Funding projects that bring the Sarnia-Lambton community together is the main aim of the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation, a spokesperson says.
“We want to look for opportunities to partner at a capital level to build and make this community better,” foundation vice-president Adam Alix said.
The organization that’s helped fund the Norm Perry Park artificial turf installation, the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery and many other bricks-and-mortar projects for local charities and opened its annual grant application process earlier this month.
The deadline is again May 1 after being extended from April in 2021 to give applicants more time amid COVID-19 restrictions, said Alix, the foundation namesakes’ nephew.
“We recognize that getting committees together and charities on the same page is a little tricky, especially during COVID,” he said.
“We figured it would be prudent for us to give the community another opportunity to dig a little deeper, create a more meaningful application and give them a chance to get their project in front of us and see whether or not we can partner with them. ”
Typically 20 to 30 applications are received each year, but there are no guidelines for how many are approved or how much money is doled out, Alix said.
“It’s more so just trying to gain an understanding of where the needs are and seeing whether or not we can help fulfill those needs from a capital standpoint,” he said, noting the foundation doesn’t provide operational funding.
Another application requirement is projects must be in Lambton County and benefit the community at large. The foundation and County of Lambton forged a partnership years ago, and the county warden and deputy warden sit on the foundation’s board.
“We really do try to do the best we can to fulfill needs, but it’s certainly different each and every year,” said Alix.
Hearing the stories and seeing the impacts of the grants, he added, remains a rewarding experience for his family.
The late Norman Alix founded Steeplejack Services in 1977 and sold the industrial and commercial construction company when he retired in 2010. He died in 2014 at age 75.
The family has since donated $4.6 million in Lambton County through the foundation, according to the foundation.
“It gives us an opportunity to create a legacy for our family as well, which is always cool,” Alix said.
Twenty-seven projects have been completed, and more than 700 ideas have been pitched, the foundation’s website states.
“I wish we could be involved in all the wonderful projects that do come our way,” Alix said. “The ones we do land on are fun and exciting, and we hope to continue to do that for years to come.”
-with files from Paul Morden