Community Foundation Grey Bruce surpasses goal of one million dollars in new education funds.
In 2011, then Governor General of Canada, David Johnston extended a call to action to all Community Foundations across Canada: "Join me in imagining our country as it could be ... a smart and caring nation, where all Canadians can succeed, contribute, and develop their talents to their fullest potential."
Accepting the challenge in 2013, Community Foundation Grey Bruce determined that the greatest need going forward in Grey and Bruce Counties was fostering access to education including post-secondary, skills upgrades, work-place training, apprenticeships and trades education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. To meet this need, a Smart & Caring Community Fund initiative was created with a 4-year goal of $1 million in new education endowed funds to support Grey Bruce students with their studies.
The results of this campaign were announced Friday, March 23 at the closing ceremonies of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program's Regional Skills Competition at Georgian College. The Chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors, Maureen Solecki, reported that the goal was not only met but was exceeded. Community Foundation Grey Bruce's education fund now totals more than 1.8 million dollars. Solecki said: "We're so grateful to all the individuals and families that accepted the challenge along the way and came forward to contribute new funds to support local students in their chosen education pathway. Grey Bruce is a Smart & Caring Community!" Several Smart & Caring Fund donors and fund holders were present at the announcement.
Part of the Foundation's commitment to assisting local students was the development of an online searchable catalogue of scholarships, bursaries and awards. The website, www.payforschoolgreybruce.com, is currently listing 496 funding sources with a total of $651,395 that is available to support diverse education pathways.
If you would like to support Grey Bruce students by starting a fund to generate an annual scholarship, bursary or award, call the Foundation office at (519) 371-7203 or visit www.communityfoundationgreybruce.com
Established in 1994, Community Foundation Grey Bruce builds community vitality now and for future generations by encouraging endowment building and facilitating philanthropic partnerships within Grey and Bruce Counties. We provide grants to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that, in turn, deliver necessary initiatives and services for the people of this region. We also provide leadership in identifying and convening discussion around community wellness. We're here for good.
source: media release, Community Foundation Grey Bruce
