The Fondation Massawippi Foundation (FMF), which set up its fund with the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF) in 2010, was thrilled this year to announce its support of land conservation work through a grant to its sister organization, the Massawippi Conservation Trust (MCT). Made possible by generous donors, this grant facilitated the purchase of a previously donated section of land on the west side of Lake Massawippi, located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
Before the existence of a land trust in the Massawippi Valley, the Taylor Family left the care of three acres of marshland to the Massawippi Water Protection Association. The purchase of the property allows the MCT to guarantee its protection in perpetuity while offering additional funds for Blue Massawippi’s important work on the lake.
“Thanks to our partnership with the OCF, we have a sound portfolio and investment strategy that gives our donors the reassurance that they look for when giving to a charitable organization,” says Hélène Hamel, Executive Director of the FMF and MCT.
Serving as the primary fundraising arm of the Massawippi Conservation Trust (MCT), the FMF’s goal is to support the vital work of preserving the Massawippi Valley’s unique ecosystem.
“Our goal is to champion ecologically, socially, culturally, and educationally valuable community-based initiatives and to ultimately help the MCT become a trusted leader in the ecological stewardship of the Massawippi Valley,” Hamel added.
The FMF’s founding members chose to partner with the OCF to lighten the load of administrative and investment responsibilities for the FMF’s volunteer board, including the handling of investments, donations, and tax receipts.
Hamel acknowledged the benefits of working with the OCF for organizations of all kinds. For one that operates in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, this included the capacity to receive services in both English and French.
“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, thanks to our donors and the support we receive from the Ottawa Community Foundation.”
Since its inception, the FMF has proudly brought 1,250 acres of land worth $4M under its protection, raised $7M in 12 years, introduced an education program reaching nine local schools, and developed 12km of free public trails available year-round. In 2022, their Foundation President, Margot Graham Heyerhoff, addressed the COP15 in Montreal.
The Ottawa Community Foundation currently invests and manages more than $525,000 in an endowed fund for the Massawippi Foundation.
See the map of the FMF’s conserved properties with the new acquisition circled in yellow.
Learn more about setting up a fund at the Ottawa Community Foundation