The Golden & District Community Foundation (GDCF) is pleased to announce the eleventh annual round of grants through their Community Grants Program and the Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program.
The GDCF’s Fall Grants Season is regularly anticipated by local charities as it provides an opportunity to apply for funds from a local funder.
The granting funds are available from the interest earned at the Columbia Valley Credit Union on the 10 Community Grants Program permanent endowments held by the GDCF.
Last year, three local applicant projects were granted awards between $415 and $4,800 each.
Just coming off the Vital Signs Report project, which collected citizen grades for 12 issue areas that impact our community’s quality of life, the Grants Advisory Committee has adjusted the grant program this year.
They intend to award approximately $15,000 available into grants of $5,000 or more and make an even greater impact in the community.
But the GDCF is not just supporting local organizations at this time of year. Created by the Whitetooth Ski Society, the Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program makes a limited number of skiing or snowboarding packages available to Golden and Area A children between the ages of eight and 18, where family incomes are limited.
“I think our Funders Forum in 2010 was too successful as we saw a decrease in grant applications last year, as local charities found other funding opportunities,” reported GDCF Executive Director, Ryan Watmough. “At the same time, the Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program saw a huge increase in demand, and luckily, we were able to reallocate some of our traditional granting funds to meet that need.”
This $40,000 program is a co-operative effort between the Golden & District Community Foundation, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team, and Golden Community Resources Society.
In 2010, a total of 35 applications were supported, up 94 per cent since 2008/2009.
The Community Foundation expects to see a similar demand again this year.
“We are really excited to have added another program partner this year. In recent years, we found that older Whitetooth participants didn’t opt for lessons.
It’s hoped that by having the Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team on board, their coaching programs can take the participants’ skiing to the next level of proficiency and commitment. Over time, Whitetooth participants can earn their ski or two snowboard instructor’s certificate, gain an employable skill and be able to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of rippers.”
Information on the GDCF’s Community Grants Programs as well as the Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program is available now on www.goldencommunityfoundation.ca/grantapps.html.
It is highly recommended that applicants download and read the Policy and Guidelines documents before beginning the application.
All applications must be submitted by 12 p.m. on October 21.
Submitted by Ryan Watmough, Executive Director, Golden & District Community Foundation
