Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Dr. & Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Foundation

The Dr. & Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Foundation serves as a vital philanthropic organization in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. Established in 2003, it works on behalf of donors to enhance and advance the quality of life within the local community. The foundation administers the Christie-Smith Fund, which provides grants to qualified donees (registered charities) with the intent of benefiting Cumberland County.

Grant applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees three times per year (around May, September, and late November/early December). Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations registered with Canada Revenue Agency and hold a valid business number. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit the people living within Cumberland County and advance the following sectors: alleviation of poverty, arts and culture, religion, education, health care, and sports and recreation.

The foundation maintains a Board of Trustees who oversee the allocation of funds. Detailed financial information is requested as part of the application process, including most recent annual financial statements. The foundation publishes a list of recipient organizations and their impact stories on its Local Impact page, demonstrating accountability to the community.

The foundation was initiated by Dr. Hugh Christie, a longtime physician in Amherst who passed away in 2010. The foundation was incorporated in 2003, and the Christie-Smith Fund has been administered by the foundation since 2018, following a significant donation from Michael Smith. The Macleod Stanley Scholarship has been available to Amherst Regional High School students since 2010.

Over 3.7 million dollars in grant funding has been provided to over 400 recipients. Recipients include healthcare organizations, educational institutions, food security programs, housing initiatives, animal shelters, and youth development programs. The foundation supports both capital projects and operational programs.

The foundation works with various local organizations including the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, YMCA of Cumberland, Nova Scotia Community College, and multiple school boards. It collaborates with other charitable organizations to maximize community impact.