How can we utilize food and gardening to bring our communities together and make them more self-sufficient? How do we engage newcomers, seniors, youth and other residents in the community to work together for the betterment of their communities and PEI? And how do we encourage people to grow, harvest, and preserve their own fruits and vegetables?
Based on an environmental scan, it is apparent there is a lot happening in the area of gardening on Prince Edward Island, with many Islanders volunteering their time to support community gardening projects. As a result, the Community Foundation of PEI (CFPEI), in partnership with the Joan and Regis Duffy Foundation have created a funding initiative to enhance gardening activities across the province while creating more community engagement.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with Regis and Joan Duffy on this unique initiative”, said CFPEI’s Executive Director Kent Hudson. “The concept of utilizing gardening as a way to strengthen our communities is an exciting approach and we are proud to be involved in this funding project”.
Not-for-profit, charitable and community service organizations can apply for up to $1,000 in order to establish or enhance their gardening projects. Applications will be evaluated based on several priority areas including, incrementality, newcomer engagement, educational components, youth engagement, collaboration and partnership, and the sustainability of the project.
It is hoped that a minimum of 20-25 grants of up to $1,000 each will be awarded to support projects throughout the province. The total number of grants and the amount funded will be dependent on applications, and exceptions may be made to support larger projects.
Applications are now available on the Community Foundation of PEI website under the Community Grants section. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2020 and interested organizations are urged to visit https://cfpei.ca for more information and to make application.
Now in its 26th year, CFPEI currently manages over 100 funds with a combined value of close to $13 million and distributes funds to all corners of the community in arts and culture, education, health, social services and the environment. CFPEI works with its donors to realize their philanthropic goals, matching their interests with the needs of the community.