The Winnipeg Foundation will plant the seeds of philanthropy in future crops of Manitoba lawyers. During the next six years, the Foundation will invest $150,000 in special programming at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Law.

The $25,000 in annual grants will support a number of initiatives, including: a seminar course called Philanthropy and the Law; the establishment of The Winnipeg Foundation Prize, an annual award for the best paper written by a participant in the program; the group Pro-Bono Manitoba, which helps law students develop a public service ethic as well as practical legal skills; and a biannual symposium on community building, philanthropy and the voluntary sector.

"This is an exciting partnership," says Richard Frost, Chief Executive Officer of The Winnipeg Foundation. "Our organization regularly works with lawyers and other professional advisors to help them and their clients become more aware of the concept and benefits of philanthropy. Through this initiative, we're generating that understanding of the power of philanthropy in the next generation of lawyers."

The Foundation's support of philanthropy-related initiatives at the Faculty of Law was officially announced last night at a reception recognizing students' dedication to community service through pro bono work. Pro Bono Students Canada at the University of Manitoba has more than 50 participating students this year. The Manitoba group – one of 21 chapters operating across the country – places law students with local charitable organizations to provide free legal information. Each student is supervised by a practicing lawyer who also volunteers his or her time.

In addition to the program grants committed to the Faculty, the Foundation will also support a permanently endowed Philanthropy and the Law Fund. This fund will ensure that annual income will be available to support The Winnipeg Foundation Prize, and similar future initiatives, beyond the duration of this program.

The Winnipeg Foundation is pleased to celebrate its 85th anniversary this year. As Canada's first community foundation, The Winnipeg Foundation has a long and rich history in community philanthropy. Through this initiative with the Faculty of Law, which focuses on the next generation, the Foundation also demonstrates its commitment to the future of our community and its charitable organizations.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Richard Frost, CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation
204.944.9474
www.wpgfdn.org