The Calgary Chinook Fund was established by a group of donors whom intend to make this world a better, more accepting place for the next generation. Kelly Ernst, treasurer for the fund, was delighted to chat with GayCalgary about the dynamics of the Chinook Lesbian and Gay Endowment Fund.

GC: For readers not familiar, can you explain what the Chinook Fund is and whom it benefits?

KE: The Chinook Lesbian and Gay Endowment Fund is a fund of the Calgary Foundation designed to support gay and lesbian charitable projects, community and causes. It is the only fund of its kind in Alberta and unique in Canada.

GC: What sparked the idea to implement the Chinook fund?

KE: A group of former presidents of the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Association (now Calgary Outlink) and a couple of its supporters decided to create the endowment. While on the GLCSA’s board, we realized that no funder in Calgary would give it, or any project of it, any funding. So we created a fund that would start funding LGBT services in Calgary.

GC: What have been some the greatest accomplishments?

KE: Times have changed in Alberta. Funding GLCSA allowed others in the community to look closer at what was going on in the city. Although the initial funding was very small, it helped, and GLCSA was able to leverage funds originally from the United Way and then through a Casino. Funders in Calgary now don’t shy away from gay or lesbian causes. Our fund has grown, and we have been able to fund GLCSA/Oulinks, Fairytales Presentation Society, Calgary Sexual Health Centre and others – all gay and lesbian projects.

GC: What have been some of the biggest obstacles that you have overcome?

KE: When we first got started it was a tough slog getting people to give. The biggest barrier was fear of discrimination. Many people said ‘no’ because they did not want to be outed. We often got asked to find a way to accept funds without having any mention of ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ attached to any cheques. This has changed, and now people want to give, and we no longer have this issue. Now the barrier is acting responsibly. We have to act as extremely good stewards of people’s money. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously, and we have been very careful to establish a granting review process, creating review guidelines, and then being very careful to direct the use of the money for good causes.

GC: How do members of the group interact with one another?

KE: Our advisors meet monthly to plan the next event, review the fund, and address issues as they arise. We also try to keep on top of what is needed in the community. We try to encourage people to have their own parties, hosted in their homes, as ambassador parties. A small get together can go a long way to raising funds for the endowment. The biggest way to keep funds flowing into the endowment is holding an annual event. We started with a dinner at Fleur de Sel. In the last few years we have had annual dinners and, in October 2014, we held a cocktail cabaret with live performers. This year we raised over $40,000 in one evening – people we very generous.

GC: Why is the Chinook fund so important to the success of the community as a whole?

KE: Having a fund that gives exclusively to gay and lesbian projects is unique. It ensures that some support to LGBT people will forever occur in the community. Our community faces very unique needs and, if we don’t support ourselves, we cannot guarantee others will. In the past others did not and we could easily move back to this time without our own community being vigilant about our rights and supporting one another. For example, this year we funded Outlinks’ LGBT program for recent immigrants and refugees. No one else in Calgary was doing this, but the needs are great for LGBT refugees especially. We are also helping to fund Gay Straight Alliances. GSAs in schools will likely forever be needed for youth. Again, who else is funding such things? Very few people and funders. So, someone has to pave the way.

GC: Can you tell readers a bit about the minds behind such a great cause?

KE: The founders of the fund were Gord Sombrowski, Kelly Ernst, Kevin Allen, Gael McLeod (former city counsellor), Martin Harvey and Stephen Franklin. Our current chairperson is Chris Post and additional advisory members are Sue Cress, Troy Mayes, Michel Bourque and Gary Courtney. No one person can be credited for the fund – it has truly been a team effort in so many ways.

GC: Moving forward into 2015, what changes do you hope to see?

KE: For the fund, we hope to keep increasing the amount of the asset. Because only the interest on the fund is used, the fund will give forever. So, we would like to increase the fund assets to far greater amounts so that the grants we award are increasingly substantial.

GC: What exciting events are already in the works for the new year?

KE: Our cabaret this year was a great success. Part of the appeal for annual events is to have one event each year where people can have fun and mingle. This won’t change. Next year we will likely be having more food at whatever is planned. We are already starting to plan our 2015 event, so keep in touch with greater details to come later.

GC: How can Albertans reach out and get involved?

KE: People can give to the fund at any time through the Calgary Foundation. The easiest way is online. Just remember to designate your Calgary Foundation donation to the Chinook Lesbian and Gay Fund. If people want to host an ambassador party they can do this too. Just contact us and we will help ensure the event is a success.

GC: Where do you see the Chinook fund in five years?

KE: I hope that we can say we help sustain LGBT organizations in Calgary and that the community knows we exist for them. That would be a great success.