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AIC Foundation: Initiatives

The Blackburn Extension Fund

Canadian Society of Extension Legacy

Note: New applications are not being accepted until further notice.

One of the major goals resulting from the dissolution of the Canadian Society of Extension (CSE) was that a legacy be created to carry on the education of Extension principles. The CSE Dissolution Team approached the Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation (AICF) to establish an Extension Speakers program.

This fund, created by a $15000 gift from the former Canadian Society of Extension will support the expenses of current, credible speakers at national and regional events on topics supporting the principles of extension and development as outlined by the following definition from Foundations and Changing Practices in Extension (1989): Extension is a system of non-formal education. As such, it is a field of professional education practice aimed at:

  • teaching people, in their own context and life situations, how to identify and access their own needs and problems;
  • helping them acquire the knowledge and skills required to cope effectively with those needs and problems, and
  • inspiring them to action”

The name of the fund will be Excellence in Extension - The Blackburn Fund in honour of Dr. Donald J. Blackburn for his many contributions to the field of extension and his generous support of CSE. The fund will support one national or two regional speakers annually, to a maximum amount of $2000 per year. Criteria for events/speakers that would qualify for these funds include:

  • National or intra-provincial events open to the public (i.e. not restricted to members only)
  • The focus of the presentation supports extension principles and/or adult learning as outlined above
  • The organization receiving the funds will provide appropriate recognition: Excellence in Extension - The Blackburn Fund of the Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation.