Growth and giving, year after year.

The newly established Whitecourt Community Foundation has launched.

The Whitecourt Community Foundation offers a way to leave a legacy that will enhance the quality of life for the people of Whitecourt and neighbouring communities long into the future, as well as provides an immediate benefit to community organizations.

Small and large donations to the Whitecourt Community Foundation Fund are pooled together and invested for the long term. The interest earned on the original investment is granted annually to charities and therefore donations have continuous growth and giving, year after year.

“The development of the Foundation and the opportunities it will bring to our community are really exciting,” stated Art Martin. “As a Board, the more we’ve learned about foundations the more excited we were to establish one locally – the possibilities are endless.”

Donations can be a one-time donation, a monthly contribution or given as a part of bequests and inheritances.

Grants are given annually to registered societies and non-profit organizations that support a wide selection of charitable efforts, such as health, human services, arts and culture, environment, education, and recreation.

“Whitecourt is an active, engaged and close-knit community, and for these reasons I think the Foundation will be extremely successful,” added Linda Mangnall. “The Community Foundation will provide an opportunity for residents to connect to the community, and to play an active role in its growth, development and vibrancy.”

Also available through the Whitecourt Community Foundation is a Named Fund.

Named Funds are donations made to the Whitecourt Community Foundation that allow the donor or donor’s family to direct the annual interest earned, working together with the Board of Directors, and furthering the goals of the Foundation.

Named Funds are available for $10,000 or more and the commitment can be fulfilled as a one- time gift or over a five-year period.

The Whitecourt Community Foundation provides community leadership by bringing together people, resources, and ideas with a broad and independent view of the communities.

Whitecourt Community Foundation is currently working with the Edmonton Community Foundation while waiting on the charitable foundation registration. Funds can now be immediately raised and invested so that our community organizations can begin to benefit.

All donations remain in Whitecourt and surrounding communities.

Over the past two years a Whitecourt Community Foundation Founding Committee has been working towards establishing the Foundation with the support of the Town of Whitecourt. The Committee members are Art Martin, Linda Mangnall, Norm Hodgson, Sue Guenette, and Williard Strebchuk.