The North Thompson Communities Foundation (NTCF) has announced its spring 2024 grants, following application submissions from community non-profit organizations, groups and societies from McLure to Blue River.
The mission of the North Thompson Communities Foundation is to provide a pathway for donations, endowments and legacies to support the North Thompson communities in the forms of grants and bursaries. The NTCF’s vision is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the North Thompson Valley through encouraging, connecting and care for the communities.
The foundation awards grants through local charitable organizations. The funds are generated from responsibly-managed donations and legacies which promote community capacity building and unity throughout the North Thompson Valley.
The NTCF’s spring 2024 grant recipients are:
Clearwater & District Chamber of Commerce
Funding to purchase an OWL 3 Camera to facilitate meetings and workshops ($1,600)
Tourism Wells Gray
Funding to purchase tablets (iPads) for the Wells Gray Visitor Information Centre to assist international visitors to translate information ($1,745)
Barriere Trails Society
Funding to create a website, cards, brochures and a banner for this newly-created organization ($1,801)
Blue River Improvement District
Funding to assist with the renovation of the Blue River Fire hall bathroom ($2,500)
Barriere Minor Ball
Funding to purchase three sets of catcher’s gear and helmets for youth softball ($1,530)
Blue River Community Garden
Funding to repair 16 garden boxes and costs associated with picking up materials and assisting gardeners with instructions on doing the repairs ($1,125)
Shine the Light Wellness Society
Funding to purchase materials for the programs which are being delivered in the elementary, high school and Chu Chua schools in the Barriere area ($1,047)
North Thompson Stock Dog Association
Funding to purchase materials to build 24 frames for standing signs directing visitors to event locations ($1,462)
“There are so many worthwhile projects that we receive applications for funding from,” says Sandy Wetterstrom, grant chair for the NTCF. “I love writing congratulation letters. We are hoping to encourage new members to the foundation, as we don’t want to see this valuable funding go back to be managed by the foundation in Kamloops again.
“We encourage community members from McLure to Blue River to consider becoming part of this foundation as we no longer have a director in Avola or Blue River.”
Wetterstrom has been involved with the NTCF for the past 10 years, and explains that since the foundation covers so many communities within the valley they have streamlined their meetings and switched to mainly virtual meetings, especially in the winter months, so members don’t have to travel so far or as often.
“We strive to meet face-to-face when possible. We meet, virtually or in person, on the third Thursday of every month. With everyone’s busy schedules we take advantage of virtual meetings when people are unable to travel long distances, and it’s been working well.”
The NTCF will soon be reviewing bursary applications from students in both Barriere and Clearwater. Wetterstrom said the foundation is also “waiting on the prosperity fund which is just around the corner.”
The Community Prosperity Fund is a new $25 million fund made possible through the Stronger Community Services Fund from the government of B.C. “Once the public announcement has been made by the provincial government we will then be taking applications again on this poverty reduction and social inclusion incentive set to launch soon for 2024,” says Wetterstrom.
”The Community Prosperity Fund will be used for charities or non-profits looking for funding to reduce poverty in their area.” Learn more about the Community Prosperity Fund here: bit.ly/3QFqOpo
The NTCF is also hosting a concert with Ed Peekeekoot — a beloved singer and storyteller who grew up in the North Thompson — at the Blackpool Hall on Friday, June 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets will be on sale through the North Thompson Art Council at Evergreen Acres, and from the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Clearwater. A concession will be provided by the 4-H Rodeo Rednecks.
