Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation (PMAF)

Role of the Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation in the funding ecosystem

The Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation (PMAF) is a community foundation created to support the long-term well-being of communities within the Municipality of Pembina, Manitoba. Incorporated in 1997 as a tax-exempt public foundation, PMAF manages a perpetual endowment: capital donations are invested and the earnings are used to provide financial support to local charities, community facilities, and residents through grants and scholarships.

As a member of Community Foundations of Canada and the Endow Manitoba network, PMAF forms part of a broader provincial and national ecosystem of philanthropic funders, but its focus remains firmly local—serving communities such as Manitou, Darlingford, La Riviere and the surrounding rural area.

Funding themes and types of support

PMAF oversees a portfolio of endowed funds that collectively address a wide range of community needs. Its Community Fund and several dedicated funds provide grants to:

• Recreational and cultural organizations, including sports associations, swimming facilities and performing arts venues.
• Local heritage, museums and places of worship, supporting maintenance, operations and enhancements.
• Health-related initiatives such as palliative care and seniors’ housing, improving care, facilities and equipment.
• Cemeteries, parks and community infrastructure, ensuring ongoing upkeep and preservation.

In addition, the foundation manages multiple scholarship and bursary funds aimed at graduates from the area, including awards for post-secondary studies in fields such as agriculture. These scholarships are granted annually to deserving students from the Municipality of Pembina.

Grant and scholarship application process

The foundation periodically invites applications for funding. The page highlights that the Pembina-Manitou Area Foundation grant application for 2026 is available, with access to a formal Grant Policy and Application Form. Through this process, local charities, community groups and eligible individuals can seek support for projects and initiatives that align with identified community priorities.

While detailed eligibility and assessment criteria are provided in the external policy document, the overarching principle is to use investment income from endowed funds to respond to local needs in a transparent and sustainable way. Grants typically focus on initiatives that enhance quality of life, preserve community assets, and create long-term benefits for residents of the Pembina-Manitou area.

Community involvement and governance

PMAF is governed by a volunteer board drawn from across the municipality, reflecting a strong community-led approach to philanthropy. Board members oversee investment of endowed assets, review grant and scholarship applications, and ensure that distributions remain consistent with donor intentions and the foundation’s mission. Donations can be made in various forms—including cash, bequests, life insurance, securities and memorial gifts—allowing community members to build permanent funds whose income supports local projects year after year.