Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Oak Lake and Area Foundation

Oak Lake and Area Foundation is a community foundation serving Oak Lake, Manitoba, and nearby communities. As a registered charitable organization, it pools donations from individuals, families, businesses and groups into a perpetuity endowment fund. The income generated from this capital is used to make grants to a wide range of qualified charitable organizations and public bodies, helping to improve quality of life across the region.

The foundation focuses broadly on cultural, educational, health, environmental, heritage and community service initiatives. Typical projects include upgrades to community facilities such as arenas, playgrounds, museums, recreation areas, and support for local programs that respond to emerging needs. In addition to project grants, the foundation supports local students through named scholarship funds.

The foundation operates an annual granting cycle with a fixed deadline of September 30. Grant guidelines set out eligibility criteria, limiting support to non-profit organizations and other qualified donees under the Income Tax Act. Grants are awarded for specific projects and time-limited purposes, with a preference for initiatives that address artistic, cultural, recreational, educational and health-related needs. Capital projects are eligible when a clear need is demonstrated.

Oak Lake and Area Foundation provides matching or challenge funding in some cases to encourage broader community investment. It does not typically fund ongoing operating costs, deficits, endowment building, direct religious activities, political advocacy, or most medical or scientific research. All successful applicants must submit a final grant evaluation report upon completion of their project.

Through dedicated funds such as the Duane “Skippy” Holland Memorial Fund and the S.P. Galawan Fund, the foundation finances annual scholarships for students from the Oak Lake area at the secondary and middle school levels. These awards help local youth pursue further education while honouring community donors.

The organization was founded in 1999 when community leaders incorporated a non-profit charity to create a lasting legacy for Oak Lake and the surrounding area. It awarded its first grants in 2002 and has since distributed well over $100,000 in community grants and scholarships. Oak Lake and Area Foundation is volunteer-governed by a board of directors and is affiliated with Community Foundations of Canada, operating under the investment umbrella of The Winnipeg Foundation to benefit from professional financial management and advice.