Community Fund to encourage Canadians to celebrate Canada’s 150th

The County Community Foundation will promote a new Community Fund for Canada’s 150th anniversary designed to encourage Canadians to build community and activate a groundswell of local initiatives, activities and events.

The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is a collaboration led by Community Foundations of Canada and the national network of 191 community foundations, with the support of the federal government and leaders from coast-to-coast.

“The fund is designed to engage Canadians from all walks of life in a wide range of local projects that build community, inspire a deeper understanding of Canada, and encourage participation in a wide range of initiatives that mark Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Joan Pennefather, president of the County Community Foundation. “The fund will be responsive to local priorities and will be accessible to all Canadians, including indigenous peoples, youth, groups that reflect our cultural diversity, and official language minority groups.”

“Canada’s 150th is an historic moment with the power to strengthen our communities and our connection to one another. The collaborative Community Fund for Canada’s 150th will spark thousands of initiatives and activities that bring out the best that Canada has to offer,” said Ian Bird, President of Community Foundations of Canada. “The Fund will encourage all Canadians to contribute to their communities in a way that fosters a greater sense of belonging, inclusion, and reconciliation, leaving a lasting legacy for our communities and our country.”

The County Community Foundation (CCF) will participate in the program. The first application round starts April 18 and closes May 17, 2016. Next application periods are September 2016 and January 2017. Applications are made through the national portal but local applications will be selected by the CCF.

“The local focus includes projects for youth, as well as projects responding to both the 150 Fund priorities and local priorities identified in our Vital Signs Report,” said Pennefather. “This is a unique opportunity to support the work of local organizations working to address community needs. The County Community Foundation is delighted to participate in this national collaboration to strengthen community and encourage a vibrant future for PEC.”

For more information on the 150 Fund, and how to apply, please visit our website at  www.countycommunityfoundation.ca.