This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Miriam Verschoor Of Sussex Area Community Foundation Inc.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION POOLS AND INVESTS COMMUNITY DONATIONS. THEN A PORTION OF THE INVESTMENT INCOME IS RETURNED TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. IT IS UNIQUE BECAUSE DONATIONS ARE USED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IS MANAGED BY 14 VOLUNTEERS FROM THE AREA.

It is phenomenal all the good work being done in the community and the Community Foundation grants help bring lots of good ideas to life. You see how many small donations pooled together can improve things. When you see the connection between someone giving a donation and a grant for books and reading where a local school significantly improves their reading levels, you realize the cycle has a big impact.

We help communities when and where it is needed. There are 5 other Community Foundations in New Brunswick. Each provides grants to their own communities and helps charities with projects to improve the area. It is local people helping the community. It is kind of what New Brunswick is all about.