WHAT WE FUND - -> RUTH ATKINSON HINDMARSH AWARD

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Every day, hundreds of Ontario organizations marshal their resources to improve the prospects of disadvantaged children who, through no fault of their own,must struggle more than most to realize the promises of one of the world’s wealthiest and most advanced societies.   These organizations, small and large, old and new, are often the source of great innovative ideas, activities, programs and services to improve the wellbeing of children. In different ways, each does its part to address the challenges posed by poverty, disability, racism and other sources of social exclusion and historical disadvantage for children. They respond to the emerging needs of children and their communities in an equitable way and work towards changes to make programs and policies work for families and children.   The efforts of these organizations on behalf of children deserve our utmost recognition and gratitude, yet most go virtually unnoticed outside of their immediate communities. The Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award was established in 1998 to celebrate and encourage the heroic efforts of these organizations and reward the very best. It provides an annual gift of $50,000 to a charitable organization whose work has significantly improved the wellbeing of disadvantaged children.   This gift will allow the recipient organization to build on its success and to engage the public,other organizations and policy-makers about how we can seize on lessons learned to help improve the wellbeing of all children.   INTERESTED IN MAKING A NOMINATION? If you know of an organization that deserves special recognition for its work, we want to hear about it. Send us a nominating letter with a brief description of the organization and its work (please note that the award can be granted only to Ontario-based registered charities.) Then, in no more than two pages, please provide answers to the following questions:   1. What is the activity, program or service and why is its work exemplary in improving the wellbeing of children?   2. Specifically, what sets it apart from other activities that target disadvantaged children?   3. How has the activity made an impact for children, families and communities in Ontario? What results can you point to which demonstrate its effectiveness?   4. How could the award be used to expand, replicate or promote this work?   Download the Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh 2010 Brochure   Or call or write: Christine Avery Nuñez Co-ordinator The Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award c/o The Atkinson Charitable Foundation One Yonge Street, Suite 1508 Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E5 Tel: 416-869-4584 Fax: 416-865-3619   The Board of Trustees of The Atkinson Charitable Foundation will make the final decision, assisted by representatives from Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh’s family as well as experts in child welfare.   Nominations must be received by April 12, 2010. The selected recipient will be notified by the end of June 2010.  Previous award recipients:   2009 Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network 2008 Tikinagan Child and Family Services 2007 Pathways to Education Canada 2006 Pape Adolescent Resource Centre 2005 The Teresa Group 2004 Yorktown Child and Family Services 2003 The Gatehouse 2002 Massey Centre, Toronto 2001 Youth Assisting Youth, Toronto 2000 Family Enrichment Program, North Bay 1999 Ryerson Community School, Toronto 1998 Native Child and Family Services, Toronto About Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh... During her more than 40 years of work at the foundation, Mrs. Hindmarsh was an ardent supporter of organizations that helped children living in poverty. Among her favourites were the Fresh Air Fund and the Santa Claus Fund - two charities created by her father and operated by The Toronto Star Newspaper. This award honours Mrs. Hindmarsh's spirit of compassion, and her devotion to the tragic plight of our society's most defenceless victims. The Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award is sponsored by The Atkinson Charitable Foundation and the four Hindmarsh families.

Interested in Applying for Funding?