An idea which has been talked about before came up the other day, and is one which is worthy of broader discussion in our city.
The idea is one which seems so obvious it is surprising it has not already been initiated in Yorkton before, and that is the idea of establishing a Community Foundation.
The idea would certainly not be unique to Yorkton. Many communities establish foundations as a way to collect money which can then be dispersed to projects within the city.
In some cases the foundations are very specific in their target, as example, dolling out money to the arts. In other cases they are much broader in their approach to funding.
The latter would seem to be the best option for a smaller community. Being able to support projects over a wide range of areas would make the Foundation more viable and valuable to the community.
The idea of such a foundation actually came up at a public meeting held a couple of years back to help create a cultural plan in the city. The idea of a foundation was discussed then as a way to help fund some of the ideas which were being tossed around.
When it comes to ideas, whether it's launching a new sport in the city, think back on the efforts to launch box lacrosse several years ago, or to start a new cultural festival, one of the major obstacles can be start up funding. Having to pound the pavement and spend hours filling out forms seeking donations and grants can be a drain on time and enthusiasm for a new undertaking.
A Foundation by its nature becomes a repository of donations, both large and small, which are then dispersed to worthy projects.
In terms of collecting dollars a foundation is generally a good way to do it.
From a corporate perspective a donation can be made to the community without having to pick a particular project. The foundation director's do that. That is often a good thing because a company wishing to make a donation is not forced to decide which project they deem most worthy, and at the same time chance disappointing other groups. In that sense a foundation works a bit like the United Way, reducing the groups knocking on the door for donations, but knowing dollars given will be well-spent.
Foundations are also ideal for those wishing to leave money to their community when they die. Again money is left to the foundation with the knowledge it will be given to worthy projects with merit to the community.
The idea remains one occasionally talked about in coffee shops, but has yet to take off to the point a local foundation is created in Yorkton.
As our community grows, and the need for arts, culture and sport funding grows with it, it would seem the time for a Yorkton Foundation has come.
It just needs a few dedicated individuals to make it a reality.
