Environment & Animal WelfarePhoto by Cameron Meuckon, courtesy of Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.
New endowment supports environment initiatives.
The Foundation’s partnership with the Manitoba government and the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is helping ensure Manitoba’s natural infrastructure is protected For Good. Forever.
In its 2018 budget, the Manitoba government announced the establishment of the Conservation Trust to independently fund initiatives supporting the environment and addressing climate change.
“It’s a made-in-Manitoba solution for conservation,” says Kreesta Doucette, Grants Associate at Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation. “It’s the first time something like this has been done at this scale.”
In December 2018, the government made an initial $28 million contribution, and once the fund reaches its $102 million goal, the fund will generate approximately $5 million a year in grants.
While the Manitoba Heritage Habitat Organization will be responsible for the grant-making activity from the Conservation Trust, The Winnipeg Foundation will manage the financial side of the trust, ensuring the money is properly invested and that the grant distributions are issued to the approved organizations.
It’s a made-in-Manitoba solution for conservation. It’s the first time something like this has been done at this scale.
Kreesta Doucette
Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation Grants Associate
“These funds are able to get out into the community and partner with great producers and other conservation groups to create some wonderful conservation projects that are much needed,” says Ms. Doucette.
Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation has field staff in offices throughout rural Manitoba, building important community connections to address conservation needs throughout the province.
“It’s important to homegrown granting that local needs and realities are well-understood, and the field staff can partner with communities to create opportunities,” says Ms. Doucette.
The Conservation Trust awards grants to projects that address watershed activities, improve habitat and enhance wildlife populations, connect people to nature, take on innovative approaches to conservation, and enhance soil health.
The maximum grant available for a project is up to $125,000 and to a maximum of one third of its overall budget. Projects can last one or two years.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to support producers, individuals and organizations that are out there working to preserve our wetlands and all of our important conservation areas,” Ms. Doucette says.
The first intake for the Conservation Trust took place in early 2019, with the first grants to be announced in mid-April.
Fund: Conservation Trust
Cause: Environment and Animal Welfare
Supports: Projects that address watershed activities, improve habitat and enhance wildlife populations, connect people to nature, take innovative approaches to conservation, and/or enhance soil health
This story is featured in the Spring 2019 issue of our Working Together magazine. Download or view the full issue on our Publications page.