Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Perlin Family Trust

The Perlin Family Trust is a charitable family foundation established in 1983 by John Crosbie Perlin in memory of his parents, Vera and Albert Perlin, to honour their contributions to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Trust provides project-based grants and donations to registered non-profit organizations that are embedded in communities across the province.

The Trust focuses on initiatives that deliver a direct positive impact on the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Its mandate centres on three main areas: education and advancement of history and culture related to Newfoundland and Labrador; support for people with developmental disabilities through employment, rehabilitation, education and infrastructure; and promotion of participation and interest in the arts, including theatre, dance, visual arts, film and photography.

Funding is designed to help organizations advance specific projects, often enabling them to leverage additional resources. Grants may cover costs over the duration required to complete a defined initiative rather than providing ongoing core operating support.

Any registered non-profit organization in Newfoundland and Labrador is eligible to apply for funding. Projects are expected to demonstrate clear community benefits, show how support from the Trust will advance the work or unlock other funding, include a plan to measure impact, and address needs that cannot be easily funded from other sources.

The Trust accepts applications on a rolling basis, with Trustees meeting quarterly to review proposals. There is no fixed maximum grant amount; applicants are asked to submit realistic budgets and to indicate any additional funding sources. Repeat applications are welcome, with a 12‑month interval requested between applications from the same organization for the same project.

Applications are submitted using a standardized form available on the Trust’s website and are reviewed by the Trustees. Organizations receive confirmation of receipt within several weeks, along with an estimated timeline for the next quarterly review. The Trust communicates primarily via email, reflecting the volunteer nature of its governance and administration.

Past recipients illustrate the Trust’s broad but mission-aligned portfolio, including arts companies, community festivals, organizations serving people with disabilities, historical societies and other local charities. Through its targeted project grants, the Perlin Family Trust continues the Perlin family’s deep tradition of philanthropy and civic engagement, strengthening cultural life, social inclusion and community well-being across Newfoundland and Labrador.