Staff
For the ninth-straight year, the Town of Fort Frances will be getting money from the Moffat Family Fund to hand out to local groups and service clubs with the aim of helping youths and families.
Fort Frances once again is eligible for $37,500 in funds to be redistributed to local worthwhile causes.
As such, 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 Friday, April 1 at 2 p.m. Only two applications had been submitted as of Monday.
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.”
Organizations from outside Fort Frances, whose activities do not have a direct benefit to town residents, will not be considered.
“The criteria is pretty specific in regards to what the Moffat family likes to donate to, and they generally like family-oriented things that involve participation by children, that benefit children and families,” noted Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig.
“So if you have an idea [you] want to submit that fits into that line, I’d encourage people to do so,” he added.
“I’d encourage people to pick up the applications at the town hall and ask any questions because a lot of times, in the filling out of the applications, there are some errors that are made and there’s some absolutes that have to happen when you put an application in,” McCaig remarked.
“Number-one, you have to have a charitable numbers affixed to your application. We can’t process the application without one,” he stressed.
Applicants also should indicate if they’ve receive other funding for the projects noted on the application.
Applications should be limited to two-five pages.
As mentioned above, the deadline for applications is April 1, after which time the local Moffat Fund committee will choose recipients and forward these on to the Winnipeg Foundation for approval prior to April 15.
“We take a look at the applications, see how much money there is, and we try to disperse the money to as many worthy applications as we can,” McCaig explained.
“Sometimes we pare down the request they’re making, and then we forward them on to the [Winnipeg Foundation].
“The actual final approval isn’t at the town committee—it’s at the [Winnipeg Foundation],” he said.
“We’re kind of a screener to make sure that the applications are in order, that they fit the criteria, that they have the numbers, etc.
“I encourage people to really look at the application and follow the rules closely, and contact us and ask any questions, if need be, regarding their application before they submit it,” McCaig stressed.
“It’s really important.”
Approved recipients will receive their share of the $37,500 at a council meeting in June.
The Moffat Fund committee consists of Couns. John Albanese, Andrew Hallikas, and Paul Ryan, as well as Marie Howells, Angel Sandoval, Linda Hamilton, and McCaig.
Last year, $37,500 was disbursed. The local Salvation Army was given the lion’s share, receiving a cheque for $10,000.
Other recipients included KidSport—Fort Frances ($8,500), the United Native Friendship Centre ($5,000), and the Rainy River District Festival Association (($3,500).
Rounding out the recipients were the Fort Frances Museum and 908 Rainy Lake Air Cadet Squadron ($3,000 each), Fort Frances Girls Hockey Association ($2,500), and the Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes & Drums ($2,000).
