Over $1 million in community funding granted by the Brandon Area Community Foundation in 2020

Despite the challenges of 2020 the Brandon Area Community Foundation granted a record breaking $1,052,065 throughout the year. The foundation supports all aspects of life in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba making grants to a wide variety of worthy causes.

Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director BACF said “The annual grants provided by our funds and donors, have hopefully given our local charities room to breathe a little easier during this challenging time.  2020 was also the foundation’s 55^th anniversary and although the year didn’t go as planned, BACF was able to provide more than $1 million in grants. This is a huge milestone for the foundation.”

The Brandon Area Community Foundation has given support to a number of projects across Southwestern Manitoba. These grants covered areas of arts & culture, environment, education, health & wellness and community activities throughout the Westman region.

“The BACF has always been there to help build and strengthen communities.  This year they helped the YMCA open Brandon’s newest childcare center, Y Maryland Park.  The funding provided children’s furnishings, cribs and cots to enable 114 children to be able to experience quality programming in a supportive and safe environment. Together BACF and the YMCA are making Brandon a better place for families. Thank you BACF!” said Lon Cullen, CEO YMCA of Brandon.

In addition to the generous donations received, BACF took part in the provincial MB Build 150 and the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund granting initiatives that provided an extra $259,000 to community projects in our area.

Brian Martineau with Friends of Lake Minnedosa said “The grant through the Brandon Area Community Foundation will allow us to have a local manufacturer build a trailer to haul the weed harvester to and from the lake. The $89,000 harvester is on order and is expected to be in use on the lake this summer.”

BACF was also very pleased to be able to build relationships with other funders and strengthen our partnerships with other community organizations.

The grants provided by BACF are possible thanks to generous gifts from local donors from all walks of life. Community foundations pool and endow (permanently invest) all gifts and the income earned supports a variety of projects within the foundation’s catchment area. The original contributions are never spent, ensuring a lasting legacy for donors and a permanent source of support for the community.

For a full listing of all grants distributed, please visit our website at bacf.ca.