The Rotary Club was delighted to welcome Susan Edwards, the Assistant Director of the Community Foundation of South East Alberta (CFSEA). Susan was introduced by Club Service Director Heather Bach and spoke about the recent distribution from the Foundation, to a total of 39 agencies and $207,000 in the fall of this year.
Susan also spoke about the expansion of the Foundations reach, recently the "give where you live" theme has been taken up in Brooks & District, 40 Mile and Prairie Crocus (the Oyen area). Separate rural community funds have been set up for these areas, with dedicated coordinators in each area. She was hopeful that Cypress County will also have a specific fund and administrator soon.
Susan also acknowledge the role of RBC, who have funded significant grants to youth led initiatives. Approximately $60,000 has been donated to fund this aspect of Foundation work.
Susan revealed that new endowments had been set up specifically for the Mustard Seed, and for HALO...to assist them in gathering funds and providing long term financial support. The Foundation has $14.4 Million dollars under administration with a goal to surpass $15 Million by 2020.
Rotarians are reminded that our club maintains an endowment at the Foundation in support of the Rotary Music Festival. That fund currently contributes over $8,000 to cover the operating cost of the Festival.
Susan was thanked by Acting President Melanie and presented with a Medalta mug with thanks!