A permanent endowment fund benefiting Sparwood and area has been established thanks to the District of Sparwood, which committed $25,000 at the regular council meeting on Aug. 15 in support of the fund.

The Sparwood Community Fund, invested through a partnership with the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation (CDCF), ensures secure and sustainable funding is available through annual grants to charitable organizations, initiatives, and programs within the Sparwood community.

“We have seen incredible support from the Sparwood community in getting this fund off the ground and fully expect to see additional financial contributions and matching funds come in over the next few months,” said Riley Wilcox, executive director for the CDCF. “With the CDCF’s support, Sparwood residents have the power to grow their community fund, choose outcomes, address community issues, and develop new opportunities. Any donation that is made locally, will stay locally.”

“The District of Sparwood is very pleased to be able to make this initial financial contribution to establish the Sparwood Community Fund, and is looking forward to seeing the significant positive impact it will have for non-profit organizations and charitable causes in Sparwood for years to come,” said Sparwood Mayor Cal McDougall.

This initiative supports council’s strategic objectives to:

– ensure that the organization, as a whole, is allocating the right level of funding to each program, to do its job and to ensure its long-term sustainability;

– ensure effective and responsible stewardship of public funds within a supportive policy framework.

The Sparwood Community Fund is held in perpetuity, which means the fund’s ability to support local non-profits is not only secure and permanent, but will grow stronger every year. Annual grants will be allocated by the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation (CDCF) Board of Directors on the recommendation of a granting committee comprised of Sparwood community members, ensuring grants are distributed based on the evolving, specific, and unique needs and wants of Sparwood residents.

A video of the District of Sparwood Regular Council Meeting in which the $25,000 for the Sparwood Community Fund was approved can be viewed at https://www.sparwood.ca/councilmeetings. The Sparwood Community Fund is discussed around 1:14:10.

Anyone from Sparwood wanting to donate to, or be involved with, the Sparwood Community Fund can call the CDCF office at 1-250-426-1119.

Cranbrook and District Community Foundation

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