Foundation Launches Theatre Society Legacy Fund

Port Coquitlam, BC – NOVEMBER 10, 2014. The Port Coquitlam Community Foundation is pleased to announce a new endowment fund for the performance arts, funded by a $200,000 gift from the Port Coquitlam Theatre Society. The theatre society, which closes its doors this month after 15 years, selected the Port Coquitlam Foundation to receive a significant portion of its residual funds. The City of Port Coquitlam will also contribute $100,000 matching funds to the Foundation’s Community Fund over the 2014/2015 granting cycle. “We are committed to honouring the legacy of the Port Coquitlam Theatre Society by using these funds to support further development of performance arts in Port Coquitlam,” said President Janine Davies. “The generosity of the original donors will act as a catalyst for new opportunities that will inspire and connect our community.” The fund will provide financial support for community-based programs and projects that may involve dance, music, film, performance, production, higher learning and other new arts initiatives. Full details are still being finalized, but grant applications will start being accepted mid-December. “The City of Port Coquitlam places a high value on the arts and we are proud to provide funds to support programs that make our community a better place,” Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore said. “This is another example of what can be achieved when people and groups work together.” Founded in 2012, the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation raises, manages and distributes funds for innovative initiatives and programs that are hyper-local and benefit all Port Coquitlam stakeholders. It is a registered financial charity that can issue tax receipts for donations of funds and publicly listed securities. “The Port Coquitlam Theatre Society has greatly enriched our community over the last fifteen years through their passion and dedication to performance arts,” said Councillor Michael Wright, Foundation Board Member. “Their legacy will live on through this gracious donation to our community.” This past June, the foundation distributed its inaugural six grants totaling $12,000, in addition to establishing its first Donor Advised Fund for the PoCo Minor Lacrosse Association. Annual grant expressions of interest deadline for the 2014 granting cycle is January 15th, 2015. For details about donating, the Community Fund granting process or other information, visit www.pocofoundation.com or email info@pocofoundation.com. Information about the new performance arts endowment will be posted on the website in mid-December 2014. – 30 – MEDIA CONTACT: Janine Davies President, Port Coquitlam Foundation Tel: 604-802-1865 Email: janine@pocofoundation.com