Community Foundation Grey Bruce saw 12 new endowed funds created in 2014.
2014 also marked the Foundation's largest disbursement of grants to the community, with over $572,000 distributed to charitable and not for profit organizations.
The goal of the Foundation's Smart and Caring Education Initiative is to add nearly one million dollars to its education fund by 2017, to increase bursaries and scholarships for local students pursuing university, college, apprenticeship and workplace training.
Some of the new funds include:
The Lyman Red Cady Endowed fund will support the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce.
The Owen Sound Lacrosse Endowed Fund supports local expenses for the sport.
The Laura Bouchard, Roberta Brignell and Ernestine McKenna Funds honour former Foundation Directors.
The Women's Centre Shelter Owen Sound Fund supports women and children fleeing violence.
The Colleen Lantz and Cindy Davidson Memorial Funds were created by Wes for Youth Online, an organization with ties to the Davidson and Lantz families.
The Right Honourable Paul Martin Smart & Caring Fund will support annual awards for students in Martin's Aboriginal Youth Education Program at Saugeen District Secondary School
Lyle & Isabelle Love's Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Endowed Fund will assist students in the skilled trades.
The Dr. Goldie & Eileen Gray Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund will create an annual award for a graduating student from Grey Highlands Secondary School whom excels at academics, athletics and community activism.
And a unnamed fund has been started to benefit First Nations education in Grey Bruce.
Board Chair Kim West says, "It is an exciting time to be at the helm of our growing Foundation, when community response to regional need is so generous and thoughtful. It tells us local philanthropy is truly thriving."
Donations can be made to any fund by phone, online through www.canadahelps.org or in person. Donations made or postmarked by the end of 2014 may be used at a tax credit for the current year.