“I believe we are the only district that offers a bursary for graduating students. Part of the district’s goal is to entice students to enter the fields of conservation or agriculture,” added Brooker.
Dana Kelm, SMRF Secretary-Treasurer said while it was not a specific goal of the foundation to achieve over one million dollars in net assets, it certainly is an achievement and testament to outgoing Chair Donna Todd’s service and commitment of over 30 years to the community foundation movement in Southwestern Manitoba.
Other goals of the foundation include increasing awareness of community foundations and how endowment funds work, increasing visibility of the SMRF within the communities it serves and the impact of annual grants on non-profits and community groups. It also encourages donations from individual donors, including legacy giving.
Kelm added that the $103,000 contribution from the Souris River Watershed District will establish a Bursary Fund with the Foundation, and the annual interest earned from investing the funds will be used toward a maximum of four annual bursaries up to $1,000 each to graduates from a secondary school within the boundary of the SRWD, reside within the boundary, or have parents or grandparents who own land within the boundary.
“Selected recipients must be enrolled in post-secondary education in conservation of agriculture-related fields of study,” she added.
by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff