All Community Foundations share three roles. We;

  • bring donors to the table as community builders, and help them formulate and realize their philanthropic goals, matching their interests and concerns with community needs and organizations, and finding innovative and responsible ways to give their investments lasting impact.

  • take the broadest view of what a community is and what it needs to succeed. This is why our grants support everything from shelter, sustenance and care for those most in need, to recreation, the arts, and the environment.

  • take the long-term view for our communities: we identify long-term needs and opportunities and invest in sustainable solutions, helping our communities become resilient, resourceful, and ready for the future they want.

Community foundations work with donors to create their charitable legacy. No matter the gift size, our donors know they are helping to create a permanent endowment for the community, with the investment earnings distributed to the broadest range of charitable initiatives in the community.

A Community Foundation is not the object of a donor's philanthropy but rather seeks to provide donors with the information, resources and tools to accomplish their charitable goals.

Each Community Foundation is autonomous and governed by a Board of Directors made up of community-minded leadership. Yet, they are linked and supported by Community Foundations of Canada's strong national network; www.communityfoundations.ca.