2016 Annual Report helping good people build smart and caring communities

niagaracommunityfoundation.org our VISION Realizing community dreams through philanthropy. Contents

Message from the our MISSION Board Chair and 3 The Niagara Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Niagara Executive Director through philanthropy. Priorities, Strategies and Plans 4

Grant 6 our GUIDING PRINCIPLES Stories Enable, collaborate and transform: Grants Enable community improvement by providing funding and community knowledge. Awarded 13 Bring organizations together to form partnerships based on the respective strengths of each organization to focus on key community priorities. Donor-directed 16 Grants DEMONSTRAte philanthropic leadership: Donor 18 Demonstrate expertise and best practice in philanthropic leadership. Stories

Put Niagara first: Endowment Funds Continue to Grow 24 Communicate and support the Niagara story. Build community leadership. Seek and develop individuals who will bring leadership to the community. Donors, Memorial 27 and Tribute Gifts Be trustworthy and transparent: Engage in practices that are open, accessible, fair, objective, flexible, timely and Financial and Governance 30 built on a foundation of respect, trust, integrity and honesty. Highlights

Ensure sound governance and management: Board of Directors, Ensure that the Niagara Community Foundation governance and management is Committees and 33 Sponsors sound, relevant and realizes its full fiduciary responsibility. EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist

Madeline Woodhead Bryan J. Rose Board Chair Executive Director

In a year of change and transition, we pause to reflect on the past An organization like ours can only accomplish what we do thanks year and remind ourselves of the work that is done by the Foundation to the countless volunteers who freely give of their time and talent. – and countless others in the Niagara Region – similarly comprised The last few pages of the report provides an extensive listing of our of thoughtful and committed citizens who make our community volunteers and supporters. Our success and impact in the community stronger each and every day. We are proud to share with you the would not be possible without these individuals and organizations. accomplishments from the past year of our donors, volunteers, staff, grant beneficiaries, charitable partners and community leaders. This year we express our gratitude to two steadfast volunteers to the Through the twists and turns that 2016 has provided, it has certainly Foundation. Former Board Chair Jodi Lycett and Grants Committee been another banner year for the Foundation. Chair Richard Gark have completed their terms of service to the Board of Directors. You would be hard pressed to find stronger advocates The Foundation’s activity continues to be guided by the 2015-2017 for the Foundation than these two individuals. Their experience, Strategic Plan. You can find the highlights on the following page. counsel and dedication to the organization will be missed around Initial work on the next Strategic Plan has already begun as we look the Board table. to build on the momentum and impact that we have had throughout the Region. Finally, it would be remiss to not acknowledge Madeline Woodhead’s extraordinary service to the Foundation. Her term as Board Chair One of the main priorities for the year was the transition of a new will be coming to end this Spring. The impact of her strength and Executive Director. Since Liz Palmieri’s retirement in May 2016, more leadership – including taking on an extra year as Chair – is a major than filling shoes, Bryan has been able to stand on the shoulders of reason for the smooth transition between Liz and Bryan. Madeline will a giant. Meeting with key stakeholders, donors, charity partners and pass the torch to Robert Watson, but thankfully for the Foundation, she volunteers has been the top of Bryan’s agenda and – anecdotally – will be close at hand to continue to provide sage advice and support. one of the most enjoyable parts of the role!

We are very pleased to report that in 2016 we were able to inject Madeline Woodhead, Board Chair $1.3 million into the Region through our robust grants program. Please Bryan J. Rose, Executive Director take some time to read the stories of some of our community grants, starting on page 6 and also to review the list, on page 16, of charities supported by our donor directed grants. Through these grants our vision ‘realizing community dreams through philanthropy’ comes alive. The funds supporting these grants can be found starting on page 25. 3 Priorities, Strategies, Plans HIGHLIGHTS

