This is an area that is profoundly important to the ongoing viability of The Foundation as well as its ability to grow and contribute to our community in an ever more significant way. We rely on community members and/or companies to be aware of the work we do. In our 50 plus year history we have lent support to almost 100 organizations.

This requires that there be an awareness of our need for capital fund contributions. The Foundation qualifies as an organization to which individuals or companies can make donations or bequests which will be deductible for income tax purposes. In order to so qualify, The Foundation is required to disperse the majority of its annual income - a requirement with which it is easy to argue but which Government has found necessary in order to prevent the sterilization of funds in the hands of foundations and other charitable organizations.

There are many ways to make these much needed contributions:

• An outright gift of cash during the lifetime of the donor
• A bequest in the donor's Will of a specified amount or, of the residue of one's estate after all other considerations are looked after.
• The purchase of a life insurance policy which would be owned by the Foundation, on the life of the donor, with the premiums paid by the donor. These premiums are tax deductible by the donor on his/her tax return each year. This allows for a meaningful gift by the donor without encroaching on the other assets of the estate.
• A donation of shares in a publicly traded company.

Since The Foundation is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and Members we are not equipped to deal with "gifts in kind". These Board Members and Directors are appointed to a two year term and collectively represent a good cross section of knowledge of things happening in our community enabling them to meaningfully direct the Foundation funds.

While building a significant pool of funds for local and area use is a key focus of the Foundation, being able to make grants within our mandate is also a strategic priority of The Foundation.

You are encouraged to involve your lawyer, accountant and financial advisor as you consider the most effective way to execute your contribution.