The Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities continues to demonstrate steady growth in delivering on its purpose. With a committed, yet evolving Board of Directors, together with the unwavering support of the Executive Director Sandy Wade, the Foundation has met several milestones over the 2023-2024 year.
During this past year, sadly we bid farewell to three Directors: Mr. Justin Hines, Mrs. Trudy Hallam, and Mr. Isaac Holeman. I want to thank Justin, Trudy, and Isaac for their valuable and thoughtful contributions to the Phoenix Foundation. They will be missed. We are pleased; however, the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program (NSG) will continue under the direction of Trudy Hallam. This will provide continuity in running the NSG program which is slated to run through until 2025.
On a positive note, in March 2024, we welcomed Melanie Leslie to our board. Melanie works as the Boundary Seniors Coordinator at Boundary Family Services. And while it falls outside the 2023-2024 fiscal period, I would like to also recognize Laurie Ungaro for becoming a board member in May of 2024. Laurie works with the Beaverdell Community Club and Recreation Commission as well as Trails to the Boundary Alliance. Welcome Melanie and Laurie! Attracting new directors to any volunteer role can be a challenge, and this, together with succession planning of our future board complement remains a high priority for us. We encourage members of the community to investigate the Phoenix Foundation and to please consider becoming a part of this meaningful group of community leaders.
Reflecting on our strategic plan objectives, I happily recognize the following opportunities identified have been achieved: that we are able to give more dollars to our communities, that we have expanded our public awareness, and that this year we have been able to provide larger grants as a result of participating in flow through programs from the BC and Federal governments, including the Poverty Reduction Program totaling $146,000 and the BC Community Prosperity Fund of $200,000 over two years. These two programs are in addition to the annual granting program which provides grants and scholarships in excess of $100,000.
In April 2024, we hosted a Community Impact Exposition at the Christina Lake Community Hall alongside the staff of Gateway. We highlighted all the grant recipients from the prior year, showcasing their work in our communities, while also providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about where they too can volunteer time. The feedback was extremely positive and has become part of our annual report to the community. The event was very successful, and we look forward to continued collaboration with Gateway.
Developing relationships with key community leaders has further raised the Phoenix Foundation profile. Coordinating with the Community Futures Boundary team, the local community economic coordinator, and the Boundary Regional Hospital leaders has assisted the Phoenix Foundation in understanding how working together can accomplish shared objectives. Another key relationship new to us has been the GFCU/Gulf & Fraser/Beem Credit Union’s Anita Jensen. Both Sandy and Xavier Nitti, Treasurer, have developed a strong working relationship as we steward the endowments that we hold for the credit union.
Board and Executive Director training is critical to the ongoing success of the organization, while providing network opportunities. The Board will continue to support learning opportunities for our ED, Sandy, such as her attendance at the 2023 Reconnect Conference in Toronto and the upcoming 2025 Reconnect Conference in Halifax as well as the B.C. Community Foundation conference in Vancouver this fall.
Moving to a Trust-Based Philanthropy model has enabled the Phoenix Foundation to make the process of granting funds easier. This was improved further in 2023-2024 by moving to an online application process provided by the “Do Some Good” online platform. This program offers a smooth process for both applicants and our community granting committee. These two changes have made the work of giving so much smoother and gratifying for the Phoenix Director and the recipients.
Overall, I am pleased to share that the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities has grown to hold investable assets in excess of $3.8 million dollars. With our goal of having $4 million in endowments well in reach, these are exciting times for the continued success and growth our of community foundation.
I would like to extend my appreciation once again to our past directors, all of whom graciously gave their time.
I wish to extend my utmost appreciation and thanks to our current directors:
Mr. Alan Cooper, Vice-President; Mr. Alan Peterson, Fund Development Chair; Mr. Xavier Nitti, Treasurer; Ms. Melanie Leslie, Director at Large; Ms. Laurie Ungaro, Director at Large, and our Executive Director, Ms. Sandy Wade. Working with you has been an absolute pleasure!
Respectfully submitted, Becky Clements, President/Chair, Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities