It may be a lucrative fall for nonprofits. The North Shore Community Foundation is set to nearly double the amount of money usually distributed to local charities.
The foundation is set to dish out nearly $50,000 in discretionary grants following a windfall in donations during the group's 25th anniversary.
"It means we can help so many more people," said volunteer director Sue Ridout.
Last year, the foundation raised a little less than $20,000, according to Ridout, who attributed this year's bonanza of generosity to a spring event at the Gordon Smith Gallery.
"The gala that we held in May was amazingly successful, it was completely sold out, it was over-sold, and we raised quite a bit of money from that event," she said.
In total, the foundation will likely be allotting $175,000 this year. That figure includes $79,000 for scholarships and directed grants and $50,000 already given to the Supporting Seniors to Remain Housed project spearheaded by Hollyburn Family Services.
NSCF has helped provide hot lunches for kids, programs for single mothers, fitness courses for seniors, and backed many other initiatives.
"Anything where there's a need in the community, and particularly if they've found that they've had perhaps government support in the past that is declining now," Ridout said.
Applications are currently being considered by NSCF. All groups must be run by registered charities, government agencies, or educational institutions. The deadline is Sept. 30.
