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Ladysmith Community Fund Issues Call for Grant Proposals

May 5, 2023

The Ladysmith Community Fund Society has issued its first call for proposals from charitable organizations in the Ladysmith area to receive a grant from the Ladysmith Community Fund. The Fund, which was established in 2021, has grown to the point where LCFS can use the revenue it earns to issue a charitable grant. President Bruce Whittington explained that the amount of the first grant will be small at $600. But, Whittington said, “We wanted to start giving back to the community as soon as we could, even if it is a small first step.” He added that more funds will be available in 2024, “and every year after that—forever.”

The deadline for applications is midnight, June 5th, and LCFS anticipates that funds will be issued in July. Applicants must be charities or other “qualified donees” as described under the Income Tax Act. Details of the grant application process, along with a downloadable application form, can be found under the “Granting” button on the LCFS website. LCFS also welcomes email enquiries at grants@ladysmithcommunityfund.ca.

Changes on the LCFS Board

Charlie Schaal, the longest serving director on the Ladysmith Community Fund Society board, is stepping down to pursue other interests in the community. We are most grateful for Charlie’s tireless efforts in helping to make the Society and the Ladysmith Community Fund a reality. Fortunately, Charlie tells us he will “keep in touch”.

LCFS recently welcomed Lynda Baker to the board. With a strong background in business and the non-profit sector (see the “People” section), we welcome Lynda’s enthusiasm and experience. Lynda has agreed to be the Society’s Secretary, and is moving quickly to ensure all our records are in good order. Welcome Lynda!

Ladysmith Community Fund Thanks Retiring Director

The Ladysmith Community Fund Society thanks Kim Ethier, who resigned as a director in August, for her contributions to our work. Kim’s experience helped us to build a solid foundation for the Society. We wish her well!

Community Fund Grows to $23,000

Ladysmith Rotary Club President Frank Elsom, right, presents a cheque for $5,000 to Charlie Schaal, LCFS Secretary, and Laurie Bienert, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Foundation.

In addition to this generous donation, the Fund also received private donations amounting to $7,000. This brings the fund balance to $23,000 in its first year.

New Director Joins LCFS Board

Kim Ethier, a resident of Ladysmith for many years, has joined the board of the Ladysmith Community Fund Society. Kim has a strong background in banking and securities, with a recent emphasis on compliance in those fields. Welcome Kim!

Credit Union supports Endowment Fund

Oct 21, 2021 – International Credit Union Day – The Ladysmith and District Credit Union presented a donation of $5,000 to the Ladysmith Community Fund. LDCU, always a strong supporter of community initiatives, has become our fund’s first Corporate Founder.

LCFS Welcomes New Director

Sept. 13, 2021 – The Ladysmith Community Fund Society welcomed a new director to its board. Laurel Lawson is a former Executive Director of the Coquitlam Foundation, so brings a wealth of experience in the field of community foundation work to our society.

Endowment Fund Established

March 19, 2021, The Ladysmith Community Fund Society voted to sign a management agreement to have Nanaimo Foundation hold and invest the Ladysmith Community Fund.

Ladysmith Community Fund Society Registered

Feb. 18, 2020, the Ladysmith Community Fund Society was registered with BC Registries.