Duane Hicks
For the eighth-straight year, the Town of Fort Frances will be receiving money from the Moffat Family Fund to hand out to local groups and service clubs with the aim of helping youths and families.
This year, Fort Frances is eligible for $37,500 in funds to be redistributed to local worthwhile causes.
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to start submitting their requests for a portion of that funding, along with a supporting rationale.
Information packages are now available at the Civic Centre or by calling 274-5323.
Applications have to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Friday, April 23.
Town secretary Lori Pattison, who is in charge of receiving the applications, offered some advice for prospective applicants.
As in previous years, non-profit organizations are welcome to apply, but must keep in mind that funding proposals must benefit children, families, and the “less advantaged.”
As well, organizations from outside Fort Frances, whose activities don’t directly benefit local residents, will not be considered.
Pattison stressed applicants must include a charitable number.
“We have a lot of trouble with people submitting applications without charitable numbers,” she noted.
“If they don’t have a charitable number, it’s not even looked at,” she said.
The applications should be brief and limited to two-five pages, added Pattison.
“If we need more info, we will contact you,” she remarked.
As well, applicants should note whether the project they are applying for already has received funding from other sources.
After the deadline, the local Moffat Fund selection committee—consisting of Mayor Roy Avis, Couns. Andrew Hallikas and Sharon Tibbs, CAO Mark McCaig, Linda Hamilton, Marie Howells, and Capt. Angel Sandoval—will meet the week of April 26-30 to review the applications and make their selections.
Their recommendations then will be forwarded to council May 10, and then on to the Winnipeg Foundation for final approval May 12.
Successful recipients likely will receive their share of the $37,500 in late May or early June.
Nine community groups were selected last year to receive a share of the $43,750 allocated to the town by the Moffat Foundation.
They included the Salvation Army ($12,650), Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board ($9,000), Fort Frances Public Library children’s department. ($6,500), Kitchen Creek Golf Club’s junior program ($4,000), Rainy River District Family & Children’s Services ($3,000), and the Rainy Lake Ringers ($3,000).
Rounding out the recipients were the Fort Frances Museum ($2,600), 908 Rainy Lake Air Cadet Squadron ($2,000), and Fort Frances Highlander Pipes and Drums ($1,000).
