift to the school. At the teachers discretion, the gift has been used to purchase window seats for classrooms and enhance the school s music and physical education programs. The Boissevain and Morton Foundation recently received an estate gift from a former resident. Robert Craik donated part of his estate to establish an undesignated fund at the foundation. For information about making a gift that will impact your area forever, contact your local community foundation. 1. 1] Helen and Cliff Preston. Photo courtesy of Carman Area Foundation. 2] Manitoba Safety Network presents gift to Brandon Area Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of Brandon Area Community Foundation. 3] Carole Ann Clark. Photo courtesy of Westshore Community Foundation. 4] Robert Craik. Photo courtesy of Boissevain and Morton Foundation

8 8 Grants: Going Behind the Scenes 1. 1] Lorne Barsness, Pierson Hall Committee (left) receives cheque from Perry Hendry, Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation. The grant is for renovations to the community hall in Pierson. Photo courtesy of Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation. 2] Roblin HERO (Help Everyone Reach Out) Club receives a grant from Roblin District Community Foundation for a rototiller. The Club operates a garden to help supplement a meal program. Photo courtesy of Roblin District Community Foundation. Using the interest earned on permanently invested funds contributed by people from all walks of life, community foundations make grants to support registered charities in the geographic areas they serve. Just as community foundations receive gifts from a wide variety of donors with different interests, so do they make grants across a broad spectrum of community needs. While each community foundation may define its areas of granting focus slightly differently, and criteria may vary, all support a wide range of charitable activities. What is a grant? What is the process? A grant is an amount of money provided to a charity for a specific purpose. Organizations apply to community foundations for grants, and the requests are considered by staff (if any) and a volunteer board of directors. Successful organizations report back to the community foundation on how funds have been spent and the impact they ve had on the community. 2. How do foundations decide? Even foundations with large endowment funds face difficult decisions when considering community grant applications. Often, the need far outstrips the funds available. Many foundations have developed criteria by which to measure an application s worth. For example, several Manitoba foundations give preference to applications that: Are inclusive of all people Benefit the entire community Encourage efficient use of community resources Address root causes of community issues Explore innovation and new techniques in problem-solving Promote volunteerism Community foundations do not make grants to individuals and, in general, do not support political or direct religious activities, operating expenses, mortgage or deficit payments, projects already completed or annual fund drives, unless there is significant potential benefit to the community. Beyond these criteria, foundations must consider: the wishes of their donors, the short- and long-term impact a grant may have, the level of need for the project, other funds available, and whether the organization has the capacity to carry out the initiative successfully. Who benefits? Charitable organizations that have appropriate funds and capacity, through the grants they receive, can better-serve their clients. The overall result? Improved lives, brighter futures, and stronger communities. Successful grants also help build a foundation s profile, transparency and confirm its value in the community. Contact your local community foundation for more information on how to apply for a grant.

9 9 Supporting Unique Communities Community foundations address the particular needs of the areas they serve, help communities maintain their individual characters and promote local treasures. The past year has seen a number of community foundations support projects that beautify, preserve and promote the features that make their catchment areas unique. This summer, Altona unveiled its latest community masterpiece the Gallery in the Park. Housed in a refurbished, century-old home, the gallery will display the work of a featured artist on a rotating basis. The surrounding garden provides an idyllic venue for exploring a wide variety of permanent outdoor sculpture. Designed to attract tourists and local art enthusiasts alike, the Gallery in 1. the Park received support from the Altona Community Foundation. Cartwright and Area Foundation has supported preservation of local heritage landmarks through grants to the Cartwright Historical Society. Recently, the foundation made a grant to restore the Christ Church. Originally built in 1898, the church was damaged by fire in Its stone walls survived the fire and today it is an important part of Cartwright s landscape. Virden Area Foundation has provided a grant to Virden Pioneer Home for repairs and Oak Lake and Area Foundation has made a grant to enhance the Oak Lake and District Museum. Foundations also make grants to support local community resources. This year, Sturgeon Community Foundation made a grant to revive the Dominion City Community Hall after it experienced a fire. Steinbach Community Foundation supported the Southeastern Manitoba Festival, an event celebrating amateur musicians, dancers and singers. Plum Coulee Foundation supports its community s annual celebration, Plum Fest. Living Legacy Community Foundation will use the annual Beef and Barley Festival in Russell this fall as an opportunity to promote its work. The foundation will have a booth, and launch new promotional materials, at the event. Many community foundations also make grants that broadly support the local charitable community. Dauphin and District Community Foundation made a grant to Dauphin Public Library for a laptop computer that will be loaned out to community organizations that require it. Beyond grantmaking, Carman Area Foundation supports community development as a member of the Healthy Communities Council. The group, made up of representatives from local community service organizations, meets regularly to provide updates and explore ways to complement existing services. To support community projects near you, contact your local community foundation ] Altona s Gallery in the Park. Photos courtesy of Carey Kehler. 5] Virden Pioneer Home. Photo courtesy of Virden Area Foundation. 6] Fireman rodeo at Plum Coulee s annual Plum Fest. Photo courtesy of Plum Coulee Community Foundation.

