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Community foundations are locally-run public foundations that build and manage endowment funds to support charitable activities in their area.
Each community foundation is autonomous and governed by a volunteer board of local leaders. These foundations combine three main roles:
i) Endowment Building/Donor Service
ii) Grantmaking
iii) Community Convening & Leadership
To learn more about community foundations, see our one-page Fact Sheet.
Community foundations are one of the fastest growing networks dedicated to building and strengthening Canadian communities. Their numbers have more than quadrupled over the past fifteen years - from 32 foundations in 1990 to more than 160 in 2008.
Winnipeg established Canada’s first community foundation in 1921. Today, community foundations exist in every province and one territory and are linked and supported at the national level through Community Foundations of Canada.
For a list of Canadian community foundations, see our Community Foundation Finder.
The characteristics that make community foundations special include:
Permanence. A gift to a community foundation endowment is a gift that lasts forever.
Flexible donor service. Community foundations connect donors with the issues and organizations that matter most to them. They offer donors a wide range of funds & giving options to help them meet their goals.
Broad perspective. Community foundations support a wide range of causes – not just one sector or charity.
Community leadership. Community foundations are often situated at the hub of our communities – promoting dialogue, building partnerships, and working on issues of broad interest.
Accountability. Community foundations are recognized and sought after as responsible stewards of community resources. They strive for flexible, responsive and transparent governance and leadership practices that welcome involvement and encourage dialogue.
Community foundations benefit the entire community by promoting the value of charitable giving. They link donors with a wide range of community organizations and encourage gifts to all kinds of causes and charities. They work collaboratively with other funders and grantmakers to help serve the needs of the whole community.
The community foundation movement openly shares its extensive experience and expertise with others in the voluntary sector – from developing values-based tools, to practical tips on human resources, governance, and administrative procedures.
Find out more about community foundations at work or learn more about some of CFC’s Special Initiatives.
Community foundations are increasingly popular with Canadians who want to have an impact on their communities now and in the future.
Flexibility is one of the primary reasons that community foundations are so popular among donors. Donors can give to any number of charities through their community foundation. They can also choose various types of funds, different ways in which gifts can be made, and their own degree of personal involvement.
Community foundations also have a deep understanding of local issues. This insight helps donors have an even greater impact on the priorities that are close to their hearts.
Read stories about why donors choose community foundations.
In 2003, Canada’s community foundations provided more than $95 million in grants to community organizations all across the country – that’s more than the business deals signed during Team Canada's 2001 trade mission.
To learn more about community foundation grants, see our most recent statistics or view our archive of Community Foundation Stories.
Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is the national membership organization for Canada’s community foundations. Its programs, activities and services are shaped by its members and are designed to support the three main roles of community foundations. CFC was founded in 1992.
Find more information about CFC Services or browse through CFC’s Annual Report.
Community Foundations of Canada does not have any funding or granting programs.
Individual community foundations across Canada support a wide range of local initiatives through their grantmaking programs – from health, education and social services to arts, culture, recreation and the environment.
To find out if there is a community foundation that serves your region or municipality, visit our Community Foundation Finder.
There are many different ways to support the community foundation movement. You can become a donor, volunteer your skills and services, or support an ongoing project. To find out about opportunities in your community, contact your local community foundation.
To find out if there is a community foundation that serves your region or municipality, visit our Community Foundation Finder.
Community foundations are spreading around the globe and exist in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
Canada is a respected leader in the international community foundation movement. Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) was instrumental in setting up a global network of organizations to support community foundations and build philanthropy around the world (WINGS-CF).
CFC continues to assist and learn from community organizations in Brazil, Mexico, Central and Eastern Europe, South Africa, and Australia.
Find out more about WINGS-CF, a worldwide network of community foundations.
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