Our funding has come from a variety of very generous donors.

Landowners have donated land and agreements worth several million dollars. One foundation, which wishes to remain anonymous, has donated over a million dollars to help conserve the Bruce Peninsula.

The Escarpment Biosphere Foundation has contributed close to $2,000,000 for strategic projects. Between 2001 and 2005 the Ontario government has contributed $580,000 to fund eight projects. We strongly agree with Environment Commissioner Gord Miller who stated that provincial funding should be greatly expanded for the protection of good quality projects in southern Ontario.

A dedicated meber and retired postal worker, Al Shaw, has donated $60,000 over a period of years.

Several donors have made substantial donations to create specific nature reserves. Particular thanks go to eight medical doctors who have contributed sufficient funding to complete Freer Point, Sucker Creek and the Lindenwood Reserve. We should also mention Ivor Simmons? generous donation of securities which enabled us to purchase the 51-acre Simmons reserve in Caledon East.

Charitable foundations including EJLB and Metcalf have contributed roughly $100,000. Government foundations including the Trillium Foundation, Ontario Heritage Trust, EcoAction and EcoGifts have funded specific projects worth about $50,000.

Private donors not mentioned above have contributed more than $200,000 in total.

Here are 2 ways you can help us at no cost to yourself:

• Do you make long distance calls? The Escarpment Telecom subscriber group (through Escarpment Biosphere Foundation) has contributed almost a hundred thousand dollars over the last eight years at no extra cost to themselves. Most recently Telecom funding acquired our Sauble River reserve and 20 acres at Stokes Bay. Read more (pdf file).
• Do you use natural gas? Through our partnership with Ag Energy, the farmers' co-op, we can offer you gas at the Toronto price of 21.1 cents per cubic meter. Included in that price, an average residential subscriber will have donated $75 a year, saving $34.50 in income tax savings. Read more and more (pdf file).

You can help EBC generate solar electricity:

• EBC is planning a large scale solar system. Your donation of, say, $10,000 will give EBC revenue of $1,100 a year. Your cost after taxes is $5,400 so EBC gets a return of 20% a year on the cost to you. This adds to $26,000 over 20 years after which EBC gets all the revenue. Read more (pdf file).

Saving Taxes: Avalon Funds offers our members a new way to donate to our conservation work using a "Secured Endowment Bonds". Backed by Life Insurance Policies, the bond matures in 2018. When donated (probably this year), the donor gets a tax receipt for 65% of the face value which is the purchase cost. In six subsequent years, the donor would donate the bond coupons worth 5.85% annually. At maturity in 2018, the donor would get a further tax receipt for 35% of the face value. Each bond is backed by a portfolio of life insurance policies worth no less than 135% of the face value. Thus, the donor pays 65%, and gets receipts for 135.10% over the next eight years. We receive 135.10% over the next eight years. This would allow us to build our endowment fund! Several alternative Secured Endowment Bond gifts can also be arranged.
Call Bob Barnett at 1-888-815-9575.