10 Healthy Grants As populations age, access to healthcare becomes even more critical. And, as many of our towns and cities face doctor shortages and increased need for equipment and facilities, several Manitoba community foundations are addressing healthcare issues through local grant-making and fundraising. In 2002, the Carman Health Care Foundation contributed its assets to the Carman Area Foundation to create a permanently-endowed Health and Wellness Fund to benefit the community. Through the fund, the foundation has recently supported the Carman Memorial Hospital, Addiction Disorders Central Region, and the Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation. Boissevain and Morton Foundation has provided a scholarship to a current medical student with the understanding he will bring his practice to Boissevain once he has completed his studies. The Killarney Foundation has made a major commitment to the Killarney Hospital. Over five years, the foundation will provide a total of $300,000 for the purchase of ultrasound equipment. 1. Approximately one-third of the foundation s assets are earmarked for health projects. Steinbach Community Foundation recently supported the Cancer Care unit at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, through a grant to the Bethesda Foundation s Centre for Excellence campaign. In August, the Reston and Area Foundation worked with local groups to sponsor a community event, which included an RCMP Musical Ride, to raise funds for A Port in the Storm. More than $5,000 was raised for the organization, which is dedicated to providing a homelike environment to rural and Northern Manitoba residents who have to travel to Winnipeg for medical treatment. Through a capital campaign, A Port in the Storm is currently raising funds to build the facility. The Winnipeg Foundation has supported the organization in its early stages with grants for awareness raising activities and fund development planning. 2. 1] Reston and Area Foundation presents cheque to A Port in the Storm. 2] 2008 RCMP Musical Ride in Reston. Photos courtesy of Reston and Area Foundation. To support health projects near you, contact your local community foundation ] Glenboro Children s Early Learning Centre. Photo courtesy of Glenboro Area Foundation. 4] St. Andrews on the Red Boy Scouts Program. Photo courtesy of Selkirk and District Community Foundation. Helping Kids A community can t flourish if its youth are struggling. Manitoba s community foundations regularly make grants to support local kids in a variety of ways. Carberry and Area Community Foundation made a grant to its local day care, Carberry Child Care Co-op, to support it in building a new facility attached to Carberry Collegiate Institute. Glenboro Area Foundation recently supported the Glenboro Children s Early Learning Centre, a facility that opened earlier this year. Pilot Mound and District Foundation made a grant to the Pilot Mound High School SNAC program to help provide a healthy lunch for students in need. Souris Glenwood Foundation made a grant to the community s youth group to help offset costs for meetings. Selkirk and District Community Foundation made a grant to the St. Andrews on the Red Boy Scouts Program for a GPS unit and tents for camping outings. Virden Area Foundation has supported a unique opportunity for children, ages 7 to 17, who have lost a loved one. Camp Bridges, a bereavement camp for youth, provides a safe, supportive place for kids to share grief, honour memories and have fun. Tiger Hills Community Foundation recently supported a summer art camp for local kids. To support youth projects near you, contact your local community foundation.

