The Canada South Land Trust was the grateful recipient of a generous grant from the HIVA Environmental Fund during February 2005. The $2,500.00 grant has been designated to cover the costs of a land appraisal for the Balkwill property. Land appraiser Bob Findlay visited the Balkwill property during 2004 and provided this estimate to the Land Trust following his visit. This upcoming land appraisal will determine the value of the gift of the Balkwill conservation easement donation as required under Canada's Ecological Gifts Program.
HIVA director Irene Fedun had the following comments regarding the Land Trust's application for funding: "The HIVA directors were impressed with the professional manner in which your fledgling organization has undertaken the preservation of this Carolinian woodlot. We are also pleased that you have used a number of other fundraising tools to achieve your objective.
We would appreciate if you would keep us up-to-date on the health of the forest - a couple of e-mails a year (with photographs, if you have them) would be fine. If we are in the neighborhood, perhaps we could come and visit.
We wish you every success with your conservation efforts."
The following information about the HIVA Environmental Fund was obtained from the foundation's website. The HIVA Environmental Fund was established in 2002 in memory of Hala and Ivan Fedun as a legacy of their love for nature.
HIVA distributes funds to registered environmental charities in Ontario whose action-oriented projects focus on habitat and species preservation. Projects funded include, but are not limited to, habitat restoration, migratory bird conservation and rescue, cleanup of watercourses and wetlands, wildlife rehabilitation and helping to purchase wilderness to preserve it in perpetuity.
Funds are given to environmental groups to cover operating expenses such as salaries, phone bills, website development and maintenance and mailings as well as supporting projects that aim to achieve a tangible result. The grants range from $2,000 to $10,000.
Total funds are limited. While a given organization may receive funding several years in a row, it is expected to work towards becoming self-sustaining.
Funds are distributed only to provincial and regional organizations in Ontario (not chapters of national organizations). Preference is given to smaller environmental groups that may otherwise have difficulty obtaining funding. In addition to the positive environmental impact of your work, the enthusiasm of those involved will influence the decision of HIVA directors.