What began as a conversation with a client nearly 25 years ago sparked an idea that has resulted in the establishment of a new fund that gives people an avenue to practice philanthropy while supporting community projects across Cumberland County.
“The Cumberland Community Fund Society has as its mission to offer generous and caring individuals and businesses a basket to make philanthropic gifts either lifetime or through planned giving,” society president Morris Haugg said. “The fund will support local activities and services to the community, creating positive change in the county today and for future generations.”
Last year saw the first donations totalling $5,000 to the Cumberland YMCA, the Tidnish Crossroads Community Association, the After the Bell School Food Program Maggie’s Place, A Hand Up Society and the Cumberland Regional Library.
To raise awareness about the society’s work and that of other similar organizations, a Cumberland Charity Fair is being held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre in Amherst beginning at 1 p.m.
Three members of the Grant Committee of the Cumberland Community Fund Society (Susan McIsaac, Colleen Dowe and Markus Carter) with representatives of the charities who received grants - The Cumberland YMCA, The Tidnish Crossroads Community Association, After the Bell School Food Program, Maggie’s Place, A Hand Up Society, Cumberland Regional Library. Submitted
Haugg said the purpose of the event is to have all charities and non-profit organizations in the county learn what is available and how to apply for grants.
“Each group will have 15 to 20 minutes to talk about themselves, how they operate , their processes and requirements,” Haugg said. “There will also be an opportunity to hand out information or have it available for pickup.”
Participating groups include the Christie- Smith Community Fund, administered by the Dr. And Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, the W.B. Wells Heritage Foundation as well as municipal representatives and the Cumberland Community Fund Society.
“I have been involved with charities and grants for several years, and it has been my experience that not all charities and non-profits are equally or fully aware of all the funding opportunities in our county,” said Haugg, who is vice-chair of the Christie Foundation and a board member from its start in 2004 as well as serving on the Wells Foundation as a trustee and vice-chair for 40 years. Bringing the above together in one room and learning from each other may be of secondary benefit, leading perhaps to better co-operation between them.”
He's hopeful the fair will raise awareness of what funding opportunities are available for community organizations while at the same time helping familiarize them with each other.
“It’s all about making the Cumberland County community a better place to live,” Haugg said.
Haugg said the idea for the society was sparked from a conversation years ago from someone who wanted to leave her estate to help the community. At the time there was no way to fund community projects.
He spoke to the late Dr. Hugh Christie, who liked the concept and in 2004 created the Dr. & Mrs. H.E. Christie Community Fund that would merge in 2023 with the estate of Michael D. Smith to create the Christie-Smith Community Fund that reaches across Cumberland County.
That foundation is funded by the Christie and Smith estates and there’s no opportunity for individuals or businesses to provide donations or bequests. The same is true of the River Philip Foundation, which is funded by the John Bragg family.
The Cumberland Community Fund Society is a member of the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia. All donations to the Cumberland society receive receipts through the community foundation society.
A benefit of supporting the community fund is donors don’t have to decide on a particular cause or charity, as CCFS will assess priorities and support activities that enrich the lives of Cumberland residents.
They can also have confidence knowing their gifts will keep on giving forever, going where it is needed most in improving the quality of life in the county.
If a gift is large enough ($50,000 or more), the donor may choose to designate it to benefit a specific charity or specific region.
The fund and funding priorities are administered locally, but partnering with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia assures reliable, trustworthy, and efficient stewardship of donated funds.
Haugg said there are many options for planned giving, be it by will (either outright as a specific sum or percentage of the residue of the estate or contingent) or by the gift of life insurance, land, or any form of real estate, or direct designation of an RRSP, RRIF or TFSA.
Members of the Cumberland Community Fund include Haugg as president, James Goodwin as vice-president, secretary Thomas MacLaren, treasurer Denise Smith and directors Dennice Leahey, Mark Carter, Charles Ellis, Lisa Emery and Colleen Dowe.
Registration can be completed by Sept. 10 at