The StepUP Fund is a scholarship established to support the youth of Beausoleil First Nation, which is located on the shores of southern Georgian Bay on Christian, Beckwith, and Hope Islands. The scholarship fosters opportunities for post-secondary learning, and helps young people unlock their potential and build brighter futures, not only for themselves but for their community as a whole. The StepUP fund fosters building closer ties between seasonal cottagers and the BFN community.
Origins and Purpose
The fund was founded in 2009 by Dale Barrett, a long-time cottager on Christian Island. The goal of the StepUP Fund is to provide financial assistance to Beausoleil First Nation youth as they pursue ‘post-secondary education’. An expansive definition of post-secondary education is intended, one that includes accredited university or college programs, training or apprenticeship programs, internships, part-time studies, and various other educational opportunities. The objective is to support BFN students by helping them take the next steps toward their future.
Annual fundraising initiatives by cottagers (Movies on the Beach, jewellery sales, fitness challenges, yard sales and other grassroots initiatives) have been held to raise funds for the scholarship. Additionally, donations from cottagers, their families and friends, visitors to the islands and the broader community have been instrumental to the growth of the fund.
Administration and Transition to Endowment
Initially, all funds raised were forwarded to the Beausoleil First Nation Education Authority for distribution to students. “In order to provide tax receipts for donations and establish an endowment to support students indefinitely, Dale partnered with the Huronia Community Foundation (HCF) to establish the Beausoleil First Nation Step Up Scholarship Fund.
The Huronia Community Foundation is a local registered charity that manages funds established by charities and community-minded philanthropists.The foundation is a member of the Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) national network which provides support for Canada’s over 200 community foundations.
About the Huronia Community Foundation
The Huronia Community Foundation serves the Huronia region, managing over 80 unique, permanently endowed charitable funds. It provides grants to eligible charitable organizations in various sectors, including arts, culture, education, health, environment, sports and recreation, and social services.
All donations to the StepUP Fund are managed by HCF, ensuring accountability in the collection and distribution of funds. When authorized, funds are forwarded to the Beausoleil First Nation Education Authority. This structure ensures donors receive charitable tax receipts while maintaining transparency in fund management.
Investment Strategy
Partnering with the Huronia Community Foundation has proven to be a prudent investment strategy. HCF pools its funds with those of the Toronto Foundation, creating a combined investment portfolio of over $449 million as of March 31, 2020. This partnership allows access to professional money managers, enhanced buying power, and a well-rounded investment strategy.
With a targeted annual investment return of 5% (after inflation), the fund is structured to meet the granting needs of its fundholders while maintaining the value of its capital. This ensures that the StepUP Fund will continue to support Beausoleil First Nation youth for generations to come.
Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact
Your contribution to the StepUP Fund can help transform the lives of Beausoleil First Nation youth. Whether through a one-time donation or ongoing support, every dollar helps these students take the next step in their educational journey. Visit Beausoleil First Nation Step Up Scholarship Fund to donate. Together, we can create opportunities that change lives for generations to come.