Somewhere out there is an anonymous entity who appreciates the contributions of community foundations to the communities they serve.

This anonymous donor has offered a challenge to this community. 

On behalf of the community of Dauphin, The Dauphin & District Community Foundation has accepted the challenge. The contract is in effect for three years and covers two separate areas. The anonymous donor has offered to provide operating funds to the Dauphin & District Community Foundation for certain activities during each of the three years of the agreement. These certain activities are targeted because they expand the capabilities of the foundation beyond the basic fundraising and volunteer activities. Operating funds have been targeted to provide a strategic plan, a staffed office, and office equipment. All of these elements have been shown as very beneficial to community foundations reaching this stage of maturity. The donor is simply speeding up the process for the Dauphin & District Community Foundation.

The other part of the challenge is the more exciting part. It involves every group, business, and individual within the community and within the extended community including former Dauphinites.

If the challenge is met, the anonymous donor has pledge to give $100 000. in lump sums of $25,000., $35,000., and $40 000. to worthwhile community projects over the three year contract. These amounts will be granted through the normal Dauphin & District Community Foundation granting process with some minor restrictions requested by the anonymous donor.

So what is the challenge? 

The challenge is to increase the size of the endowment funds held by the Dauphin & District Community Foundation by a minimum of the above amounts in each of the three years. If this community puts a minimum of $25 000. into the Dauphin & District Community Foundation savings account in the year 2000, the donor will provide an equivalent cash grant to community projects. The communities funds stay in the savings account to earn revenue forever. These earnings will also be awarded to community projects on an annual basis. 

Why would anyone do this? 

Like the donor, the motivation is anonymous. The Dauphin & District Community Foundation investigated the challenge to ensure that the offer was authentic. Other Canadian community foundations assured the Dauphin & District Community Foundation that the donor wa very sincere and dependable. Based on these affidavits, the Dauphin & District Community Foundation has accepted the challenge on behalf of the community.

Where will the community get this kind of money? 

Does anyone have knowledge of a community group that is winding down their operations and may have surplus funds that they need to disburse? Contact the DDCF.

Has anyone lost a family member or friend that they would like remembered? Contact the DDCF

Does anyone have shares of stock that they would like to dispose of without a killer tax bill? Contact the DDCF. 

Do you have an old paid up life insurance policy that you would like to donate to the community? Contact the DDCF.

Does any individual of group have any other ideas? contact the DDCF.

Remember: The Dauphin and District Community Foundation is a registered charity and can issue receipts for income tax purposes.