On its first anniversary, Quadra Island Foundation is preparing to launch a website and begin a formal campaign to establish a permanent endowment fund that will provide grants for future projects to help the people, culture and environment of Quadra Island continue to thrive.
“We are grateful for initial financial support from our local government and corporate sponsors,” says Michael Mascall. “A big thank-you to Jim Abram, our Strathcona Regional District Director, the Campbell River Community Foundation, the Coastal Community Credit Union, and an anonymous donor. These funds helped us cover costs to register as a provincial society and as a charitable organization with Canada Revenue Agency. They also helped pay for website and logo development.”
“Our next steps include reaching out to potential founding donors to build QIF’s endowment fund,” adds Matthew Kelly. “We already have $10,000 provided by individuals toward this permanent fund, which will generate the income for grants to support future community projects.”
“The Campbell River Community Foundation’s endowment fund sits at about $2 million, and ideally, QIF will raise at least half that over the next few years,” says Mich Hirano, QIF treasurer.
Hirano notes that in its first year, QIF raised approximately $33,000, with some designated donations to support specific community projects: $2,000 Seniors Housing and more than $9,000 to the ICAN solar panels project on Quadra Elementary School.
“Because QIF is a registered charity, we can provide tax receipts for donations to these important island projects,” adds Michael Mascall. “We are also grateful that one island family has revised their will to donate property to the Quadra Island Foundation.”
Over the summer, QIF’s volunteer board has been working with Quadra Island’s Sarah James to develop a website and logo.
“Sarah is that rare combination of artist and technician, and she’s doing fantastic work developing a logo and contemporary, full-function website that will help us share information and reach people, at a time when access to information online is especially important,” adds Jody Rogers. “We’re aiming to launch the website later this fall, and it will provide all the information people need to learn more about QIF, how a community foundation benefits the island and how to contact us.”
QIF is also seeking an additional volunteer with financial and accounting expertise to help the QIF board advance the community foundation’s goals.
“If you or someone you know wants to leave a permanent legacy for our unique island community, please consider donating to the Quadra Island Foundation,” adds Julie Douglas.
People are welcome to contact any of the board members named above with questions at info@quadraislandfoundation.ca