2016 was another banner year for the Foundation. Here are some Niagara Prosperity Initiative of the highlights of the Foundation’s impact in the Niagara Region: The Niagara Prosperity Initiative (NPI), funded by Niagara Region, ■ Awarded $1.3 million in grants bringing the total amount is a partnership of public, private and voluntary organizations working to reduce poverty in Niagara. In 2016, funding was granted since 2001 to $9.7 million renewed to support two Convener positions enabling us to bring ■ Approved 26 new endowment funds and 8 legacy gifts bringing organizations together to share resources, implement best practices the total endowment to $30.5 million, representing a 5.9% and collaboratively access funds to support a variety of poverty- increase reduction initiatives and programs to support the needs of children ■ Transition of a new Executive Director and families throughout the Region. Staff from the Foundation also ■ Launched four new Community Fund Committees in Grimsby, assisted with the review of the grant applications for $1.5 million in Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland NPI funding. ■ Hosted three successful Community Fund Launch Events in Niagara Connects Grimsby, Lincoln and Niagara-on-the-Lake The Foundation has been a partner with this project since the ■ Initiated the Foundation’s eleventh Community Fund in the Town organization’s inception. Niagara Connects, a Niagara-wide of Thorold thanks to the leadership and support of Mayor Luciani network for collaboration, planning, learning, innovation and ■ Continued efforts with eight charities on bolstering their Planned community action toward a stronger future for Niagara, has four Giving programs through with the Legacy Partners Program core products: Living in Niagara Report, Niagara Knowledge Exchange, Niagara Community Calendar and Linking Niagara. ■ Hosted a three-part webinar series highlighting the Governance Partners Program based on the Imagine Canada Standards External Investment Managers Program Program The Foundation is always looking for new ways to help donors in ■ Began the process to secure our own Imagine Canada Standards achieving their philanthropic goals and to work with professionals Re-Accreditation in the financial, estate and investment world in mutually beneficial ■ Launched our Make Your Mark campaign to create 150 new relationships. In 2012, the Foundation created the External Investment endowments in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary Managers Program which allows assets gifted to a newly created fund to be invested outside of Foundation’s Consolidated Investment We realize that collaborative partnerships with funders and other Fund in a portfolio managed by the donor’s recommended investment organizations will go a long way toward ensuring that our grant firm. This program is available for advisors who have been licensed recipients, their clients and our donors receive quality service and as a portfolio manager actively involved in discretionary investment support from the Foundation. Here are some examples of how the management of segregated portfolios for a minimum of three years. Foundation has partnered with others: The minimum donation required for a fund manager to participate in this program is $1,000,000. Gifts under this amount will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There are currently four portfolio managers participating in this program.

4 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities FINANCIAL Highlights: Gifts received: $2,740,250 Growth in assets: 9% Grants AWARDED: $1,309,871 Operating expenses: (excluding special projects) 1.41% endowment

Growth IN Grants 2001 - 2016

$1,600,000

$1,400,000 Total grants

$1,200,000 Donor-directed

$1,000,000 Discretionary

$800,000

$600,000

$400,000

$200,000

$0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 5 GRANTS enable community dreams

niagara pumphouse arts centre

It’s easy to tap into our inner artists as adults.

Programs abound for grown-ups to pick up paint brushes, mold clay, or try their hands at drawing. Similarly, the options are plentiful for exposing children to the wonders of creativity.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre wanted to give those same experiences to local teens after realizing ARTISTIC the opportunities for satisfying their creative spirits weren’t as fulsome. It set about to change that last year by OPPORTUNITIES offering three new youth programs: an after-school art studio, pottery workshops, and camps for 12 to 17 FOR TEENS year-olds.

A grant from the Niagara Community Foundation would help in its mission. The money would be used to develop programming, buy equipment and sell the art courses to Niagara’s young and creative.

The Pumphouse worked with Brock University to develop a marketing plan to reach youth. It partnered with the local public library to offer joint programming. All of it helped provide Niagara’s young people with another creative outlet.

Photography, digital art, pottery, cartooning and graphic novels, palette knife painting and printmaking were all added to the roster last summer. Sixteen youth registered for the programs. Others took out student memberships at the centre. Family memberships at the Pumphouse also jumped.

Now the creative juices are flowing to grow the programming and enrolment in the coming years, and with it, Niagara’s ranks of accomplished young artists. LEARning disabilities association of niagara region

There’s an adage that “the answers we seek in life come when the mind is still.”