11 Investing in Environment As Canadians become increasingly concerned about environmental issues, Manitoba community foundations, and their partners, are focusing on green initiatives. Earlier this year, the Dauphin and District Community Foundation saw the creation of a new environmental fund. The Dauphin Plains Credit Union Green Fund will support local environmental projects, including parks, recreation trails and tree-planting. In addition to the initial contribution and future commitments of the Credit Union, any interested area resident may also support the fund. The Credit Union has also purchased an environmentallyfriendly hybrid car, which it will make available to a variety 1. of community organizations in Dauphin including the Dauphin and District Community Foundation as their needs for a vehicle arise. Community foundations have been actively supporting the environment through grant-making. In the past year, the Cartwright and Area Foundation has made grants to the Rock Lake Nature Trail and Oak Lake and Area Foundation has supported Oak Lake Water and Fish Enhancement Association with the purchase of aerators for Oak Lake. Manitoba community foundations also continue to be engaged in the environmental challenges 3. facing Lake Winnipeg. A number of foundations have joined together to support the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium (LWRC), including: Brandon Area Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Portage and District, Dauphin and District Community Foundation, Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, Lake Winnipeg Foundation, Selkirk and District Community Foundation, The Thomas Sill Foundation, Westshore Community Foundation and The Winnipeg Foundation. A special grant presentation to the LWRC took place in February. In May, a number of the partner foundations met in Portage la Prairie to discuss next steps, and in September the group met with Christine Melnick, Minister of Water Stewardship, to discuss their concerns. To support environment projects near you, contact your local community foundation. Active Manitoba The local pool, rink or soccer field can be an important centre of community spirit and pride a place for young people to grow and learn, families to gather and support one another, and friends and neighbours to unite around common interests. Recreation programs and facilities are also vital to the well-being of communities and their 2. residents, helping people stay active, healthy and engaged in community life. Many of Manitoba s community foundations have made grants to local recreation projects in the last year. Carman Area Foundation recently supported the Graysville Light Horse and Pony Club with a grant for a series of workshops on team building and cooperation. Beautiful Plains Community Foundation recently made a grant to the Langford Trail Association for a ride-on lawn mower to enable volunteers to maintain a system of multi-use recreational trails in a Wildlife Management Area south east of Neepawa. Brokenhead River Community Foundation has made a grant for leisure centre development to its local pool, Splash Regional Aquatic Centre. The Killarney Foundation recently established an endowment fund to support the Killarney Lakeside Golf Club and help ensure it continues to provide a recreation outlet for the community. Souris Glenwood Foundation has supported the Souris Outdoor Rink Committee with a grant for repairs and upgrades to the hockey rink and skating oval. Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation made a grant to support the Turtle View Drifters, a local snowmobile club. To support recreation projects near you, contact your local community foundation. 3. 1] Hybrid car donated to Dauphin community organizations by Dauphin Plains Credit Union. Photo courtesy of Dauphin and District Community Foundation. 2] Volunteers with the Langford Trail Association. Photo courtesy of Beautiful Plains Community Foundation. 3-5] Graysville Light Horse and Pony Club. Photo courtesy of Carman Area Foundation

12 Support for students Through scholarship and bursary funds at community foundations, donors provide perpetual support to local students in pursuit of further education. Thanks to a partnership with the Province of Manitoba, gifts made to scholarship and bursary funds at community foundations outside Winnipeg are eligible for matching by the Province. This commitment will help expand opportunities for rural students for generations. Scholarship Stories Scholarship and bursary funds at community foundations generate awards for deserving students to further their education. Donors may be involved in establishing selection criteria or specifying an area of study. 1. Helping students soar Arnold Morberg and his wife Gail were the driving force behind Calm Air, one of Canada s largest privatelyowned regional airlines. Established in 1962 to serve northern fishing camps, today Calm Air is a leader in the development of northern transportation. Based in Thompson, Calm Air is the city s second-largest employer, and a committed member of the community. A scholarship fund to assist northern Manitoba students pursuing careers in aviation has been established in memory of Arnold Morberg at the Thompson Community Foundation. The first award was given out this year. Trades training George and Wanda Ryder have supported the Community Foundation of Portage and District since it was established in Members of the foundation s Founders Club, the Ryders have recently created a bursary fund at the foundation. The George and Wanda Ryder Trades Bursary Fund will annually support a graduate of Portage Collegiate Institute pursuing training in any commercial trade. The Ryders established the bursary as a way to demonstrate the value of careers in trades and to support opportunities for young people in Portage la Prairie and District. Helping women rebuild lives 2. Located in Selkirk, Nova House provides services for Interlake women and their families leaving abusive relationships. The organization offers a 14-bed emergency shelter, two interim housing units, a crisis line, counseling services, support groups, and referral to other community services. This year, Nova House expanded its resources for women rebuilding their lives. The organization established the Dare to Dream Education Fund at the Selkirk and District Community Foundation. The bursary will help clients of Nova House who are pursuing further education. For more information on establishing, or contributing to, a scholarship fund, contact your local community foundation. SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE HELD BY: Beautiful Plains Community Foundation Big Grass Community Foundation The Boissevain and Morton Foundation Brandon Area Community Foundation Brokenhead River Community Foundation Carberry and Area Community Foundation Dauphin and District Community Foundation Elkhorn Area Foundation The Glenboro Area Foundation Grandview and District Community Foundation Interlake Community Foundation The Killarney Foundation North Norfolk-MacGregor Foundation Pilot Mound and District Foundation Community Foundation of Portage and District The Reston and Area Foundation Roblin District Community Foundation Selkirk and District Community Foundation Souris Glenwood Foundation Community Foundation of Swan Valley Thompson Community Foundation Westshore Community Foundation 1] Arnold Morberg. Photo courtesy of Thompson Community Foundation. 2] Ernie Shwaluk, President of Community Foundation of Portage and District (left), with Wanda and George Ryder. Photo courtesy of Community Foundation of Portage and District. 12

