A July 12 press release from The Community Foundation of Castlegar and District boldly announces the group's official charitable status as confirmed on July 1st by the Canada Revenue Agency.
“We are very pleased that the lengthy process to achieve this status has been successful”, states Board President Bob Jackson. “This means the Foundation can now receive funds and issue tax receipts to donors. We can now begin the process that includes providing information to the community, receiving applications for funding and determining the recipients”.
Castlegar is the last community in the West Kootenay Boundary Region to have a community foundation. Interest began in 2011 with a public presentation by staff from the Community Foundations of Canada, followed by formation of a Board of Directors and provincial incorporation in 2012. The current Board members include: Brian Miller, Vice-President; Paul Maier, Treasurer; Roberta Hamilton, Secretary; Directors Dan Salekin, Nicole Beetstra, Caroline Kavaloff, Bruce Gerrand, Tammy Verigin-Burk.
Community Foundations pool the charitable gifts of many donors into permanent, income-earning endowment funds that benefit the local community. Grants are approved from the earnings of these funds to support a wide range of local initiatives.
Jackson states, “Our vision is building a better community, now and forever. Our mission is improving the quality of life in Castlegar and District by developing permanent endowment, making responsible grants and inspiring leadership. We are now planning an official community launch of the Foundation later this year.”
More details are available online at www.communityfoundationofcastlegar.org