New Endowment Fund to Aid Children Announced

The Aberdeen Health Foundation has announced details for a new endowment fund that will support projects that protect children, enhance supports and services for at risk families, and create legacy projects to commemorate the former Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County.
The endowment fund has been created by a $1 million gift from The Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County, which operated as a private agency since 1913, until the Province integrated it into the Department of Community Services in 2010. Its Board of Directors wanted to ensure that the numerous donations and bequests they had soundly invested and grown over the last 97 years of private operation would continue to serve the people of Pictou County. They have established this endowment fund as a way to honour and continue the legacy of the organization in the community.
“When the Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County was being transitioned to the full authority of the Department of Community Services we were faced with some decisions that would continue to affect the delivery of programming in our region,” says Crystal Murray, the Society’s last presiding Chair. “It is exciting that after many months of designing a meaningful endowment criteria we are ready to open the fund up to applications and put the investment to work in our community.”
The Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County (CAS) Endowment Fund will provide semi-annual funding opportunities in Pictou County for programs and organizations that support the delivery of health and wellness; provide education for citizens and program leaders in health, wellness, crisis prevention, and intervention; help to alleviate risk and prevent crisis in the home, school and community; and enhance the potential for healthy outcomes for children, youth and families at risk in our community.
Additionally, $100,000 has been earmarked as a CAS Legacy Fund to provide funding for capital projects that will create a lasting tribute honouring the Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County and the many staff and supporters who endeavoured to protect the rights of children and foster caring environments so children could have the opportunity to flourish.
“The Aberdeen Health Foundation acknowledges the tremendous efforts and stewardship of the Board members and staff of the former Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County. Their hard work over many years has culminated in a significant financial legacy,” says Foundation Chairperson Wade Taylor. “The Health Foundation is honoured to have been selected to manage these funds and is committed to the ideals as set out by the Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County.”
The Aberdeen Health Foundation has established a special committee to administer the CAS Endowment Fund and CAS Legacy Fund according to the criteria established. It will accept applications for funding twice per year. The deadlines for this funding year are October 11, 2013 and February 28, 2014.
Funding consideration will be provided to projects that directly or indirectly alleviate risk and prevent crisis in the home, school or community and enhance the potential for healthy outcomes for children.
More information on project eligibility are available on the application forms (located below) or by contacting Susan Malcolm, Executive Director of the Aberdeen Health Foundation at (902) 752-7600 x. 4600.
Application Forms & Criteria
CAS Endowment Fund Application September 9, 2013 – deadline October 11, 2013 and February 28, 2014
CAS Legacy Fund Application September 9, 2013 – deadline October 11, 2013 and February 28, 2014