13 Young and YiP Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) is a special initiative by community foundations to engage local youth in grantmaking and community development. The program has a multitude of benefits: students gain valuable skills and a lifelong interest in philanthropy and community; foundations raise awareness within the next generation and add a youth perspective to their grantmaking; and community organizations receive funding. YiP programs can be found around the globe, each with their own unique approach to youth engagement. In Manitoba, many community foundations have launched YiP programs with the assistance of the Thomas Sill Foundation, which provides three-year funding for youth grant-making YiP grant highlights YiP participants have consistently proven themselves as thoughtful grant-makers and committed members of their communities. The Brokenhead River Community Foundation Youth in Philanthropy committee granted $1,000 to Beausejour Day Lilies Park for drainage and landscaping improvements. Carberry and Area Community Foundation s Youth in Philanthropy program runs in two grade 10 classes. In 2008, both classes chose to support Carberry Children s Memorial Park Association, for a total of $1,200. The skateboard and bike park is being created in memory of a local youth. Morden Area Foundation s Youth Advisory Committee granted $1,000 for quilting supplies to Project Genesis, which provides blankets to families staying in Genesis House, an emergency shelter. The YiP committee at Community Foundation of Swan Valley made a grant of $300 to Birchwood Cemetery for infant grave markers. YiP news The Boissevain and Morton Foundation s YiP group conducted a community needs assessment to determine how grants could best support their community. Altona Community Foundation took part in Youth in Philanthropy for the first time this year. Congratulations Altona YiP and welcome to the program! The Youth in Philanthropy group at the Selkirk and District Community Foundation continues to raise money for its grant-making activities by doing highway clean-up with the support of a local sponsor. In addition to grant-making, many Manitoba YiP groups have taken on special community service projects this past year. The Dauphin and District Community Foundation YiP council was awarded the Volunteers of the Month award by the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Diabetes Association for helping with a special event in May. The YiP Committee at Beautiful Plains Community Foundation raised $775 for the Neepawa Salvation Army Chistmas Cheer Fund by holding a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. MANITOBA COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS WITH YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Altona Community Foundation Beautiful Plains Community Foundation The Boissevain and Morton Foundation Brandon Area Community Foundation Brokenhead River Community Foundation Carberry and Area Community Foundation Dauphin and District Community Foundation Interlake Community Foundation Morden Area Foundation North Norfolk-MacGregor Foundation Community Foundation of Portage and District Roblin District Community Foundation Selkirk and District Community Foundation Community Foundation of Swan Valley Thompson Community Foundation Westshore Community Foundation Winkler Community Foundation The Winnipeg Foundation ] Boissevain and Morton Foundation s Youth in Philanthropy committee. Photo courtesy of Boissevain and Morton Foundation. 2] Roblin District Community Foundation s Youth in Philanthropy committee. Photo courtesy of Roblin District Community Foundation. 3] Selkirk and District Community Foundation Youth in Philanthropy committee doing highway clean-up to raise funds. Photo courtesy of Selkirk and District Community Foundation. 13

