During its 20th anniversary the Prince George Community Foundation was able to offer seven community organizations more than $17,000 during the second cycle of awarded grants.
In the Arts & Culture category the Central British Columbia Railway & Forest Industry Museum Society and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra received grants.
In the Education category Junior Achievement of B.C. got a grant, while in the Environment category the Canadian Paraplegic Association B.C - Spinal Cord Injury BC received a grant.
In the Health category the Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon division and the Child Development Centre each obtained a grant while the Canadian Cancer Society received a grant in the Sports and Recreation category.
"We are pleased to recognize that all of these organizations have contributed a great deal to the quality of our community and all of them are supported by very dedicated volunteers," said Ray Noonan, president of the Prince George Community Foundation.
Within the foundation gifts and bequests are accumulated in a permanent trust fund managed by a highly skilled team of professionals.
As the investment income grows it is granted to charitable organizations that will enhance quality of life in Prince George.
The Community Foundation endowment funds total more than $9 million this year, which the foundation considers a significant milestone in its 20-year history.
Twice a year grants are allotted to non-profits mainly for sums up to $2,500. There are also special grants valued between $2,500 to $5,000, a development grant for up to $1,000 and multi-year grants with a limit of $7,500.
"The application process is not onerous and it isn't a very lengthy application," said Teresa Saunders, vice president and past chair of the grant committee. "If people can simply say this is what they need and what they want to do and this is how much money they need from the foundation to do this project - that is really the key. To be clear, precise and concise and submit that application. People are also welcome to ask advice of the grant chairperson about submitting their application."
If there are non-profit organizations without a charitable number they are not eligible to access the Community Foundation's grants unless they align themselves with a non-profit that has a charitable designation, explained Saunders. Any non-profit without a charitable number can contact the foundation to discuss details.
For more information about the Prince George Community Foundation and its grants visit www.pgcf.ca.