A busy mind can be tough to quiet, but a mini-grant from the Niagara Community Foundation has helped local FOCUSING ON children with learning disabilities keep scattered thoughts in check, to focus better, and simply be their best. MINDFULNESS The money, granted to the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region, was used to teach mindfulness to children with exceptionalities between the ages of six and 11 who were enrolled in its Better Emotional and Social Times (BEST) program.

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences of the present moment. It’s been proven to help manage mental health and the hope was it would promote well-being for some of Niagara’s most vulnerable residents.

The children learned yoga and deep breathing. They did guided meditation, which included drawing a picture, all the while, paying attention to the colours, the smells they breathed in as they drew, and how it all made them feel.

After just four mindfulness training sessions, parents and caregivers noticed their children could better express emotions and were less distracted by their environments. Learning mindfulness techniques helped participants understand how emotions affect their thoughts and behaviours.

Better still, they were able to apply the lessons to their everyday lives, helping them manage difficult situations and curb inappropriate behaviours. They could focus on tasks, and were more engaged with learning.

Participants’ quieter minds provided program instructors with the answer they sought: Mindfulness practice made BEST better. The plan is to continue including it in future programs.

st. alban’s anglican church

Hundreds of migrant farm workers and newcomers to Canada have safe, reliable transportation, thanks to a bicycle repair program operated by St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Beamsville.

SAFE, TWO-WHEELED Rev. Father Javier Arias, who speaks Spanish, became aware that as many as 1,500 “invisibles” – migrant PEDAL POWER Latino farm workers who speak little or no English – are living in Niagara each year. Many of them are living in crowded and isolated conditions on rural farms. Having access to bicycles – with lights, helmets and safety vests – can provide these workers with safe and reliable transportation.

Refugees and other newcomers to Canada also benefit from the church’s bicycle donation program. Many of them can’t drive, can’t afford a vehicle, or encounter language barriers when accessing public transit. Safe, two-wheeled transportation gives them the ability to attend language classes, shop, or connect with other newcomer supports.

With the help of dozens of volunteers and the support of two local bicycle shops, the church’s bicycle program acquires, repairs and donates hundreds of bicycles. A $4,100 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation helped the program acquire specialty tools and equipment that enable them to efficiently repair even more bikes. The grant also helped the church add a new bicycle rack out front, signalling to all that it’s truly a bike- friendly place.

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 7 Alzheimer society of niagara region

A high-stress work environment, undergoing management changes and facing the risk of worker burnout, is becoming stronger and safer, thanks to a grant from the Niagara Community Foundation.

The 28 front-line workers and managers at the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region were able to spend two days with professional facilitators, looking at the workplace goals that unite them and identifying ways FRONT-LINE in which they can support each other. The professional development opportunity was made possible by a FACILITATED $2,280 grant, which covered the cost of the facilitators and an art therapy session. WORKSHOPS The need for the professional development was identified when employees participated in a workplace survey called Guarding Minds @ Work. The online diagnostic tool assessed 13 psychosocial factors that make for healthy workplaces – including things such as workload management, growth and development, or recognition and reward. At the Alzheimer Society, the survey revealed a gap between management scores and worker scores, so the organization’s workplace health and safety committee came up with a plan.

The two days of facilitated workshops – one in the spring and one in the fall – allowed employees to draft their own four-point “staff values” document, along with strategies for implementing them. Their values include empathy, inclusion, trust and respect and acceptance. Employees say the experience helped them create a culture of trust and teamwork, and the recognition that despite their different opinions and perspectives, they all want the same thing: to serve their clients, the caregivers and families. Said one: “It inspired me to consider what I can do to be a more positive part of our team environment.” young carers initiative powerhouse project

When illness or disability affects a family member, often it’s the other children in the household who end up being affected too. And illness or disability can make the entire family financially vulnerable.

one-week That’s why a $1,400 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation’s summer camp fund is so important to the Young Carers Initiative Powerhouse Project, an organization that provides support and encouragement to summer camp kids whose family members are sick or disabled. experience The grant enabled the Powerhouse Project to offer a free, one-week summer camp experience to campers in three different cities last summer: St. Catharines, Welland, and Niagara Falls. The week-long camps were organized on an Amazing Race theme, with fun and challenging activities that featured detours and roadblocks, and which required teamwork and communication skills to survive. Over 50 campers were able to participate.

