MAKE A DONATION
The Perth and District Community Foundation (PDCF) wants to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives in the communities of Perth, Lanark Highlands, Tay Valley and Drummond North/Elmsley. We do this by funding local organizations that make a difference in the lives of the people they serve.
As a public, charitable, and community-supported foundation, PDCF invests all donations responsibly and uses a portion of investment returns for yearly granting. This way, we ensure that donations continue to grow forever and every gift has a long-lasting impact.
In 2025, PDCF distributed over $300,000 in Community Grants to 29 local charities. More than $20,000 in PDCF scholarships and bursaries was awarded to high school graduates. Another $100,000 was granted to local organizations from directed funds
All gifts of more than $20 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. If you have questions about any of the funds listed below, wish to set up your own PDCF fund, make a donation of stocks or securities, or leave a bequest, please contact us at info@pdcf.ca or 613-326-0295. The Perth and District Community Foundation is a registered charity #874462112RR0001.
All Funds
Ben Rogers Memorial Fund
Founded in memory of PDCI high school student Ben Rogers (1993-2011), this scholarship is awarded to a graduating PDCI student who is a resident Perth, the Township of Tay Valley, the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley or the Township of Lanark Highlands, and continuing their studies at a post-secondary level in college as well as apprenticeship training for a trade.
Jayden Dowdall Memorial Bursary
This bursary was established in memory of Jayden Dowdall, who died in a car accident shortly after graduating from St. John Catholic High School in 2023. Awarded annually to a graduating student from SJCHS who has been accepted into a full-time apprenticeship program or enrolled in a post-secondary skilled trades program and has demonstrated qualities and characteristics that Jayden embodied in his life and years as a student.
Lanark County Interval House & Community Support Fund
This fund supports the work of Lanark County Interval House and Community Support (LCIHCS), providing emergency shelter and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence. As the only emergency shelter in Lanark County, LCIHCS offers secure and confidential housing, crisis intervention and emotional support. Beyond immediate safety, the organization provides counselling, advocacy and education to help clients rebuild their lives. LCIHCS also engages in community outreach, public education and programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence.
MERA Award of Excellence Fund
The MERA (McDonalds-Corners Elphin Recreation & Arts) award was established in 2008 and is awarded every 2 years to a local area artist or craftsperson who demonstrates excellence in their work and resides in Perth, Lanark Highlands, Drummond/North Elmsley or Tay Valley Townships.
Parkinson’s Community Network
The fund will be used to support the work of the Parkinson’s Community Network, a volunteer group working to foster a compassionate and informed community, where those affected by Parkinson’s can share experiences, access resources and find strength from the support of others.
PDCF Community Programming Fund
To cover the cost of PDCF's operations, administration and programming. Programming includes community development, capacity-building workshops for local organizations, facilitation of conversations important to community, the Vital Signs report, and free meeting space for community groups.
Tay Valley History Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is awarded to students graduating from either the Perth and District Collegiate Institute or St John Catholic High School who has been accepted into a full-time apprenticeship, college or university program and who has demonstrated a keen interest in history.
