The Great-EST Needs Fund

About the Fund

Established in 2018 to direct grants where they have the greatest potential to positively impact our communities.This fund is designed for donors who want to make an impact on the community without wanting to create their own fund, or do not wanting to make the annual granting decisions.  And because endowed funds last indefinitely, some fund owners have chosen to direct funds to the Greatest Needs funds to ensure their legacy continues even if future generations no longer want active involvement.

Our Grants & Community Engagement committee was created to oversee both this fund and the annual 100 People who care event. Each year, the committee connects with community leaders to understand their perspective on the Greatest needs – we look to see where there are gaps in services or funding based on their real on the ground experience including the data they have gathered. Tracy our Executive Director is active all year in the community creating a deep understanding of community issues and charitable organizations in every sector. There is incredible work going on in our communities often volunteer led. Our role is to identify gaps where additional support can make the biggest difference.  We get so many impressive applications each year. 

We follow up with Grant recipients to understand the impact the grant created. The due diligence to review applications and follow-up is a critical part of the Greatest Needs fund process. While the fund continue to grow, we aren’t able to fund all the applications. In some cases, we are able to share these granting opportunities with our Donor advisors for consideration.  

 

This year we are focusing on 3 areas:

  • Youth mental health (ages 14 - 29) has experienced a significant decline in particular with this age range ; especially with young females.

  • Food insecurity & poverty – with over 15% of the population struggling which is higher than the provincial average.   Canada does not have a food shortage; it has a food distribution and access challenge in particular for those with lower income levels.

  • Addiction & substance abuse – also a serious issue across the region in particular with youth