In addition to relieving stress and teaching valuable skills, the camps also showed the participants that they are not alone in their challenging family situations.

The camps were good for the campers and good for their families.

“We have so much going on in our home,” wrote one mother. With a disabled child and another one facing severe medical issues, sending her two other children to camp meant “we can breathe a little easier knowing the boys have a fun and safe place to go.”

Wrote another parent: “My son has made many new friends this week. It’s important for him to realize he’s not alone.”

The camp gave her daughter things to look forward to, wrote another mother, “and a well-deserved break from the stress.”

nelles manor

A cultural and historical gem in West Niagara is finding its way on to the heritage map with the help of a capacity building grant from the Niagara Community Foundation.

a historical gem Nelles Manor, built between 1788 and 1798 by Loyalist Colonel Robert Nelles and described as the oldest on OUR inhabited home between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Queenston, was donated in 2016 by its owners to the newly formed Nelles Manor Foundation. It is now operating as a seasonal museum, open to visitors from Victoria heritage map weekend to Labour Day.

A $3,500 capacity-building grant from the Niagara Community Foundation allowed Nelles Manor to design and print signage, letterhead and its first marketing materials. Thousands of copies of a brochure, post card and rack card were distributed in time for the start of this year’s tourist season, said Coutts, who is confident the photos and descriptions will have an impact.

The sign, strategically located outside the Main Street house, will attract visitors cruising down Old Highway 8 in the summer, while the brochures and rack cards were distributed to tourist information centres and other heritage sites across Southern Ontario.

“It’s no question the funding helped and it will help even more this year,” Coutts said. “We’ve got something special here, but people need to know about it.”

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 9 Centre de Santé Communautaire hamilton/niagara

Summer camp is a rite of passage for many children in Niagara.

The Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara knows it can be a costly endeavour for some families, KIDS JUST WANT TO and that can mean some children are forced to miss out. HAVE FUN Last year, with the help of a $500 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation, the organization hosted a free, one-week summer sports camp for 40 local children, targeting low-income families.

The group’s mission is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for Hamilton and Niagara’s French- speaking communities. It used the mini grant to buy sports equipment — baseball bats, gloves, soccer and basketballs, frisbees, and protective gear — for children aged six to 12 to use at camp last summer and for years to come.

The Centre de Santé camp provided full days of learning the fundamentals of different sports, playing games and instilling a positive sense of self-worth and self-esteem with every run batted in and goal scored.

Children got active, nurtured relationships and learned the importance of team work. They sharpened their nutrition knowledge thanks to snacks and lunches the Centre de Santé provided to all participants. The week also featured two presentations about portion size and the four food groups.

By the end of the week, participants reported making healthier choices in their diets, spending more time being active and less time on technological devices, and feeling more confident in their relationships and athletic skills.

Now the Centre de Santé is planning to offer the camp over several weeks this summer and give even more local Francophone children the chance to enjoy this seasonal tradition.

heartland forest

Delicate dragonflies and damselflies flit over the waters of a shallow pond at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls, providing visitors with a glimpse into the lifecycle of a unique and endangered species.

WHERE LEARNING Special signage, developed to be clear and accessible for all, explains how the pond, with its border of COMES Carolinian species and special aquatic plantings, provides habitat for the invertebrate insects. The pond NATURALLY adaptations and signage were made possible by a $6,500 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation. The signage explains how four types of native plantings support the four life-cycle stages of dragonflies and damselflies: submerged, floating, emerging and marginal. Educational programming materials such as a leader’s guide, pre-excursion notes and laminated field identification sheets are available for visitors, adding to the learning and discovery opportunities.

In keeping with Heartland Forest’s mission to preserve and educate, the newly adapted pond and its interpretive materials have enriched the experiences of an estimated 5,000 visitors of all ages, including families, summer campers and school groups. Heartland Forest is committed to making environmental education and awareness available and accessible to all.

The 2016 grant is the sixth in a series of grants from Niagara Community Foundation’s Environmental Grant Program that have helped to develop and educate about various aquatic habitats at the 93-acre fully-accessible nature preserve.

