Genealogy societies should take a look at a new community fund created to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation that was announced yesterday by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, in collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada.
The fund will distribute small grants of up to $50,000 to locally led 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.
Minister Joly said, “The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th will let us create community projects that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Opportunity for genealogy societies
This is an opportunity for genealogy societies to submit a grant application for a project or event that will “inspire a deeper understanding of Canada” and leave a “lasting legacy.” As genealogists, that is our niche.
Perhaps a joint application could be submitted with a local historical society.
Note that grant applicants are required to match the dollars received from the fund through direct contribution or in-kind support.
Ian Bird, president of Community Foundations of Canada, said, “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.”
Public and private funding
The Department of Canadian Heritage has seeded the fund with a contribution of $10 million, and has invited private philanthropists to increase the fund’s impact. Community foundations will match public and private contributions and lead local grantmaking from the fund, with the goal of growing the fund to up to $40 million.
The news release about this funding initiative is available on the Community Foundations of Canada website.
