Quadra Island’s community foundation is marking another milestone with the launch of its website (quadraislandfoundation.ca).
“A huge round of applause to Quadra’s Sarah James for developing this compelling, viewer-friendly site that raises the profile of QIF’s role in supporting the island’s people, culture and natural environment,” says QIF board chair Michael Mascall. James also designed the QIF logo.
The full-function website includes comprehensive news and information about the role of the community foundation and how people and organizations can contribute a lasting legacy. It features photos generously shared by several local photographers.
“Establishing a website was a first-year priority for our volunteer board, and we are grateful for timely project funding,” Mascall says. “Support from the Coastal Community Credit Union and the Campbell River Community Foundation allowed us to proceed with website development, and now, to provide online access to QIF information.”
Mascall adds, “The volunteer board also recognizes the key role of QIF vice chair Jody Rodgers, who worked closely with Sarah for several months to establish this essential online presence.”
“With the website project complete, the QIF board is working to connect with people and organizations to encourage financial contributions from potential major donors,” says QIF secretary Matthew Kelly. “Large donations are vital building blocks for a permanent community foundation fund, and meaningful, long-lasting gifts to Quadra Island.”
“The QIF board is encouraged by the success of our neighbouring island foundations and the benefits they provide to their communities. We’re confident that fundraising efforts will grow our endowment fund over the next few years so that investment proceeds will enable QIF to provide grants to support local charities,” says QIF treasurer Mich Hirano. “We’re also exploring possibilities for matching grant initiatives with other foundation programs that would supplement donations to QIF.”
In its first year, funding through QIF supported projects such as Quadra Seniors Housing and ICAN’s solar demonstration project at Quadra Elementary School.
In December, thanks to a number of contributions from community members, QIF established an endowment fund by investing its first $10,000 through the Vancouver Foundation’s Socially Responsible Investment Fund.
QIF is also grateful for initial financial support from an anonymous donor and from the Strathcona Regional District (through area director Jim Abram) that covered legal fees to register the community foundation as a provincial society and as a charitable organization with Revenue Canada. As a registered charity, QIF provides tax receipts for donations.
Questions? Send email to info@quadraislandfoundation.ca