While the idea to create a foundation was initiated a few years ago, the Miniota and Area Foundation is now fully up and running. Charity status has been achieved. The vision of Miniota and Area Foundation Inc. is to grow the fund as a source for grants toward community organizations, to sustain viability in our rural communities.
This Foundation has been created to serve the area of Ward 1 of the Prairie View Municipality. This Foundation encompasses the communities of Arrow River, Beulah, Crandall, Isabella and Miniota. However, like any foundation, outside entities and organizations are eligible to apply for funds through the granting process as well. Organizations from this area in the past years have benefitted from money granted from the Birtle, Elkhorn, Virden and Brandon Foundations for which we are grateful.
In December 2020, organizations were invited to submit applications for funds. Two organizations, the Miniota Community Centre and the Miniota Discoveries Daycare applied and each were gifted $500 each towards their projects. While these amounts may seem small, it is the reality of the committee’s dream taking place. From here we look forward to growing our principal funds and have taken steps to invest the money with the Winnipeg Foundation. It is the interest only which can be granted to organizations.
The Miniota Committee of chairperson Delbert Cole, secretary Linda Clark, treasurer Stephanie Brown and board members Traci McKean, Nat Howard, Noreen Stowe and Brian Oliver look forward to the growth of funds. To kick off 2021, the board is selling tickets on a 50-50 draw to be made on July 1st.
The Miniota Foundation is listed as a charity with the Miniota-Arrow River Donors Choice and invite our residents to support this initiative. As well, larger donations will gladly be accepted at any time and can be dropped off at Prairie View Municipal Office. A be charitable receipt will be issued for the donation.
The committee would also encourage families to consider naming the Miniota and Area Foundation for memorial donations as a lasting memory of a loved one.
The growth of this foundation will be largely dependent on the gifts of individuals and families in larger amounts to grow the funds quicker. To help the Foundation grow and in support of rural community living, we invite former and present residents to consider a sizable donation; making the Foundation an estate beneficiary would also leave a legacy for the family.
You can follow the Miniota and Area Foundation on Facebook. The committee is looking forward to promoting the Foundation when community events can be held once again
