Endowment fund is far ahead of goals

The Grand Manan Endowment Fund, spearheaded by the Rotary Club, is a full year ahead of schedule, having sped past its first goals to reach $170,700 as of April 26. Administered by the Fundy Community Foundation (FCF), the fund supports activities or projects that benefit Grand Manan. Island organizers' goal is $260,000, and the J.T. Clark Family Foundation (JTCFF) has pledged matching grants for a potential total of $520,000.

Rotary president Susan Ballantyne's initial $100,000 request became $260,000 with the Clarks' encouragement. They agreed on phases with a first goal of $100,000 and four subsequent six‑month windows to raise an additional $40,000 each and a deadline of April 2027 for the first $180,000. With the third goal already in sight and set to receive the matching $180,000 from JTCFF, Ballantyne says, "I love this! I want to thank the island for their support." Funds raised at this stage will allow the fund to pay out $12,600 a year, and with the full $520,000, Ballantyne says grants will total around $20,000.

The first grant of $5,000 was announced on April 23, awarded to the food bank for a hamper program. Food bank co‑director Michelle Kropiniski says, "As needs grow and the cost of living rises, what better recipient than the food bank."

They are planning for 55 hampers over three months, with the themes of thanksgiving, personal care and breakfast. Kropiniski says this year they have helped 51 households representing about 120 people, 40% of whom are children.

Upcoming fundraisers include a raffle for a Father's Day dinner with drinks from Grand Manan Brewing Company and an "Anchorage bingo." Bingo cards are expected to go on sale around the beginning of July. Each square will have an activity related to Anchorage, like taking pictures, visiting trails or writing to the provincial government about keeping the park open. Susan and Morton Benson will match the $10 card sales as well as contributing $25 for each completely filled card. Completed cards can be entered into a draw to be held August 1 at a barbecue.

Ballantyne says, "This is such a wonderful island; people really want to help."

The next grant application window through the Fundy Community Foundation is expected to open in February, with $10,000 available. Applicants must be a registered charity, school or municipality, or a group partnering with a charity.

Tax‑receiptable donations may be made by e‑transfer to <rotarymemorialtrust@gmail.com> or at <fundycommunityfoundation.ca/grand‑manan‑community‑fund‑2025/>.