Let’s broaden our focus in this issue and talk about a general type of fund held at community foundations. Last month we discussed a Designated Fund, which allows donors to direct income to a specific organization(s), and I shared some successful examples of these funds in our own back yard. While the Designated Fund is great for those who know exactly what they want to support, it makes it difficult for those individuals who know the area they want to focus on, but not the specific organization.

I’d like to place the spotlight on Field of Interest Funds in this issue. Rather than specifying a charitable organization to receive grants, you select one of the Surrey Foundation’s fields of interest to be supported by your endowment fund. Each community foundation will have different areas of focus that cover a wide range of topics. At the Surrey Foundation our fields of interest include:

• Animal welfare
• Arts & culture
• Athletics
• Education
• Environment
• Family & Seniors
• Health
• Heritage
• Youth.

We’ve seen some wonderful examples of these funds helping residents in Surrey, such as the Coast Capital Savings Youth Fund, that was developed in support of local youth programs. Annual grants from this fund help organizations like Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, Surrey Crime Prevention’s Youth Mural project, or SFU’s Science ALIVE program. Once a Field of Interest Fund is established, the Foundation’s Grant Committee accepts applications for funding and provides annual grants to agencies that effectively meet the charitable purpose of each fund. 

If donors are not interested in setting up their own fund, they can make a donation to a fund already set up through our Foundation, or any community foundation across BC.  On the other hand, if you want to set up a new fund we’re always open to considering new areas of interest and need that are important to you.

If you have any questions about our funds or how we can work with you to ensure your contributions have a meaningful impact in the community, please call us at 604.591.2699 or email info@surreyfoundation.org