The County Foundation is administering a new Arts Fund, currently calling for applications.
Created with funds from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), the new fund separates arts-dedicated funding from the Municipal Grants pool, leaving a larger grants pot for organizations dedicated to social services, food security, health, housing, volunteerism, heritage, and the environment.
The new PEC Arts Fund will start with an annual grant of $50,000 from the County’s share of annual MAT revenue. The County Foundation is contributing a further $25,000 to create a dedicated fund for arts-directed organizations, one that can leverage support from private donors and local businesses the way the County Foundation’s other funds and granting streams do.
Applications for the PEC Arts Fund will be accepted until March 24. The maximum grant is $15,000.
One of Prince Edward County’s leading farmers is providing a living gift to four not-for-profits he holds dear.
The Larry Reynolds Fund is a donor-advised fund named in honour of the farmer. Reynolds Farms is a Prince Edward County agriculture mainstay in the grain and oilseeds industry, known far and wide for their custom harvesting. The farm’s fleet of pea combines make the trek every summer to southwestern Ontario to harvest thousands of acres of peas and lima beans.
Mr. Reynolds, of a multi-generational farming family, wanted to give back to the community that has given the life-long County resident so much. That family includes five siblings, 18 nieces and nephews, 39 great-nieces and nephews, 69 great-great nieces and nephews, and 20 great-great-great nieces and nephews – and counting!
“The County has been generous to us, and I would like to take the opportunity to give back,” Mr. Reynolds said.
Annual disbursements from the fund, created and administered through the County Foundation, support Emmanuel Baptist Church, Loyalist Humane Society, Sonrise Christian Academy, and the Regent Theatre.
“We’re honoured to support Larry in establishing this meaningful fund. While he’s known as co-owner of Reynolds Farm, which has demonstrated its own generosity within the community, this is personal to Larry. We’re grateful to be able to help bring his vision to life and facilitate the positive impact this fund will have for years to come,” said County Foundation Interim Executive Director Gillian Armstrong.
Ms. Armstrong said the County Foundation is eager to engage anyone in the community looking for a flexible way to provide ongoing support to local initiatives, causes and organizations they hold in high esteem.
“That’s what’s great about a donor driven disbursement. Larry has selected the four organizations he wants to support. Direction is always up to the individual,” Ms. Armstrong said. “If someone is passionate about supporting the environment or youth, the Foundation uses its grant knowledge, and community knowledge, it takes the data from Vital Signs and has those conversations about how to most effectively channel disbursements.”
The County Foundation is now working with the Rotary Club of Picton and the Stever Family to help manage and administer the Matt Stever Fund.
The fund was created in honour of the late Picton native who succumbed to injuries sustained in a scooter accident in Taiwan in 2008. When news broke that Matt had suffered catastrophic injuries and was clinging to life support in a Taiwanese hospital, the community rallied and raised funds for a mercy flight and support for his parents, Mary and Roger Stever.
Scores of caring businesses, service clubs and individuals stepped up and gave what they could in an outpouring that reflected both the collective care this community has for one of its own and the character of the young man in peril.
For nearly two decades, the Matt Stever Fund has helped families facing hardship due to family crisis, particularly the hardship caused by the severe illness, accident or death of a child.
The County Foundation now handles the tax receipting, administration and application process for the fund.
“We’re very happy to be working side by side with Rotary and Mary and Roger on this and making sure everyone in Prince Edward County realizes this fund is a potential resource when they are facing the toughest of times,” Ms. Armstrong added.
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