Library receives laptop computer for non-profits to access the online Canadian Directory to Foundations and Corporations
As of April 17, 2009, non- profit organizations will be able to book time on the laptop to access the online Canadian Directory to Foundations and Corporations. This service will be available to all non-profit organizations in search of funding for various purposes. The Imagine Canada Directory provides information on over 3,100 foundations and 150 corporations that invest in the community and is continually updated.
The online Directory can be accessed only on the library’s own-in-house terminal. As the library computers are in high demand, it has been a challenge for community groups to access the program. Those in search of funds for their project will be able to phone the library ahead of time to schedule a convenient time to use the laptop to access the Directory. On their arrival, they will need to ask the library staff for the laptop and the staff will set them up. If an organization has their own laptop, they can bring it to the library and staff will help them access the program.
The Portage la Prairie Regional Library and the Community Foundation of Portage and District are partnering in this project. An anonymous donor has provided funds to purchase the laptop computer. CFPD President Vern Crandell and Head Librarian Percy Gregoire-Voskamp were on hand for the launching of the computer and jointly invite non-profits to come to the library to use this service. Dawn Froese, Big Brothers and Big Sisters was the first to use the laptop to access the online directory.
Administrative Support grant sponsored by Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba Hydro partnership
Andy Poulton, Manitoba Hydro’s Energy Services Coordinator and Brian Miller, Assistant District Supervisor, presented a cheque for $10,895 to Vern Crandell, President of Community Foundation of Portage and District Inc. The Administrative Support Grants Program is sponsored by the Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with the Manitoba Hydro. The Winnipeg Foundation’s portion equals $8,171 and the top up from Manitoba Hydro is $2,724. This is double the amount CFPD received last year.
The grant is based on a formula involving a number of components related to the 2007 assets and growth. Vern said, “We were number one in the province when it came to the amount added to our Endowment Fund that year.” A total of $573,573 was receipted which included a $313,000 bequest from the James Culbert estate. The program offers administrative support to eligible foundations so that they can focus on building their endowments and growing their grant making capacity. Total amount available each year to share among the 39 foundations is $100,000.
Community Foundation of Portage and District Inc presents seven grants worth $16,288
The Community Foundation of Portage and District Inc (CFPD) is winding up 2008 by presenting two grants from the regular grants program valued at $5,333 and another $10,955 to 5 organizations to fill the commitment of the James Culbert Fund. CFPD President Vern Crandell will present cheques to the following registered charities:
1. Portage Collegiate Institute - Multi-sensory Room - $2,733
CFPD chose to support the development of a Multi-sensory room for the life-skills area of the Portage Collegiate Institute. The Multi–sensory room will provide the teachers with an extra avenue with which to assist special needs students by encouraging independent thinking and acting. It will provide multiple uses including relaxation, therapy, education and stimulation for the students. CFPD President Vern Crandell presents a cheque for $2,733 to life-skills teacher Albert Krynski to assist with the development of the room.
2. Canadian Mental Health Association – Kitchen $2,600
The funds will assist with the development of a kitchen for the Portage Clubhouse. With a new kitchen and appliances, they will be able to add cooking and baking activities for their clients to learn healthy cooking and baking skills. They will encourage clients to participate in preparation, serving and cleanup. Once the kitchen is fully functional they will offer the Kitchen Breakfast Program three days a week using the Canadian Food Guide and advice from a dietician.
3. James Culbert Fund - 5 grants - $10,955
In 2007 CFPD received a bequest from the Estate of James Culbert for $313,000. Mr. Culbert requested that the interest earned from the fund go to five registered charities. CFPD is required by the Income Tax Act to disburse, as grants, to qualified donees a minimum of 3.5% of the value of Fund yearly. The amount available for disbursement this year is $10,955; each charity will receive a cheque for $2,191.
Archived Stories : 2009 | 2008