14 3. 14 Special events are a great way of creating awareness of community foundations, demonstrating what they do, and raising funds to increase future grant-making. They offer an opportunity to engage the entire community individuals and families can buy tickets, volunteer, or spread the word. Businesses can donate prizes, offer inkind or financial sponsorship, or encourage their employees to get involved. An Eventful Year Manitoba s community foundations regularly hold imaginative, inspiring and impactful events. The following highlights provide some examples of their activities: Several community foundations announce and celebrate their annual grant-making, including the Interlake Community Foundation, Minnedosa and District Foundation and Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation (which arranged to have the presentation videotaped and broadcast on local Access Television). Tiger Hills Community Foundation partners with the local Kinsmen Club on its annual celebration of grants and community volunteers. This year, Pembina Manitou Area Foundation s grant presentations included an estate planning and charitable giving presentation by a local lawyer. Glenboro Area Foundation combines a fundraising lunch with its grant presentations. Morden Area Foundation hosts a series of luncheons for community builders. Community Foundation of Swan Valley holds wine and cheese evenings, as well as information meetings, to raise awareness and build endowments. Building on the success of its annual wine-tasting fundraiser, Thompson Community Foundation is planning its First Annual Thompson Community Foundation Gala this fall. The event is designed to build awareness of the Foundation, raise funds and bring the community together. Each year, residents of Plum Coulee cheer on hundreds of little bobbing ducks at the community s annual Crazy Duck Race. Those who support the event purchase ducks for the opportunity to win a cash prize, while the funds raised go to the Plum Coulee Community Foundation. The foundation also holds the community s annual fall supper featuring hearty helpings of traditional Mennonite foods as a fundraiser event. As people everywhere increasingly see the importance of being active, charitable organizations are benefiting from events designed to raise heart rates, as well as money for worthwhile causes. Many Manitoba community foundations hold, or benefit from, golf tournaments. Last year, Winkler Community Foundation partnered with the community on Winkler s Thanks for Giving Run. The inaugural event, held on Thanksgiving Weekend, raised more than $15,000 for the Winkler Food Cupboard, with Winkler Community Foundation providing charitable receipts to supporters. The event attracted more than 50 runners who took part in the half marathon and 5km run. It was so successful, it will be held again this fall. Brokenhead River Community Foundation worked with a variety of partners to hold a Foundation Awareness Week last November to coincide with National Philanthropy Day. The series of events started with a pancake breakfast, included a variety of fun community fundraisers, and wrapped up with a special family event featuring kids activities, entertainment, silent auction and refreshments. Designed to raise awareness of the foundation, the event also yielded donations and was so successful another is being planned for this year. Contact your local community foundation to see what special events it has planned and find out how you can help! Or, if you have a great idea for a fundraiser or event that you want to share, let your local foundation know. 1] Winkler's 2007 Thanks for Giving Run. 2] Winkler Community Foundation presents cheque to Winkler Food Cupboard. Photos courtesy of Winkler Community Foundation. 3-4] Community event during Foundation Awareness Week hosted by Brokenhead River Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of Brokenhead River Community Foundation.

15 15 For Professional Advisors Financial planners, lawyers and others who assist clients with financial and estate planning decisions have a unique opportunity to help communities thrive. Raising awareness with clients about the option of charitable giving can help individuals fulfill their financial goals while assisting others. Professional advisors benefit by: Further building trust with clients Expanding the services and options available to clients Helping clients fulfill their goals for the community Broadening their areas of expertise Increasing opportunities for referrals Building their own sense of personal satisfaction As members of the community, everyone benefits when charitable organizations thrive! The Winnipeg Foundation offers a variety of resources for professional advisors with clients interested in exploring philanthropy. Visit the For Professional Advisors section of the Foundation s website at Will Week In April of 2008, for the third year, communities across Manitoba took part in Will Week, an initiative of the Manitoba Bar Association, Office of the Public Trustee, and community foundations. Through free information sessions, Will Week raises awareness about the importance of having a valid, up-to-date Will, enduring Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive. Sessions are led by experienced estate planning professionals and include information about how to make a charitable gift through a Will. A number of Manitoba community foundations held Will Week and estate planning sessions this year, including: Beautiful Plains Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Portage and District, Roblin District Community Foundation, and The Winnipeg Foundation. Pembina Manitou Area Foundation and Glenboro Area Foundation are both promoting the concept of charitable estate gifts and Virden Area Foundation has planned an information session with financial advisors later this year. Community Rocks! One night every year, Winnipeg financial planners have an opportunity to leave their desks and hit the stage to give back to the community. Winnstock, an annual battle of the bands competition for the financial services industry, started four years ago as an opportunity to support local charitable organizations. The hugely successful event raised $175,000 in its first three years. In 2008 alone, it raised more than $100,000. Funds have been donated to both the Movement Centre of Manitoba and Open Access Resource Centre. The Winnipeg Foundation was pleased to be a lead sponsor of this year s event. The success of Winnstock is spreading to other Manitoba communities. The Brandon Area Community Foundation is holding a similar fundraiser, Wheatstock, this fall. In place of its annual golf tournament, the Foundation is engaging members of Brandon s business community in a showcase of their musical talent. With support from a number of sponsors, and corporate teams from Meyers Norris Penny, Investors Group, Assiniboine Community College, a local law firm and a printing company, the event is poised to be a successful fundraiser for the foundation.

