River Institute celebrates $45,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant

The River Institute recently received a 2-year, $45,900 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to build and improve projects related to communications and development. On hand for the presentation were, pictured from left, Christina Collard, SLRIES Administration and Special Events program leader; Jim Brownell, MPP; Joanne Haley, OTF grant review team member; Pam Maloney, SLRIES Communications and Development Officer; Jeff Ridal, SLRIES Executive Director; Henry Lickers, Environmental director, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, and OTF representative Joanne Haley announced this special funding on May 23, 2008, at the River Institute.

“I am pleased to see that the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences has been awarded substantial grant funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said MPP Brownell. “The River Institute has worked hard to develop exceptional study programs in environmental science, and this funding will greatly assist in expanding its messaging to the public. I appreciate the Foundation's support to this important educational institute in my riding.”

The two-year grant will enable the River Institute to develop communications materials such as an enhanced website, a corporate brochure and a trade show display in order to better inform the public on its activities and programs. The grant will also be used to build an effective fundraising campaign that will allow for growth and sustainability of the River Institute’s research and education programs.

“We are very grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this grant,” said Dr. Jeff Ridal, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence River Institute. “As a scientific organization, it is important to effectively communicate our messages to the St. Lawrence River communities. Our Communications Officer is working with the local media to ensure that our community is well informed. We are looking forward to a new and improved website, and developing other ways to keep the community up to date. ”

As a non-profit, non-government organization, the River Institute is entirely self-funded, largely through research grants, foundation grants, corporate donations, sponsorships and private donations. “People are often mistaken in assuming that we are a government organization, or part of the College,” said Ridal. “Fundraising is an ongoing effort that involves our entire staff. The River Institute Fundraising Team and our Development Officer work together with the staff and the Board of Directors to establish and maintain partnerships with donors. Support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will enable us to enhance this important aspect of our organization.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. It continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.