Our Approach
Fulcher Foundation is not a single funder of any ongoing initiative. However, it is positioned to act as a starter or incubator of new ideas at the concept level. Proposals must reflect more than one of the Foundation’s objectives and demonstrate that the project has the potential to be replicated in other areas of the province.
Fulcher Foundation does not solicit proposals for project funding. Through its work with a variety of partners, the Foundation supports projects that meet the stated objectives and achieve the mission of the Foundation, which is to improve the quality of life in Nova Scotia. Within our mission, Board members are tasked with identifying possible opportunities and partners that are strongly connected to the two primary themes that guide our work:
- Projects that support “inclusiveness” where inclusiveness means ensuring all members of our society have equal opportunities from a common shared platform as Canadians. Projects addressing Mi’kmaw self-governance are a near-term priority, being a part of the broader theme of inclusion of historically marginalized citizens.
- Projects that promote sustainable economic prosperity in rural Nova Scotia which include initiatives that reflect innovation and/or entrepreneurship. It is essential that projects create models that have the potential to be replicable across Nova Scotia and possibly beyond its borders.
At least 90 percent of Fulcher Foundation’s resources and disbursements will be invested in projects supporting these two themes. While we follow Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) annual minimum disbursement threshold, Fulcher Foundation may, in unusual circumstances, disburse more than this minimum within a given year(s). Similarly, the disbursements may, in any given year, deviate from equal sharing between the two themes. In any case, there will not be a “carry forward” of any inequity resulting from a difference in the annual disbursements.
Given that the Foundation has strong roots in Lunenburg County, it may select initiatives that only benefit Lunenburg County or the Riverport District. These types of initiatives will be restricted to a nominal investment, not usually exceeding $10,000 per project, and preferably in some type of matching funds arrangement leveraging other funds in the community. Total investments in all these types of initiatives will not typically exceed 10 percent of the Foundation’s annual disbursement in any one year.
Project funding is provided only to qualified charitable donees that meet the eligibility requirements of the CRA as a registered charity.
Fulcher Foundation 