Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Community Foundation of Swan Valley Inc. (CFSV)

The Community Foundation of Swan Valley Inc. (CFSV) is a non-political, non-religious, self-governed registered public charity created in 2005 to support the Swan River Valley region of Manitoba. As a community foundation, it builds and manages permanent endowment funds and distributes a portion of the investment income each year to strengthen local organizations, infrastructure and opportunities.

CFSV is a 360-degree funding provider, serving all sectors of charitable need across the Municipality of Swan Valley West, the Municipality of Minitonas–Bowsman, the Rural Municipality of Mountain and the towns within these municipalities. Its objectives include supporting children, youth and seniors’ programs, arts, culture and heritage, education, environmental projects, medical services, sports and recreation, and other charitable community facilities and activities.

The foundation’s endowment model preserves donor capital in perpetuity, while targeting an annual distribution from fund earnings. Over time this has enabled the foundation to return significant resources to the community; the 2024–2025 Annual Report notes more than $1.9 million granted since inception, with $221,500 in grants and education supports awarded in that year alone to over 90 nonprofits, community groups and students.

CFSV runs open granting intakes twice a year, typically in February and October. Applicants are directed to review detailed grant policies and guidelines and to submit applications through an online form, supported by budget and signature templates. A volunteer grant committee representing diverse backgrounds reviews requests in line with the foundation’s mandate to preserve and enhance quality of life in the Swan Valley.

Foundation grants support a wide range of initiatives, from upgrading community halls, arenas, playgrounds and recreation facilities, to equipment purchases, program expansion and infrastructure renewal. Featured projects, such as improvements to the Bowsman Community Skating Arena, illustrate how these grants enhance safety, accessibility and long-term viability of local assets.

In addition to community grants, CFSV administers numerous scholarship and bursary funds established by families, businesses, service clubs and estates. These education funds assist students pursuing post-secondary studies in fields such as agriculture, animal health, pharmacy, science and technology, as well as general academic and vocational programs. Dedicated awards like the Cherban Endowment Post-Secondary Scholarship, the “Jud” Scales Memorial Pharmacy Award and the Dr. Rex & Beverley Leach Animal Health Scholarship exemplify targeted support that reflects donor interests and regional priorities.

The foundation offers several fund structures to meet donor goals. Designated and agency funds direct annual income to specific registered charities, while field-of-interest funds focus on themes such as youth, seniors, recreation or arts. Donor advised funds allow contributors to recommend beneficiary organizations each year, and unrestricted funds give the board flexibility to respond to emerging local needs. Education funds provide long-term support for scholarships and bursaries.

For donors unable to create a large named fund, community unnamed funds and giving clubs (such as Friends of the Valley, Century Club, Builders Club and historical campaigns like the Founders Club and Manitoba 150 Club) provide accessible entry points into long-term community philanthropy.

CFSV is overseen by a local board of directors and supported by staff including an executive director. The foundation emphasizes transparency, has adopted a national code of ethics and donor rights statement, pools endowments in a professionally managed investment portfolio, and publishes audited financial statements and annual reports. Through these mechanisms it connects people who care with causes that matter, channeling endowment income into sustained grant, bursary and scholarship programs that benefit the Swan Valley today and for future generations.