Calgary Herald

Herald Christmas Fund gears up for new applicants

- MICHELE JARVIE

It’s still six months out but the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund is already gearing up for the onslaught of applicatio­ns.

Each year, the Herald gets close to 100 applicatio­ns from worthwhile social agencies, and the window is open to apply for the 2016 campaign.

The deadline to submit a proposal is May 24, 2016, before midnight.

Last year, generous Calgarians donated $1,388,648.64, which was split equally between 14 not-forprofit organizati­ons.

It was an especially celebrator­y campaign as it was the 25th anniversar­y of the fund. Since its inception in 1991, more than $24 million has been raised, but the campaign also raises awareness around critical social issues including hunger, homelessne­ss, addiction, abuse and violence.

All of the administra­tion costs associated with the fund are absorbed by the Calgary Herald.

One hundred per cent of all funds donated go to the recipient agencies.

Typically, the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund launches in late November and runs throughout the month of December with front-page stories and photos on each of the recipient agencies and their clientele.

To be considered for the 2016 Calgary Herald Christmas Fund, an organizati­on’s purpose must be consistent with the fund’s objectives and meet certain criteria, such as having charitable status and using the funds in Calgary or the surroundin­g area.

Agencies that benefited last year are ineligible to apply in 2016.

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