Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Valoris Foundation of Prescott‑Russell

The Valoris Foundation is a community-based charitable foundation dedicated to residents of Prescott-Russell, Ontario. Closely linked to Valoris for Children and Adults of Prescott-Russell, the Foundation mobilizes donations and partnerships in order to reinvest funds locally. Its financial support targets projects and initiatives that foster social inclusion, community leadership and personal development for children, youth, adults and families.

The Foundation operates both as a grantmaker and a scholarship provider. Through its Fundraising and Charity Committee, it reviews numerous funding requests each year and allocates donations to individuals and organizations whose projects align with its mission. These may include the purchase of specialized equipment, payment of registration fees, community engagement activities, leadership initiatives or other concrete projects that improve quality of life and participation in community life.

Several scholarship programs are administered by the Valoris Foundation. The Ward Scholarship supports permanent or former wards of Valoris pursuing post-secondary education. The Raymond Lemay Scholarship is awarded annually to a young person who has overcome adversity and is enrolled in a post-secondary program, providing significant tuition support. The Dwight Proudfoot Bursary offers funding to a youth, family or community member in Prescott-Russell facing hardship and committed to making important changes for a better future. Each scholarship has clear eligibility criteria, application requirements and selection processes overseen by a Foundation committee.

Beyond scholarships, the Foundation provides direct donations and project-based grants. Applicants submit a donation request form describing their project, the objectives, anticipated impact on themselves, their family or the wider community, and the amount of money requested. The Charity Committee assesses these proposals and determines the appropriate level and method of financial support. Priority is given to initiatives that create inclusive opportunities, strengthen local leadership and support personal growth.

The Foundation’s community report for 2021–2022 highlights that more than $76,600 was raised through fundraising activities and over $90,000 was awarded back to the community in donations, with more than $15,000 in bursaries to youth pursuing studies in human services. Additional grants supported property and employment-related projects, such as collaborations with Groupe Convex to expand social enterprises and create meaningful jobs for people living with intellectual disabilities.

The Valoris Foundation serves a wide audience across Prescott-Russell: young people preparing for post-secondary education, adults returning to school, families facing adversity, and community organizations leading inclusion or leadership projects. Applications can be made in English or French, and staff can assist applicants in completing forms. Governance is ensured by volunteer committees that meet regularly to refine fundraising strategies, review grant and bursary applications, and oversee property-related investments that further the Foundation’s social mission.