Graham C. Lount Family Foundation Donor Spotlight

For the last 17 years, the Graham C. Lount Family Foundation (GLFF) have used their generosity as donors to make an incredible difference in the lives of students at both the University of Winnipeg and the Collegiate.

A fixture of the local philanthropic scene in Manitoba since 2001, the GLFF made its first gift to the University of Winnipeg Foundation (UWF) in 2008, choosing to support the Duff Roblin Scholars Fund with a gift of $10,000—a new award at the time that was championed as part of the first Duff Roblin Award Dinner which raised funds for indigenous graduate fellowships at the university.

Looking to expand the scope of their giving in 2017, the GLFF chose to direct their support towards the Wii Chiiwaakank Learning Centre with a combined gift of $27,500. A key part of the university’s communal outreach effort, the learning centre provides free educational and cultural programming for the surrounding neighbourhood rooted in Indigenous knowledge in order to develop and strengthen pathways for Indigenous students on their way to post-secondary institutions; a commitment that echoes the LFF’s mission to “promote the healthy development and personal growth opportunities of vulnerable children and youth residing in the Greater Winnipeg area.”

After receiving their first gift from the GLFF in 2018, the Collegiate’s Model School program has become the focus of the organization’s charitable interests at UWinnipeg. Since 2009, the Model School has sought to provide talented indigenous, refugee, and inner-city students with full-ride bursaries that cover the cost of tuition and school supplies in order to help set them on the path towards completing their post-secondary education at UWinnipeg. In full support of this initiative, the GLFF gifted a total of $92,500 over the last 6 years. As part of their ongoing 2022 pledge to the program, the GLFF recently elected to extend the amount from $65,000 to $75,000 in 2024 to curb rising operating costs amid inflation.

“It has been a privilege to partner with the University of Winnipeg Foundation over the years,” says Tamara Burman, Executive Director of the Graham C. Lount Family Foundation. “The Collegiate’s Model School speaks directly to our values—ensuring that young people from all backgrounds can access the tools and support they need to succeed. We’re honoured to play a small part in that journey.”

Earlier this month we interviewed Jaeda Cochrane-Murdock, a grade 12 Model School student enrolled at the Collegiate who commented on the important role that programs like this play on campus.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Graham C. Lount Family Foundation for its generous and ongoing support of the University of Winnipeg Collegiate Model School.” says Ian Elliot, Director of The Model School. “The Foundation’s commitment to the program is deeply valued and has played a vital role in bridging the graduation gap for equity-deserving students and opening doors to academic and post-secondary opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access.”

From the outset, the GLFF has always looked to build upon existing programs already engaged in making a positive impact on campus. With their 20th anniversary as donors on the not-so-distant horizon, the UWF is proud to recognize and thank the GLFF for their involvement in ensuring these critically important programs find success each year.