The Carman Area Foundation has made a major impact again this year, awarding 49 grants totaling nearly $172,000 to projects across Carman and the surrounding RMs of Dufferin, Grey, and Roland. An additional $23,000 boost came from the Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund through The Winnipeg Foundation, allowing even more projects to receive funding.
Smaller communities outside of Carman are seeing a benefit
Chairperson Ian Bergsma shared that the grants touched everything from recreation to beautification. “One of my personal favorites was supporting the Pumpkin Creek Cross Country Ski Group for new equipment,” he said, noting his own enjoyment of skiing there in the winter. Long-time priorities were also supported, including ongoing beautification efforts along the Boyne River and enhancements to Carman’s ball diamond complex, which recently helped the community host two provincial softball tournaments.
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Grateful to the Winnipeg Community Foundation for the added help
Bergsma says the Thomas Sill Foundation has been instrumental in the Carman Area Foundation’s history, dating back to a $200,000 matching grant that helped launch the foundation in 1999. When the foundation wound down its operations at the end of 2023, it established the new Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund, providing continued support to community foundations across the province.
Encouraging more community organizations to apply
Grant applications are handled through an online process each January and February, with the foundation’s granting committee reviewing and prioritizing requests. “We often get twice as much in requests as we have money to grant,” Bergsma explained. “So, we really focus on projects that strengthen our communities.”
“It’s inspiring to see the work and volunteerism happening in our community...” - Ian Bergsma, Carman Area Foundation Chair
From new docks for kayakers to support for rural initiatives in areas like Haywood, the grants have far-reaching impact. “It’s inspiring to see the work and volunteerism happening in our community,” Bergsma added. “The money we grant out isn’t because of what we do — it’s because of the generosity of the community that supports us.”
Thankful for the community
The Carman Area Foundation raises funds through an annual gala and events like its upcoming Mini Golf Fundraiser at Syl’s on September 18. Bergsma encouraged residents to spread the word, support events, and even consider joining the board.
For more information on grants, applications, and upcoming events, visit carmanareafoundation.com.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
BOYNE LODGE – Bariatric Equipment and House Blanket Warmer – $12,900 – Boyne Lodge Fund & All Communities Fund
BOYNE REGIONAL LIBRARY – Boyne Story Walk – $7,000 – Boyne Library Fund & All Communities Fund
BOYNE RIVER KEEPERS – Birds of the Boyne - Interpretive Signage – $5,000 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN AREA FOUNDATION – CAF operating costs – $3,065 – CAF Administration Fund
CARMAN & COMMUNITY ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE – Pickleball and Floor Shuffle Lines – $4,100 – Health and Wellness Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN AND AREA BALL DIAMOND BUILDING PROJECT – Washroom and Shelter – $5,000 – Dane Nicolajsen Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN & COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – Main Street Billboard Sign Upgrade – $2,800 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN COLLEGIATE PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Carman Collegiate Technology Expansion Project – $2,500 – Youth in Philanthropy, Mason’s Education Fund, Roland Fund & Dr. McClement Memorial Fund
CARMAN COMMUNITY GARDEN – Signage – $1,650 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN COMMUNITY PATHWAY – Pathway Gravel Upgrade – $2,323 – All Communities Fund
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER COMMITTEE – Community Hall Kitchen Equipment Refurbishment – $870 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN DUFFERIN COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM – Friends and Family Playground Fence Project w/ Clearwater Memorial – $5,500 – Youth in Philanthropy & All Communities Fund
