[PRINCE GEORGE, BC] — Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) and Bulkley Valley Community Foundation (BVCF) have awarded $571,062.00 in funding to 15 organizations as part of the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP). This $50 million renewed investment supports social purpose organizations, such as social enterprises, non-profits, charities, and co-operatives, as they strengthen Canada’s social finance market while supporting their communities. PGCF & BVCF received a high volume of applications for this highly competitive program.
The funding has supported the following projects:
$25,000 to fund Community Connections (Revelstoke) Society for Community Connections Social Enterprise Feasibility Study
$69,530 to fund Deer Crossing the Art Farm for The Smart Farm Pilot Project
$36,000 to fund Friendly Composting Inc. for their Growing Friendly – Building Our Commercial Revenue Stream program
$14,000 to fund Groundwork Community Service Cooperative for their Rolling Hills Facility
$49,450 to fund Inclusion Powell River Society for Kindred Rebuild
$25,000 to fund Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association for Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association Structuring and Curriculum Development
$75,000 to The Loon Foundation for PODs (Pender Harbour Ocean Discover Station): Preparing for Launch
$72,500 to The Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl Cultural Centre Retail Outlet: Park Royal
$15,000 to fund Lyon Kechika Contracting Inc. for Iyon Kechika Rebranding & Marketing Plan
$17,477 to fund Kamloops Food Policy Council for development of the storefront
$35,000 to fund North Coast Cremation Services for Education and Branding
$25,000 to fund Ondine Oceanfarm for Sunshine Coast Seafood Processing Facility
$25,000 to fund Prince George Peacemakers for Communications Solutions
$25,000 to fund Agents of Change for Economic Empowerment for Salt River Collective.
$62,105 to fund U Grow Girl Social Enterprise (CCC) Inc. for U Grow Girl – Investment Ready For Growth
“The Investment Readiness Program has been a catalyst for communities across the country, and we are delighted to be sharing the program’s results today. From coast to coast to coast, social purpose organizations are showcasing bold leadership and rethinking how revenue generation can work alongside increasing community impact. We continue to be inspired by the creativity and solutions that strengthen the resilience of the charitable sector while taking on tough social challenges. We are deeply appreciative of our network of community foundations, the Foundation for Black Communities, and the Government of Canada for their continued collaboration and care.” says Andrea Dicks, President of Community Foundations of Canada, a national partner in the Investment Readiness Program.
The Investment Readiness Program was open to a diverse range of organizations and businesses, including charities, non-profits, co-ops and social enterprises. The program provided $10,000 to $75,000 to create, manage, and expand social enterprises in order to get ready to accept investment.
“There are so many inspiring community leaders looking to make a difference in new and innovative ways,” says Mindy Stroet, Director of Development, PGCF and Deb Camenzind, Executive Director with the Bulkley Valley Community Foundation. “We are looking forward to seeing the IRP help these recipients grow their impact even more.”
The Investment Readiness Program will help social enterprises across Canada grow, and build their capacity to accept investors, and participate in Canada’s growing social finance market.
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About the Prince George Community Foundation
True community development happens through the efforts of passionate citizens. Thanks to the vision and financial investment of residents, the Prince George Community Foundation was created in 1995 to serve Prince George and region in perpetuity. With the sustainable management of an endowment, ongoing charitable donations and passion for community, the Foundation has provided more than $7.05 million to date for projects championed by local non-profit organizations who work to build a livable, resilient community.
About the Bulkley Valley Community Foundation
The purpose of the Bulkley Valley Community Foundation is to create opportunities for donors to support local initiatives, organizations, and individuals to improve the quality of life throughout our communities. The Bulkley Foundation was founded in 1991 at the request of the Town of Smithers Economic Development Committee. Our area for grant-making covers Topley, Houston, Granisle, Telkwa, Smithers, the Hazeltons and Kitwanga. In 2021, the Foundation gave out over $364,000 through grants and learning awards.
About the Program
Community Foundations of Canada is a partner in the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) which helps allocate funds from the Government of Canada to social purpose organizations preparing to successfully participate in the social finance market. As a Regional Partner with CFC in delivering the IRP, Prince George Community Foundation and Bulkley Valley Community Foundation will help empower others to unlock innovative solutions to social challenges.
Interviews with the Community Foundations can be arranged by contacting:
Mindy Stroet, CFRE Deb Camenzind
Director of Development Executive Director
Prince George Community Foundation Bulkley Valley Community Foundation
250-562-7772 250-847-4356
Mindy.stroet@pgcf.ca info@bvcf.com
