Community Foundation Winter 2021 Newsletter

Community Foundation Winter 2021 Newsletter
February 23, 2021 Roxy Rae

Winter, a season for preparation.

As we settle into 2021, our team is deeply inspired by local kindness. So many of you have reached out to lend your skill, your time, and your financial support to charitable organizations throughout our region. Thank you.

While we missed seeing you last month, for what would have been our 12th Annual Mayors Gala, we wish for you only health and happiness in these unprecedented times. We look forward to when we can be together once again.

As your local community foundation, we invest in communities throughout the region from Stratford to St. Marys and across Perth County. Annually we provide grants from named and regional funds to support local charities and community-based organizations vital to this region.

We invite you to take a moment to read our latest news.

  • 2021 Grant Program: Accepting applications
  • Investing in our Community: ECSF Grants Round 2 and Charitable Response Grants
  • A Donor’s Legacy: Michael Kennedy’s gift to the community
  • New Funds: Welcome to our newest named funds

Keep well, and be safe.
Heidi, Roxy, and Amanda

Photo: Maitland River in Listowel Memorial Park, Municipality of North Perth

Community Grant Program is open and accepting applications

Our 2021 Community Grants Program is open and will be accepting applications until Sunday, February 28, 2021. In response to the extraordinary challenges local charities are facing because of the pandemic, our grant criteria have been expanded to meet the needs of local community organizations. For more information and to start your application, visit our website.

Investing in our Community

AnchorESCF Round 2 Results

We are proud to have partnered with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada to deliver the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) for the Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County region.

Round 1 of ECSF we distributed $201,860 in grants from June to July, and Round 2 we distributed an additional $80,881 in December. Grants supported local charities, and other qualified donees, providing programs and services for populations experiencing heightened vulnerability in the pandemic.

Charitable Response Grants respond to local needs

The Charitable Response Grants brought together multiple funding streams for one common goal: To serve our communities where it is needed most during these unprecedented times. Stay at Home Gala donations were matched by our Smart & Caring Community Funds and grew further as individuals and businesses donated in the months that followed the Gala.

Together, we granted $74,500 to support 10 vital organizations supporting every region we serve.

AnchorA Donor’s Legacy: Michael Kennedy

Leaving a gift in your will to the community you love will have lasting impact.

Recently we received a bequest from a long-time friend Michael Kennedy of New York. Michael, a regular visitor, and friend to the St. Marys community, named the Stratford Perth Community Foundation as a charity beneficiary of his estate. In honour of Michael’s beloved second hometown, a $100,000 leadership gift now supports charities in St. Marys. Designated to the St. Marys Smart & Caring Community Fund, a regional fund supporting local priorities in St. Marys, this legacy gift will provide grants every year, in perpetuity. Read more

Are you interested in learning more about leaving a charitable gift in your will? Please contact Heidi Culliton, Executive Director, at heidi@spccf.ca for more information or to create your unique legacy. If you have already included the Stratford Perth Community Foundation in your estate planning  but may not have let us know, we hope to hear from you.

AnchorWelcome to our Newest Named Funds

  • Chris Kurz Fund: supporting nutrition programs in Listowel schools
  • Paul and Anne Lake Fund: supporting vital organizations in Stratford and Perth County
  • Stratford-Perth Fund for Humanity: supporting organizations assisting individuals living with intellectual disabilities
  • Wightman Family Fund: supporting recreational hockey programs in Listowel and Stratford
  • Community Foundation Legacy Fund: supporting operational needs of SPCF

We are grateful to be your partner in philanthropy. To see a full list of our funds and to donate to any of our named funds or regional funds, please visit our website.

Thank You to our Business Supporters

Heartfelt gratitude to our business supporters. Although our Mayors Gala could not take place this January, you donated generously throughout Fall 2020. In unprecedented times like these, our ability to expand our outreach to supporters and charity beneficiaries is possible because of you.

BMO Financial Group | DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. | Dr. Doug MacDougald Veterinary Professional Corporation | Ideal Supply Inc.| Rambri Management Inc.

CULLITON Inc. | Enbridge Gas Inc. | Gateman-Milloy Inc. | Molesworth Farm Supply Ltd. | MTE Consultants Inc. | RE/MAX a-b REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE | RBC Dominion Securities – Stratford | Sommers Motor Generator Sales Ltd.

Accumetal Manufacturing Inc. | Dunphy Burdett Lawyers | Famme and Co. Professional Corporation | Hensall District Co-Operative Inc. | Hyde Construction Ltd. | Intact Insurance Company | Larry Hudson Chevrolet Buick GMC | Little Lakes Machine & Tool Co. Ltd. | Orr Insurance & Investment