2022 Report from Chair: Nola Milum

2022 was a year of transition for the Golden and District Community Foundation.  In January, we accepted our Executive Director, Joy Orr’s notice of retirement.  After a robust process to find a replacement, we made a choice that ultimately did not last, so by October we were looking again.  We had a few interesting applicants early in the new year and we look forward to introducing Rachel Gamble to you all.

The transition to a new ED meant that our year was spent consolidating the board’s understanding of the ED role, and clarifying how the board could and would support a new person in the job.  In a small Foundation, this is a vital partnership, as there is always more work than time.

GDCF manages and grants a robust array of scholarships for graduates of Golden Secondary school, delivering over fourteen thousand dollars.  We participate in the Neighbourhood Small Grants project of the Vancouver Foundation and funded many projects in our community. Our own Community Grants Program in the fall granted $5000.00 from the Crandlemire Keenleyside Family Legacy Fund to Nicholson Elementary School for a community outdoor learning space.  $5,000 from the Log Truckers Association Fund went to Senior Boys' Basketball tournament travel.  $1,100 from the Arts Fund brought in a teacher for the Golden Visual Arts Guild. $3,450 was granted to Wildsight for their Wellness Trail project .The Whitetooth Affordable Ski grants were also active in 2022 and over $12,000 was granted to support young skiers and snowboarders.

I am looking forward to 2023 as a year of learning and planning.  With support from CBT we will be able to put together a strategic plan for the next few years.