RURAL SUPPORT
Rural support: How Manitobans are supporting their local communities BY JANINE LEGAL
“ N ever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” American cultural anthropologist and author Margaret Mead's famous quote about the impacts of dedicated individuals on communities perfect- ly describes how rural and northern Manitobans are supporting their residents. Community-led solutions and programs are creating innumerable positive effects. It should come as no surprise that more than a quarter of the community foundations in Canada are right here in Manitoba. The Prairie province known for its generosity is home to 57 community foundations scattered throughout the geograph- ical area.
The Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF), established in 1965, is one of the larger ones. BACF invests the contributions it receives in a perpetual endowment fund and uses the income earned to make grants to a wide range of charitable groups — grants that benefit local communities in southwest- ern Manitoba. The grants impact rural areas far and wide, including Glenboro, Killarney, Wawanesa, Virden, Forrest, Oak Lake, Reston and many other communities. Executive director Tanis Chalmers is new to the position but familiar with all aspects of the organi- zation. She has extensive experience in community economic development and is thankful to be a part of the rewarding work of connecting with donors to build permanent endowment funds, identifying service gaps, and supporting community activities and causes that matter to residents the most.
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