The Squamish Community Foundation (SCF) Annual Grants recipients were finalized last month by an independent grants committee.
A total of $22,350 in funding was allocated to 11 registered charities and non-profit organizations running programs in Squamish. The SCF also granted $2,500 in scholarship funds. The projects that were given the grants include the Squamish Volunteer Centre Society’s digital skill-building program (for $3000), Easter Seals Camp Squamish (for $2500), Squamish CAN’s educational school gardens (for $3000), Sea to Sky Hospice Society’s bereavement counselling program (for $2000), along with projects from organizations including Whistler Adaptive Sports Program, Sea to Sky Community Services Child Development, Howe Sound Curling Club, Junior Achievement BC, Howe Sound Women’s Centre, Squamish River Watershed Society, and OurSquamish.
While last year the SCF met all funding requests from applicants, in-part due to increased COVID-19 related funding from the District of Squamish, the available funding in 2022 fell short of community needs. “We were only able to grant about ¼ of what was requested by the community this year”, said Suzie Soman, Board Chair. “Important projects are left unfunded, simply because our endowment funds cannot support the demand.”
The SCF currently manages just over $1 million in endowments. With an increase of $2.5 million, the SCF could grant up to $100,000 to the Squamish community each year. “With the income earned on our endowments going directly to community organizations annually, we can have significant long-term impact on the wellbeing of the people of Squamish”, Suzie added. “As we increase visibility of the SCF in our community, we are attracting more donors who recognize the choice and simplicity we offer while building our endowments and ultimately leading to increased granting to local community charities.”
For more information about the Squamish Community Foundation and how to create a lasting impact in your community, please visit our website: https://www.squamishfoundation.com/donate/, or email info@squamishfoundation.com
