Community Benjamin Moore commits $100,000 to community, heritage groups across country in partnership with community foundations

Benjamin Moore is contributing $100,000 – plus paint and expertise – to help communities across the country improve local heritage buildings and provide important services. A long-standing partner in this program with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), Benjamin Moore’s donation funds grants across the country and supports the CFC network.

The partnership funds a wide range of renovation and heritage restoration projects. Grants in past years have gone to one of Canada’s original post offices, an emergency shelter for Aboriginal women and children fleeing violence, a community heritage museum, a palliative care hospice, and scores of other organizations. For 2012, organizations in xxxxxxxx are invited to apply.

“This is an innovative and valuable partnership because there are very few programs that help groups maintain their physical structures,” says Ian Bird, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. “CFC’s patron, His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, has called on Canadians to build smart and caring communities, a mission we are putting much thought and effort into – this program is a prime illustration of how we can help make a lasting impact.”

Grants available in 15 communities:

For 2012, grants are available in all three of Benjamin Moore’s regions, focused in specific communities:

• Western region: Victoria, BC; Mission, BC; Banff, AB; Canmore, AB; Swift Current, SK
• Central region: Brandon, MB; Minnedosa, MB; St. Catharines, ON; Niagara-on-theLake, ON; Hamilton, ON; Aurora, ON
• Eastern region: Ottawa, ON; Jonquière/Saguenay, QC; Québec, QC; St. Stephen/Fundy, NB

The Deadline for 2012 applications is March 30. Successful projects will receive donated Benjamin Moore paint (up to a retail value of $750), colour expertise, and a cash grant of up to $4,000. The money may be used in the renovation project, or for other program expenses.

“This program has been connecting Benjamin Moore to community agencies for 14 years. It’s a terrific way to support worthwhile projects that will benefit from our products and our expertise,” says Doug Funston, Commercial Manager for Benjamin Moore in Central Canada.

“CFC’s cross-Canada network helps us reach new communities, and a diverse assortment of not-for-profit organizations, each year. It’s a very meaningful partnership and approach.”

Since its inception in 1998, the CFC-Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program has supported more than 180 community groups with grants totaling $602,000 and $137,000 in donated paint, in all parts of Canada.

For more information, including application guidelines and forms, visit: http://www.cfc-fcc.ca/programs/benjamin-moore.html

Community Foundations of Canada leads and supports the efforts of 180 community foundations from coast to coast. Together, Canada’s community foundation movement is one of the biggest supporters of local charities, contributing more than $149 million in 2010. To find out more visit www.cfc-fcc.ca

Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883 and established its Canadian operations in 1906. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, its products are distributed through a network of independent paint and decorating retailers. Benjamin Moore has been a longstanding steward of the environment with a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices plus the ongoing development of the most eco-responsible formulations possible. Its portfolio of Green Promise® products continues to grow and includes Aura, über-performance low-VOC paint; EcoSpec Zero-VOC Paint for commercial interiors; and, new in 2009, Natura Zero-VOC Interior Paint. In June 2009, Benjamin Moore was named by a Reader’s Digest study Canada’s most trusted paint brand. For more information visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

Established in 1987, the Ottawa Community Foundation is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. It connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community. Since its inception, the Community Foundation has been enabling generous citizens to enhance the quality of life in their community and to achieve their own charitable objectives through permanent, well-managed endowments.

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For further information please contact:

Skana Gee
Communications Coordinator
Community Foundations of Canada
902-466-7191
sgee@cfc-fcc.ca

Iona Green
Senior Associate, Marketing and Communications
Ottawa Community Foundation
613-236-1616 X 232
igreen@cfo-fco.ca