Role of Tiger Hills Community Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Tiger Hills Community Foundation is a locally governed charitable foundation based in Treherne, Manitoba, serving the Municipality of Norfolk Treherne and surrounding Tiger Hills area. Founded in 1997, it builds permanent endowment funds with donations from individuals, families, businesses and organizations. The investment earnings from these funds are granted back each year to support a wide range of community projects and services.
The foundation funds initiatives that enhance family well-being and overall quality of life, including arts, cultural and heritage activities, education, environmental and social programs, medical and health services, sports, recreation and other community facilities. It manages several funds such as an undesignated community fund, a Health and Wellness Fund, scholarship funds, and community-specific funds like the Rathwell Community Fund.
Grant programs and typical beneficiaries
Through its annual granting cycle, Tiger Hills Community Foundation accepts applications from qualified donees – registered charities, municipalities, school divisions, hospitals and eligible non-profit organizations – for capital projects within its geographic area. Examples include equipment for community centres and medical facilities, improvements to parks and recreational infrastructure, and restoration of assets with historical significance.
The foundation publicly reports recent grants, listing local recipients such as schools, museums, health centres, sports clubs and other community organizations, along with awarded amounts. In 2023, it distributed more than $80,000 in grants from both general and designated funds, demonstrating its role as a significant local funder.
General evaluation criteria and process
Granting guidelines indicate that available funding is tied to the size and earnings of the endowment, with a defined maximum granting envelope each year. Projects must be located within the foundation’s area of operation, provide lasting community benefits, and focus on capital improvements rather than ongoing operating costs. Applications are received by a fixed deadline (typically March 31), reviewed by the volunteer board, and successful applicants are notified in the spring. Funds are usually reimbursed upon submission of eligible project expenses within a specified timeframe.
Governance and community leadership
Tiger Hills Community Foundation is led by a volunteer board of local residents who oversee fund stewardship, grant decisions and community outreach. The foundation participates in the broader Endow Manitoba network of community foundations, benefiting from shared tools, programs and capacity building initiatives while maintaining its own local granting priorities and processes.
