The Squamish Community Foundation has established the ‘Music Making Squamish Fund’ thanks to local donor Meg Fellowes.

The fund is a field of interest fund established to support musical education and expression in the community. In a press release the organization says the ‘revenue earned on the endowed fund will facilitate community-wide participation in music regardless of ability or age, assist dedicated musicians further their music education; promote the diversity of cultural and ethnic musical expression in Squamish; and support musical community events, activities, and performances with a focus on amateur performing artists’.

Donor Meg Fellowes says singing in the school choir got her out of bed in the mornings during her teens; “Math, science and computer programming develop analytic, linear thinking skills. ‘Outside the box’ collaborative, creative, serendipitous thinking is fostered by the arts. This problem is much larger than helping a few people who can’t afford private music lessons, but it’s a start.”

Applications for the funding will be made available for the first time in May 2018, and registered charities are encouraged to apply for up to $2,000 in grants available in 2018.

Priority for applicants to the annual funding will be given to:

  • Access Music Education (Needs Based): intended to provide lessons and/or instruments for people of all ages and abilities who otherwise could not afford to participate in the music program.
  • Access Music Education (Merit Based): intended to provide scholarships for individuals continuing their music studies.
  • Music Therapy Access and Program support: to provide financial assistance to persons with autism, Alzheimer’s, development disabilities, etc.

 

Filed under: Donation, Music Making Squamish Fund, Sea to Sky, Squamish, Squamish Community Foundation