The Killarney Foundation is focusing their attention on their fall season intake of grant applications, the application deadline being September 15th.
“We're trying to get it so that a lot of this granting is not, I would say, done spur of the moment,” shares Board member, David Jones. “It's more, what are the projects that are impactful two, three or four years down the road, and build towards funding or helping fund those projects along with the municipality and other organizations.”
“It’s still going to be able to support the minor sports and the hospital, all those things,” he adds. “But we think it can become a bit more significant in the long-term planning, being partners with things that are identified, like the lake or like many other things that are going to take some money or some thoughtful planning.”
“If we know in advance, it's easy for us to allocate money and grant it as a lump sum down the road,” says Jones. “It doesn't have to be all given away every six months and start from scratch each time."
Established in 1979 by local philanthropist and lawyer, Keith Heming, The Killarney Foundation, marked by the contributions of $100 each from the Town of Killarney and the Rural Municipality of Turtle Mountain, received its initial boost with a $100 donation from resident Vern Britton. It's first grant of $200 was awarded in 1981, in support of the Meals on Wheels program's acquisition of insulated containers.
Keith Heming’s tireless efforts bore fruit in 1984 when the Killarney Foundation amassed funds totaling approximately $20,000. The community continues contributing to the Foundation to give back to their community by supporting local projects and initiatives.
Today, the Killarney Foundation marks a significant milestone of $10 million. "This is a big milestone and unique for a small area to have a significant foundation of that size," adds Jones.
Over $107,000 was granted to a variety of community initiatives and projects in the 2024 spring granting awards.