Spring application deadline approaches
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Tillotson Regional Coaticook Foundation (TCRF) is once again accepting applications for its semi-annual grant program, with the deadline set for March 12, 2025. The fund, which has been supporting community initiatives since 2012, distributes financial aid twice a year to organizations across the region.
With its roots in Coaticook, the fund was established through a $3 million investment from the estate of Neil Tillotson, an American businessman with strong ties to the area. Since its inception, the TCRF has contributed nearly $2.5 million to local causes, reinforcing Tillotson’s guiding philosophy: “Be humble, be creative, and be kind.”
In its funding round last spring, the TCRF awarded more than $125,000 across 36 grants to various organizations, supporting projects that improve quality of life, education, and access to essential services.
Impact on local organizations
Organizations across the region have consistently expressed gratitude for the foundation’s contributions. Bridget Suitor, director of Lennoxville Community Aid, emphasized in a recent conversation the fund’s reliability in supporting their essential services. “We have been very fortunate to receive Tillotson funds for many years now. It’s always very, very helpful,” she said.
One of the previous grants helped offset rising costs for Meals on Wheels containers, keeping meal prices stable for seniors in need. Another funded new equipment for their pedicure service, which assists elderly residents who have difficulty caring for their own feet. “It allowed us to get new equipment that provides better disinfection of our tools, ultimately giving a better service to our seniors,” Suitor added.
Camp Massawippi, a specialized camp for children with disabilities, has also benefited from the fund. Director Karl Boulé described how a previous grant helped them purchase special chairs that allow children to safely enter and exit the water, especially after flooding affected their docks. “The timing was perfect,” Boulé said Feb. 13 over the phone. “Without those chairs, some of the kids would not have been able to participate in water activities. Tillotson has been extremely good to us.”
The camp also received funding for a golf cart to help transport medical staff around the site. “We skipped applying once to let other organizations benefit, but we will definitely be applying again. The needs at camp never stop,” Boulé said.
Supporting community initiatives
The TCRF has played a key role in fostering community engagement through various initiatives. One such program is the Townships Young Voices Awards, an annual competition that celebrates youth writing in the region. The Townships Sun, a longstanding local publication, has received funding from Tillotson to expand participation in the contest.
“Last year, about 10 per cent of our participants came from the Coaticook and Stanstead areas, which is why we qualified for the funding,” said Rachel Garber, editor of The Townships Sun, in a recent interview. “The grant helped us with transportation costs for participants, promotional efforts, and defraying some of the costs of hosting the competition.”
While the magazine relies on various sources for financial support, Garber noted that Tillotson plays an important role. “The fund is just one piece of the puzzle, but it makes a real difference. We may apply again this year, depending on our needs.”
Encouraging more applications
The Tillotson Fund’s application process remains straightforward, with committee members available to assist organizations in securing funding. “The application is always really simple, and they’re always there to answer any questions and see how they can help you,” Suitor noted. “I would definitely encourage organizations to apply.”
Boulé echoed this sentiment, highlighting the flexibility and understanding of the fund. “They care about the impact more than forcing organizations into a rigid framework. Sometimes you don’t need a big project; you just need something practical to make a difference. Tillotson understands that.”
As the March 12 deadline approaches, organizations seeking support for their community initiatives are encouraged to apply. Applications and guidelines can be found on the MRC de Coaticook website under the “Fonds Tillotson de la Région de Coaticook” section. For more information, interested applicants can contact Michael Everett at 819-821-1501 or via email at tilly1898@gmail.com.