OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 17, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that the Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) is benefiting from a boost of $37,007 to its fundraising efforts through the Community Foundation Grey Bruce.

The Government of Canada is providing this funding to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce to manage and invest on behalf of the Georgian Bay Folk Society through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

Quick Facts

• The Georgian Bay Folk Society showcases and promotes folk culture through its Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival.
• This year is the 40^th edition of the festival. The event will take place from August 20 to in Owen Sound.
• Since 2006-2007, the Endowment Incentives component has provided more than $151 million to various endowment funds in Canada, while the private sector has provided $204 million, for a total of over $355 million.
• This year, the Government of Canada is matching 97 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector through the Endowment Incentives component.

Quotes

"Folk music and crafts play a vital role in keeping our cultural identity and in ensuring the cultural and economic vitality of our communities. Our investment supports the Community Foundation Grey Bruce's philanthropic efforts while benefiting the residents of Owen Sound."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"We are pleased to support the Georgian Bay Folk Society in showcasing folk music and folk arts in Ontario. Today's announcement demonstrates that we are serious about supporting organizations that enrich their community's cultural life and strengthen its economy."

- Larry Miller, Member of Parliament (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound)

"We are thrilled that through the Endowment Incentives program, the Government of Canada has given such a significant boost to the Georgian Bay Folk Society's endowment fund. GBFS is the first local arts presenter to have pursued this valuable fund-matching federal program, which is indicative of their organization's strong, proactive planning approach for a sustainable future."

-Aly Boltman, Executive Director, Community Foundation Grey Bruce

"The Georgian Bay Folk Society Endowment Fund is pleased to have the opportunity to benefit from Canadian Heritage's Cultural Investment Fund through an application made on its behalf by Community Foundation Grey Bruce. This three-way partnership will ensure that this community remains a vibrant hub for music and the performing arts through the annual Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival and its additional roster of year-round arts presentations."

- Phil Bye, President, Georgian Bay Folk Society

Associated Links

Canada Cultural Investment Fund

Community Foundation Grey Bruce

Georgian Bay Folk Society

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