10 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park

A nature trail in north St. Catharines is safer and less vulnerable to erosion, after the Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park were able to do a repair job with the help of an Environmental Grant.

Cyclists had eroded deep ruts in the footpath running through the park adjacent to the Welland Canal, making the terrain unsafe for pedestrians and making the area subject to further erosion. But with the help of a $2,500 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation, members of the volunteer group were able to fill the ruts with FRIENDS CREATING clay, cover the clay with topsoil and plant native species.

SURE-FOOTED The park, located on Lakeshore Road at Niagara Street, is owned by the City of St. Catharines but members SOLUTIONS of the Friends group act as its stewards, raising funds through plant sales and using those funds to educate the public about the native plants and animals of the Carolinian woodland. The park is a green oasis in an otherwise developed area, providing habit for both wetland animals and for migratory birds and insects crossing Lake Ontario. It’s also a place where hikers, visitors and north end residents go to appreciate nature and to unwind.

The Niagara Community Foundation grant paid for a clay base to be compacted in the deep ruts, for top soil to be spread over the patch and for new plants, shrubs and trees to be planted. New signage advises mountain bikers to avoid the area.

Because volunteers planned and implemented the work, the environment is not only being enhanced, it’s being appreciated, said Claire Theijsmeijer, a Friends member. Projects such as this one may be small, she said, but they are an important tool for promoting appreciation of the natural environment. The public appreciates the improvement too. “People walking on the trail have commented that this section is much safer.” Canada 150

The Niagara Community Foundation is leading the way in planning the party for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, by funding a wide variety of innovative projects that celebrate community and inspire a deeper understanding of Canada.

Niagara community This initiative is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th; a collaboration between the Niagara foundation: Community Foundation, the Government of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast.

making a So far, the Niagara Community Foundation has awarded matching grants totalling $60,000 to seven projects mark in 2017 across the region. Niagara Falls History Museum – $9,000 for the Pieces of Canada project, which is gathering 150 objects from people in Niagara in order to tell 150 stories about what it means to be Canadian. St. Catharines – $12,000 for the editing, design and distribution of a book documenting the stories and photos of 137 workers who died while constructing the Welland Ship Canal. Welland – $6,730 for the City’s 150-Day Countdown to create awareness of and participation in Canada’s 150th celebrations. Suitcase In Point Theatre Company – $6,900 for three public art activities promoting participation and diversity during the theatre company’s annual In the Soil Festival. Fort Erie – $6,250 for a new mural – one of 150 such murals being created across the country – to represent a cultural mosaic, a time capsule, a visual portrayal of history and an art masterpiece. Jordan Historical Museum – $6,120 for an all-ages community art exhibit called Between the Lake and the Escarpment, featuring work from Lincoln artists on their perceptions of their community. Veterans’ Voices of Canada Association – $13,000 for the Keeping History Alive in Niagara project, which provides schools, museums, libraries, and community groups with archival video footage of veterans’ stories.

women’s place of south niagara

Women’s Place of South Niagara experienced its highest capacity ever in 2016.

Its shelter system, like many in Niagara, was gridlocked, as more women and children experiencing domestic ENDING violence turned to the agency for refuge. GENDER Something had to give and Women’s Place started by giving the problem a new name. No more would violence VIOLENCE: against women and children be a women’s issue. The agency branded it a men’s issue and set about reframing gender violence with the intention of reducing it. A PRIORITY FOR ALL With the help of a $5,000 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation, Women’s Place of South Niagara and the local Coalition to End Violence Against Women (CEVAW) hosted 101 Men, a violence prevention training program, at last year’s CEVAW Leadership Summit.

The money was used to bring Jackson Katz and his Mentors in Violence Prevention facilitators to Niagara. Katz, a leader in the movement of men working to promote gender equality and prevent gender violence, delivered the keynote address at the summit while his team taught an innovative approach to gender violence prevention.

“Violence against women is not just a women’s issue,” says Ruthann Brown, chair of the CEVAW ad-hoc leadership summit committee. “It’s a men’s issue and we must align ourselves with men who are in leadership positions across a broad range of sectors, who can help to break down systemic barriers and challenge social norms.”

