For nearly 20 years, the Sudbury Community Foundation (SCF) has been handing out philanthropic grants — big and small — to local charities and community organizations.
Yesterday, as the SCF awarded over $150,000 to some 20 organizations for the 19th time, executive director Brian Koivu paraphrased a bit of ancient Greek philosophy to illustrate the event.
“Aristotle said 'to give away money is relatively easy — something anyone can do. But deciding to whom and how much is not an easy matter.',” said Koivu.
Despite the challenge, the SCF managed to hand out 37 individual grants on June 21 ranging from $150 to $50,000.
“Today, we celebrate community philanthropy — the philanthropy and vision of our donors who make our granting possible (and) the philanthropy and stewardship of our grant recipients who, through programs and initiatives, contribute to community progress,” Koivu said.
The grants awarded spanned across health and wellness, environmental concerns, youth and education and arts and culture.
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra was one such organization, receiving a pair of grants totaling $8,500.
“The gifts from the Ernie Impola and Slade Funds allow the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra to further their mission of increasing Sudbury's joy in the experience of classical music,” said executive director of the symphony Jennifer McGillivray.
“By providing funds for free childcare at our performances, we are ensuring that young families face fewer barriers to concert attendance, helping to foster a culture of musical engagement for generations to come.”
Among other grant recipients were the Art Gallery of Sudbury, Easter Seals Ontario, the NEO Kids Foundation, the Northern Cancer Foundation and YWCA Sudbury.