16 16 How to Give There are many ways to support your local community foundation: joining its board of directors, volunteering at a special event, or making a donation. Gifts to community foundations come in all sizes from a few dollars to a substantial bequest in a Will. Because all donations made to foundations are pooled and invested, each gift no matter the size has an impact on the community. Donors may make gifts toward their community foundation s general grant-making activities or choose to establish a fund. A fund can be created in the donor s name or in honour of a loved one. A donor who creates a named fund may specify which charities, or broad range of community work, it will support. Or, a fund may be unrestricted, supporting a foundation s entire spectrum of grant-making. Donors may also establish scholarship funds. Community foundations accept many types of gifts and work with donors to help ensure their needs are being met today and their wishes will be respected forever. The Winnipeg Foundation has recently established The Winnipeg Foundation USA, which can accept gifts from U.S. citizens on behalf of Manitoba community foundations, and provide a tax receipt in U.S. dollars. Contact The Winnipeg Foundation at or toll-free for more information about this option. Gifts today Cash: Donors may make a gift by cash or cheque to a community foundation. (Contact your local community foundation to see if they accept donations by credit card.) Publicly-traded securities: Community foundations also accept gifts of publicly-traded securities (shares traded publicly on the stock market and mutual funds). Retirement funds: Donors may contribute all or part of an RRSP or RRIF to a foundation. Personal property: Some foundations accept gifts of personal property, such as artwork or real estate. Check with your local community foundation to see if it accepts these types of gifts. Gifts tomorrow Bequest: Donors may name a community foundation in their Will. Bequests may specify a particular dollar amount, percentage or residue of an estate. Life insurance: Donors may name a foundation owner or beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Tax implications for the donor depend on ownership. Retirement funds: Donors may make a foundation beneficiary of an RRSP or RRIF upon death. Charitable remainder trust: Donors may transfer a gift (cash, securities or real estate) to a trustee on behalf of the foundation, while continuing to receive income from the trust. Upon death, or after a specified number of years, the foundation receives the remaining asset. Residual interest: A donor may give property to a foundation while retaining the use of, and responsibility for maintenance of, the property during his or her lifetime. With a variety of options available, community foundations offer donors flexibility in their giving and a range of alternatives to meet their individual needs. For more information on the options available to you, contact your professional advisor. Check with your local community foundation to find out about the types of gifts it accepts. For more information about making a gift, contact your local community foundation.

17 17 Build Your Community Manitoba s community foundations are as strong as their donors, staff, volunteers and supporters. The collective power of people working together toward common goals can have enormous impact on the well-being of individuals and our communities. Here s how you can help build your community: Volunteer. Think about the time you have to give, skills you have to share, and what you want to achieve personally and for the community. Then, call your local community foundation or favourite local organization to find out if it could use a hand. Give. Philanthropy isn t just for the wealthy. People from all walks of life make charitable gifts of every size and all donations are appreciated by community foundations. Consider a donation as an alternative to gift-giving in honour of friends and family for their next special occasion. Buy. Purchase tickets to performances by local arts groups. Support organizations selling books, calendars, raffle tickets as fundraisers. Some organizations are membership-based; consider joining one that means most to you. Learn. Inform yourself about community issues through media, research and by talking to people. Understanding local concerns and challenges, and talking about them, helps build awareness and support for community organizations. Plan. If you want to take a strategic approach to your charitable giving, consider: making a bequest in your Will to a local organization or community foundation, or exploring gifts of life insurance, retirement funds and other options. Contact your financial planner, community foundation or favourite charity for more information. Spread the word. Tell other people about the impact you re having and the work being done by your local foundation. Your work as a volunteer or donor can inspire others and help build momentum in support of your community. Find your local foundation To find and contact the community foundation nearest you, visit and use the interactive map to link directly to your local foundation s website or contact information.

