Mulmur community fund nearing target
Organizers of the Dufferin Community Foundation (DCF) are working to push the Mulmur Community Fund (MCF) over the $25,000 mark by the end of the year.
Founding director Gordon Gallaugher says the Mulmur fund is one of 15 different funds which operate under the DCF umbrella. In total, the foundation has nearly $5.5 million invested, and awards grants of nearly $200,000 annually.
Gallaugher, whose family has been farming in Mulmur for six generations, has a long history of public service. He served for 12 years on Mulmur council, including six years as mayor.
The Mulmur fund was created to improve the quality of life in the township. Gallaugher explains, “It will never be used to offset tax-funded services, but rather to fund the extras such as enhancements to the Honeywood arena or perhaps equipment purchases for minor hockey teams.”
The fund is permanently invested, so contributions have grown year by year with investment income, but no grants will be made until it reaches $25,000 invested. To date the balance sits at about $20,000.
The Foundation plans to work in conjunction with a citizen volunteer fundraising committee created in 2024 with the goal of raising $10 million for improvements to the Honeywood arena. Gallaugher says his group still needs clarity from the township as to what will be taxpayer funded, and what must be handled through fundraising.
“The township has already invested in a new roof, a new ice plant and accessible washrooms. The foundation won’t fund construction, but may be able to provide some help with accessibility needs,” he said. “Eventually, there will be five new dressing rooms, and we see potential for sponsorship by major donors.”
Gallaugher says other recreational pursuits such as pickleball courts and hiking trails are potential beneficiaries.
In addition to the Mulmur Community Fund, the Dufferin Community Foundation operates funds focused on environmental concerns, arts and culture and refugee resettlement. There are also specific funds that support the Museum of Dufferin and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
“As a community foundation,” Gallaugher says, “we rely on donations and while we do promote ourselves, we are cautious about becoming too active in fundraising and effectively competing with the charities we support.”
Gallaugher says the Mulmur fund has been in existence for six or seven years. “It was slow to get going, but we’re hoping that in this year-end charitable giving season, we can push it over the $25,000 mark so we can start making grants,” he said.
In addition to cash donations, the foundation welcomes gifts of appreciated securities or bequests. For information on how to become a supporter, visitdufferincommunityfoundation.ca/for-donors.
