Role of Biggar & District Community Foundation Inc. in the funding ecosystem
Biggar & District Community Foundation Inc. is a registered charitable public foundation and federal corporation serving the town of Biggar, Saskatchewan and the surrounding district. The foundation receives donations from individuals, families, businesses and estates and pools these gifts into permanent or term endowment funds. The capital is preserved while the investment income is used to support charitable projects and organizations in the local community.
The foundation positions itself as a community "savings account" at a time when government funding and grants for community organizations have become harder to obtain. By channeling local philanthropy into structured funds, it provides a stable, long‑term source of financial support for initiatives that enhance quality of life in Biggar and area.
Supported sectors and types of initiatives
The foundation’s income is directed to a broad range of charitable purposes within the community. The brochure highlights support for projects and organizations in fields such as:
- Health and wellness
- The arts and cultural activities
- Museums and heritage preservation
- Education and learning
- Libraries and literacy
- Recreation and community facilities
Through these themes, the foundation aims to encourage local self‑reliance, help residents meet emerging needs, and ensure the future quality of life in the region. Donors may direct their gifts to the general good of the community or to specific agencies or areas of interest.
Funding mechanisms and donor options
The foundation manages different forms of endowment and designated funds. Donors can contribute in multiple ways, including creating named or family funds, leaving bequests, donating life insurance policies, making tribute or memorial gifts, establishing corporate endowments, or contributing cash, securities, real estate and other marketable assets. Gifts of $20 or more are eligible for charitable tax receipts.
Interest generated from these funds is then granted out to eligible charitable projects that align with donor intent and community priorities. A separate endowment fund is maintained to cover administrative and operating costs so that, unless otherwise directed, donor capital continues working for the community over the long term.
Governance, accountability and community leadership
A locally elected board of directors oversees the foundation’s operations and stewardship of donated funds. As a registered charitable public foundation, it must comply with Canada Revenue Agency requirements, including limits on administrative expenses, annual reporting and a disbursement quota for funds distributed to charitable purposes.
Through this governance structure, the Biggar & District Community Foundation offers residents a transparent and flexible vehicle to create lasting gifts, build local endowments and provide ongoing financial support to community organizations and projects across Biggar and the surrounding district.