18 Provincial Connections Manitoba representatives at the 2008 Rural Philanthropy Conference in Nebraska. The Winnipeg Foundation (TWF) offers a number of services to its colleague foundations across the province. In partnership with Manitoba Hydro, TWF oversees distribution of administrative support grants for Manitoba foundations. TWF also provides grants to offset costs of financial reporting for foundations whose funds we manage. The Regional Coordinator for Manitoba community foundations, a position supported by Community Foundations of Canada, is a member of TWF s staff. (See page three for more information about her role.) To date, seven foundations have become affiliates of The Winnipeg Foundation. These foundations, which have adopted TWF s investment policies, placed their permanent endowment funds with us and met established criteria, receive some operational and endowmentbuilding support. Staff from The Winnipeg Foundation met with affiliate foundations in Neepawa in June. Current affiliates include: Beautiful Plains Community Foundation Brokenhead River Community Foundation Dauphin and District Community Foundation The Glenboro Area Foundation Plum Coulee Community Foundation The Reston and Area Foundation Community Foundation of Swan Valley Roblin District Community Foundation is in the process of becoming an affiliate. In June, TWF held a special gathering in Neepawa for representatives from affiliate foundations. The meeting allowed foundations to share information with one another about accounting practices, technology, governance and other shared issues and concerns. Sharing strategies Rural communities across North America face similar challenges: adapting to economic change, addressing population decline, accessing resources and retaining and attracting youth. Community foundations work to address these issues and many share ideas, strategies and successes with one another. In September, representatives from the Glenboro Area Foundation, Dauphin and District Community Foundation and Community Foundation of Swan Valley attended the Nebraska Community Foundation s 2008 Rural Philanthropy Conference in Nebraska City. The Manitoba contingent also included staff from The Winnipeg Foundation, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and Brandon University s Rural Development Institute. The conference focused on the role of charitable giving in rural development and revitalization, with a particular emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of community foundations. Sessions covered endowment building, board development and leadership succession strategies, communications, working with donors and engaging youth. The conference closed with a session that encouraged each participating foundation to create an action plan to implement lessons learned. National networking Community Foundations of Canada will hold its biennial conference in Montreal this November. Bringing together hundreds of representatives from foundations across Canada and around the world, the conference will include inspiring presentations from world class speakers and practical workshops. Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation, has chaired the conference planning committee for the last two years. At press time, 13 Manitoba community foundations planned to send representatives to the conference. 18

19 19 1. Altona Community Foundation 2. Beautiful Plains Community Foundation 3. Big Grass Community Foundation 4. The Boissevain and Morton Foundation 5. Brandon Area Community Foundation 6. Brokenhead River Community Foundation 7. Carberry and Area Community Foundation 8. Carman Area Foundation 9. The Cartwright and Area Foundation 10. Dauphin & District Community Foundation 11. Elkhorn Area Foundation 12. The Glenboro Area Foundation 13. Grandview & District Community Foundation 14. Holland Community Foundation 15. Interlake Community Foundation 16. The Killarney Foundation 17. Living Legacy Community Foundation 18. Minnedosa Foundation 19. Morden Area Foundation 20. North Norfolk-MacGregor Foundation 21. Northern Neighbours Foundation 22. Oak Lake & Area Foundation 23. Pembina Manitou Area Foundation 24. Pilot Mound and District Foundation 25. Plum Coulee Community Foundation 26. Community Foundation of Portage & District 27. The Reston and Area Foundation 28. Roblin District Community Foundation 29. Selkirk & District Community Foundation 30. Souris Glenwood Foundation 31. The Southwest Manitoba Regional Foundation 32. The Steinbach Community Foundation 33. Sturgeon Community Foundation 34. Community Foundation of Swan Valley 35. Thompson Community Foundation 36. Tiger Hills Community Foundation 37. Virden Area Foundation 38. Westshore Community Foundation 39. Winkler Community Foundation 40. The Winnipeg Foundation Manitoba Community Foundations

20 Working Together Supporting local charitable projects, raising awareness, creating strong, effective processes and building endowments to benefit future generations, our province s community foundations work closely with a variety of individual and organizational partners. One of these partners is Manitoba Hydro, which has collaborated with The Winnipeg Foundation for the last five years on an administrative grants program that assists Manitoba foundations with their day to day operations and future capacity. Manitoba Hydro has also supported the publication of Community Roots since it was launched in On behalf of Manitoba s community foundations, The Winnipeg Foundation thanks Manitoba Hydro for its commitment to our communities and a philanthropic partnership that helps us all thrive. For more information about administrative support grants for community foundations, visit