The Meaford Hall & Culture Foundation’s mandate is to enable the development of arts and culture in our municipality. One of the methods of accomplishing this is by supporting educational programs and opportunities, and in this regard, the Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Franklin Bursary.
This fund is set up as a vehicle with which to honour and recognize the efforts of the many volunteers in the Municipality of Meaford who have contributed to the development of our cultural community, particularly in the visual and performing arts.
The inspiration for this initiative is Ivan and Margaret Franklin who have worked tirelessly and quietly behind the scenes for many organizations and causes in our municipality including the Meaford & District Chamber of Commerce, the Meaford United Church and Meaford Hall. Artists both, Ivan is a talented wood carver and Margaret is an accomplished weaver, they have supported theatre and the arts for many years in addition to their involvement with programs for young people like the Breakfast Club at Meaford Community School, and the summer bible programs at Meaford United Church.
The balcony railings over the Sykes and Nelson Street entrances to Meaford Hall were hand carved by Ivan. This bursary will be a living legacy to inspire young people in our community to further their dreams in a manner consistent with the humility and community service ideals held by many volunteers, and exemplified by Ivan and Margaret Franklin.
Contributions can be made to the bursary fund in honour of Ivan and Margaret or in honour or memory of any volunteer in our community.
Tax receipts for amounts of $25 or over will be issued to the donor and a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the honoree or their family. The fund will be managed by the Foundation with a panel of community representatives making recommendation(s) from qualified applicants. Any course in the visual or performing arts whether at the post secondary or community level will be eligible for this bursary.
The fund will be invested securely and any revenue generated will be reinvested in the fund. The annual award will be 10% of the total value and, if appropriate, this award could be divided between recipients. The fund currently stands at $2,100.
The criterion for this bursary is:
- a resident of the Municipality of Meaford
- under the age of 25
- enrolled in a course of study or a community program in the visual or performing arts
- a track record of volunteer activities as age appropriate
- two to three unrelated character references
Applications forms are available from the Foundation office, phone # (519)538-6766 and applications will be accepted until May 15, 2010.
