Beaverdell - Bridesville - Christina Lake - Grand Forks - Greenwood - Midway - Rock Creek - Westbridge Building a Better Boundary FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What does the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities do? Who gives to the Phoenix Foundation? How does the Phoenix Foundation operate? What does the Foundation provide funding for? Where does the Foundation get its money from? Why choose the Phoenix Foundation for your donation? How can I participate? What kinds of gifts does the Phoenix Foundation accept? Does the Phoenix Foundation have funds for different purposes? How are the endowments managed? How is money distributed? Who is eligible for grants? What process is involved in making an application? Are there deadlines for grants applications? Are there post requirements once funds are granted by the Foundation? Can the Phoenix Foundation help your organization? 1. What does the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities do? Builds permanent, "income-earning" endowment funds from the charitable gifts of many donors. Makes grants from the annual income earned by these funds to support local initiatives that benefit the citizens of the Boundary Communities. Provides leadership to the community by bringing people together to identify and address local issues. 2. Who gives to the Phoenix Foundation? Individuals from all walks of life give many types of gifts, including cash, real estate, stocks and insurance. Charitable organizations place their endowment funds with the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities in order to realize greater returns through the professional management of the funds. Corporations make donations to demonstrate their commitment and support for the community. 3. How does the Phoenix Foundation operate? A volunteer twelve member board of directors, comprised respected citizens from the community, oversees the foundation. The Board determines policy and provides direction to committees that are made up of volunteer experts. The Board also relies on recommendations from Advisory Members made up from the diverse group of community volunteers. The Board and Advisory members are representative all sectors that encompass the areas of the Boundary Area 4. What does the Foundation provide funding for? The Phoenix Foundation supports a wide range of projects that are of demonstrated benefit to area residents. Funded activities provide a direct service to the community, or take an innovative approach to addressing changing needs and concerns within the Boundary Communities. Projects approved for funding could involve any number of concerns including (but not limited to): Animal Welfare Arts and Culture Children and Families Elderly and Special Care Environment Health and Welfare Libraries and Education Social Justice Youth Click here to see a list of the projects that the Foundation has funded since its first grants cycle in 1998. 5. Where does the Foundation get its money from? Each year, grant money is made available from interest generated by the Foundation's Endowment Fund. The fund continues to grow thanks to support from the Vancouver Foundation, financial gifts & bequests from area residents, local businesses, and other charitable organizations. In addition, the Foundation is actively generating more funds by hosting special events, and other fund-raising activities. The Foundation welcomes any financial contribution, big or small. After all, it quickly adds up, and the entire community benefits. 6. Why choose the Phoenix Foundation for your donation? We know the community. We do more than simply make grants; we also identify current and emerging issues, provide leadership in addressing these issues and help the community prepare for the future. We help donors realize their philanthropic goals by providing expertise in charitable giving options. Grants cover a broad range of community sectors. Your gift builds an endowment fund that keeps giving forever. 7. How can I participate? Your gift, big or small, can address the community issues you care most about; express gratitude to the community; or create a family legacy that will be remembered and appreciated by future generations. Your gift can be unrestricted, designated to a specific area of interest or charity, or named to honor a family member or a friend. 8. What kinds of gifts does the Phoenix Foundation accept? Many different kinds of gifts can build endowments. Among the choices are: cash, bequests, life insurance policy, stocks, bonds, appreciated securities and real estate. We can help you choose the kind of gift that best suits your situation. 9. Does the Phoenix Foundation have funds for different purposes? Funds can be set up to meet specific needs in the community and to match the specific philanthropic goals of the donor. 10. How are the endowments managed? The Investment Committee of the Phoenix Foundation manages the capital as outlined in its Investment Policy and Terms of Reference. Committee members are volunteers with extensive experience in current markets and a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility who report to the Board. 11. How is money distributed? Twice a year, the Phoenix Foundation Grants Committee calls for proposals. This committee assesses proposals based on criteria established by the Board and makes recommendations to the Board for final approval. A strict conflict-of-interest policy guides Board and committee members in their deliberations. 12. Who is eligible for grants? Eligible applicants include registered area charities and qualified donees as identified under the Income Tax Act. Under special circumstances, sponsoring relationships may be arranged for groups that normally would not qualify for funding. Grants are not made to individuals or to businesses. Some specific types of projects are considered ineligible. For more details, please contact a Foundation representative. 13. What process is involved in making an application? The Phoenix Foundation has a two-stage application process. The first stage is the submission of a "letter of intent" for the Foundation to determine basic suitability. The second stage requires the submission of a more detailed formal grant application. 14. Are there deadlines for grants applications? The Foundation has two annual granting sessions, once in the spring and once in the fall. Applications are subject to two deadlines. The deadline for submitting Letters of Intent is in February 28 and August 15 of each year. The formal applications must be submitted in no later in March 31 and September 15 each year. 15. Are there post requirements once funds are granted by the Foundation? After a grant is awarded, recipients are expected to follow a specific list of performance & management procedures. Monitoring of projects will be performed by the Foundation to ensure that funds are used appropriately. 16. Can the Phoenix Foundation help your organization? Your organization may qualify for a grant from The Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities. Contact any Board member or visit the Grants section of this web site to learn more about eligibility criteria and the application process.