CARMAN DUFFERIN FIRE DEPARTMENT – Sparky the Fire Dog Costume – $4,000 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ACSL) – Missoula Theatre – $2,500 – Mason’s Elementary Education Fund, Theatre Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE – Storage Cabinetry Project – $5,050 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN HANDI-VAN – Operational Needs – $1,125 – Carman Handi-Van Fund
CARMAN GOLF & CURLING CLUB – Curling Ice Scraper Replacement – $5,000 – Carman Golf & Curling Club Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL – Patient Mobility and Care Project – $17,071 – Preston Kitching Fund, Carman Hospital Fund, Sperling Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN MINOR BALL – Permanent Base Inserts and Bases Phase 2 – $2,000 – All Communities Fund
CARMAN PALLIATIVE CARE – Palliative Garden Upgrade – $4,900 – Mason’s Hospital Fund, Carman Hospital Fund, Health & Wellness Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN SENIORS RESOURCE – Office Equipment – $2,482 – Health & Wellness Fund & All Communities Fund
CARMAN WELLNESS CONNECTIONS – The Connection Lounge – $3,775 – Health & Wellness Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES OF CENTRAL MANITOBA – Chance 2 Grow Project – $3,000 – Linear Grain Fund
DUFFERIN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY – Community Information Sign – $1,800 – All Communities Fund
DUFFERIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Dehumidifiers and Computer – $2,666 – All Communities Fund
ELM CREEK CANADA DAY COMMITTEE – Various pieces of equipment – $2,000 – RM of Grey Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
ELM CREEK PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Sound System for Gymnasium – $8,045 – RM of Grey Fund
ELM CREEK SCHOOL – Library Refresh – $2,500 – RM of Grey Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
ELM CREEK SKATING RINK – Ice Surface Lights Upgrade – $5,000 – RM of Grey Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
ELM CREEK STAY & PLAY CENTRE – New Outdoor Space – $10,000 – All Communities Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
GOLDEN PRAIRIE ARTS COUNCIL – Media Studio Technical Upgrades Phase 2 – $1,500 – Arts & Stabilization Fund & All Communities Fund
LINEAR GRAIN FUND – To fund grants to underprivileged children throughout the year – $4,535 – Linear Grain Fund
KATIE CARES INC – Beanie Baby Carman Hospital Project – $1,500 – Youth in Philanthropy & All Communities Fund
KINETTE CLUB OF CARMAN – Fair Booth Improvements – $5,000 – All Communities Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
L.U.D. OF HAYWOOD – Community Park Picnic Tables – $2,500 – RM of Grey Fund & All Communities Fund
MIDLAND NURSERY SCHOOL – Media Equipment – $955 – Thomas Sill Grant
PRSD – Bursary to 2025 Graduating Student – $400 – Dr. McClement Memorial Fund
PUMPKIN CREEK CROSS COUNTRY SKI CLUB – Trail Grooming Equipment – $8,120 – All Communities Fund
ROLAND GOLF CLUB – Golf Course Beautification – $1,500 – Roland Community Fund
ROLAND MEMORY GARDEN – Beautification – $1,500 – Roland Community Fund
ROLAND PUMPKIN FAIR – Fair Improvements – $1,750 – Roland Community Fund
RM OF ROLAND – Revitalization of Roland Arena – $1,750 – Roland Community Fund
SPERLING COMMUNITY CENTRE DISTRICT – Sperling Arena Upgrades – $7,129 – Sperling Community Fund
ST. CLAUDE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE – Auto Door Operator – $1,999 – RM of Grey Fund & All Communities Fund
THE BACK DOOR YOUTH CENTRE – Outdoor Basketball Court – $4,000 – Youth in Philanthropy & Thomas Sill Grant
TLC CENTRE – Playground Safety – $2,070 – All Communities Fund & Thomas Sill Grant
TOWN OF CARMAN – Arena – Rubber Floor Kinsmen Room – $3,660 – All Communities Fund
TOWN OF CARMAN – Community Hall – New Round Tables – $4,600 – Winston Simpson Memorial Fund & All Communities Fund
TOWN OF CARMAN – Pool – Storage Shelter – $1,700 – Kinsmen Pool Fund & All Communities Fund
WEE CARE CHILD CENTRE – Technology Update – $3,000 – All Communities Fund & Thomas Sill Grant