KAMLOOPS, British Columbia – Thanks to the Government of Canada’s Endowment Incentives initiative, the Kamloops Foundation is enjoying a boost to its fundraising efforts. This was announced today by Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament (Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

“Our Government continues to show its commitment to culture by providing long-term stability for arts organizations,” said Minister Moore. “The Endowment Incentives program encourages private donors to support not-for-profit professional arts organizations.”

“These types of investments continue to demonstrate our Government’s support for artistic creativity and innovation and the role that it plays in building a stronger economy,” said Mrs. McLeod. “The Kamloops Foundation contributes to the growth and quality of life here in Kamloops, throughout British Columbia, and in Canada’s vibrant arts sector.”

“The Kamloops Foundation applauds the Government of Canada for its foresight in establishing the Canada Cultural Investment Fund,” said Russ Chambers, President of the Kamloops Foundation. “Grants from the Endowment Incentives component have helped the Kamloops Symphony Society attract endowment donations and create additional endowment income through funds invested in the Kamloops Foundation. These funds will allow one of our most important professional arts organizations to continue to flourish in our community now and in the future.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $144,167 to the Kamloops Foundation to manage and invest on behalf of the Kamloops Symphony Society. Funding is provided through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

This year, the Government of Canada is providing 71 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector. Since 2006, this program has provided more than $78 million to various endowment funds in Canada, while the private sector has provided $120 million, for a total of over $198 million.