In late September 2018, the Grand Bend Community Foundation launched a new concept, the 50 Grand Women Fund.

The idea is simple: 50 women each donate $1000 each, creating a permanent fund of $50,000. The money is invested, with the income used to support community activities in the region. Members of the group decide how the annual grant is used. The idea resonated, and by the time of the inaugural meeting in April, 50 women had joined and many more were interested.

Now the men of Grand Bend are stepping up with a fund of their own.

“Seeing such community spirit really inspired us,” says John Dehondt, Chair of the Foundation’s Relationship Development Committee. “They’ve shown us what can happen when people come together to make a difference – 50 Grand Men was the obvious next step!”

Brian Hall, another member of Committee, agrees. “We see this as a great way to engage the men of our area in the work the Foundation does, and to underline the value of endowment. Each of these funds will support important projects for many years to come.”

Although the initial goal is 50 members, Dehondt and Hall hope to far exceed that number.

“It’s easy to join,” says Dehondt. “Simply contact a member of the Foundation Board, contact Executive Director Pat Morden at grandbendcf@gmail.com, or mail a cheque for $1000 to Box 1150, Grand Bend, Ontario.” He adds that all donations to the Foundation are eligible for an official tax receipt.