The Sunshine Coast Foundation has launched its spring 2021 grants cycle. Registered charities and other “qualified donees” are eligible to apply for up to $7,500 for programs and services serving residents of the lower Sunshine Coast.
“Despite the volatility of the past year, the foundation’s investments generated positive returns,” said board chair Manjit Kang. “We are pleased that we are maintaining our granting at least at levels awarded in previous years, if not higher.”
Applications to the foundation occur through a two-step process. Letters of intent are being accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 1. A committee composed of board members and community representatives will recommend which projects to invite for a full application. Those will be due on April 30, with a final decision made in late May.
The foundation awards grants within several granting streams, with specific amounts being allocated to community capacity building, youth, health and wellness, environmental protection, fibre arts, and choral music.
In contrast to prior years, in 2021, only registered charities or other qualified donees may complete the foundation’s letter of intent or application form.
“Canada Revenue Agency governs our operations, and their rules mean that we can award grants only to charities registered with the agency or other qualified donees such as municipal governments, universities, or First Nations,” said Kang. “The application form allows a non-profit without charity status to be involved in writing the application, provided the application is submitted by a qualified charity.”
Since it started granting in 2005, the Sunshine Coast Foundation has injected $1.7 million into the community in the form of grants to local charities.
To find out more about eligibility for and restrictions on grants, as well as access to the online application system, visit the foundation’s new website at www.sunshinecoastfoundation.org.
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