12 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 2016 Grants Awarded From our Community, Mini, Environment, Summer Camp and Strategic Initiatives grant programs For detailed information on our current granting priorities visit the grants section at www.niagaracommunityfoundation.org

Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region Support professional development training for all staff related to the Guarding Minds at $2,280 Work survey tool. Autism Society Ontario - Niagara Region Chapter Support Social Training and Recreation Skills (STARS) program for transitioning youth and $7,150 young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who need support.

Bethesda Community Services Inc. To upgrade the recreation faciliities by installing swings - including wheelchair accessible $3,000 models, safety swings and typical swings. Bethlehem Housing and Support Services Re-create and re-build website with a welcoming gateway portal format to allow stronger $7,596 support and interactive relationships with visitors and users of the site. Carousel Players Support the move of Carousel Players into the offices to Silver Spire Church, create an arts $6,600 hub with Essential Collective Theatre and plans for the creation of a 50 seat theatre at Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara Purchase equipment for summer camp for French-speaking children in Niagara, supporting $500 those in financial need. Choralis Camerata Purchase of a cargo trailer to transport and store risers (portable staging) as Choralis $3,500 Camerata sings at various venues throughout the Niagara region. City of Niagara Falls - Expand the native plantings along Warren Woods and engage students in the process. $6,150 The Park in the City Committee CNIB Purchase 10 ipads and provide training to be use in peer support and one on one training $3,000 with blind or partially sighted individuals living in Niagara region. Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold Purchase adequate signage to assist with cohesiveness and fluidity between services & $500 programs for our clients, partners and donors. Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold Purchase laptop for the Niagara Nutrition Partners program staff to assist in working $500 (Niagara Nutrition Partners) remotely, communicationg and in their mandatory reporting. Community Living - Fort Erie Purchase a laptop for the Transitional Age Youth Program to be used by program staff and $500 participants to help ensure project outcomes are achieved. Community Living - Grimsby Lincoln & West Lincoln Purchase furniture for new Adult Respite program to support clients in need. $500

Education Foundation of Niagara Support the 500+ seat multi-use Centre for the Arts adjacent to the new Greater Fort Erie $8,000 Secondary School site that supports both students and the Fort Erie/Niagara communities. Epilepsy Niagara Support the client employment program that would provide them skills and experience $6,150 while assisting the organization in building capacity and sustainability. Foundation of Resources for Teens (FORT) Create an inviting and usable outdoor space at Smithville youth centre to promote physical $6,000 activity and outdoor recreation. Garden City Productions Redesign and customize the Garden City Productions website with information regarding $500 events, auditions, performances schedule and opportunities to participate. Gillian’s Place Customization of our client management software, Penelope, to support reporting, $5,000 outcomes measurements, and program needs, and staff training. Grimsby Public Art Gallery Support A Stitch in Time project which is dedicated to the culture and traditions of the $500 African diaspora in an interactive format, engaging attendees through an exhibition tour, hands on demonstrations, and a workshop.

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 13 2016 GRANTS AWARDED From our Community, Mini, Environment, Summer Camp and Strategic Initiatives grant programs

Habitat for Humanity Niagara Purchase a new computer server to support Habitat’s existing infrastructure and support the $7,500 opening of a third ReStore in Grimsby. Heartland Forest Nature Experience Expand programming and education on wildlife habitat and ecosytems. $6,500 Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Support awareness campaign “Faces of HDS”, promoting programs and services to better $1,800 Foundation empower the Niagara residents in their healthcare decisions. Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara Revitalize internal family support programs including new brochures, marketing and $3,000 website sliders, program materials, education awareness and advertising and partner team training. Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara Purchase laptop for the Canada Summer Jobs program placements to use remotely and in $500 their work stations. Le Centre Polyvalent des Ainés Francophones de Purchase computer to enhance classroom programs. $500 Port Colborne Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region Enhance social skills program (B.E.S.T.) with resources to assist the program instructor in $440 implementing mindfulness curriculum into the program sessions. McMaster Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine Support Health and Equity through Advocacy, Research and Theatre (HEART) project in $5,000 Niagara which involves participant experience, solutions through theatre and sharing with the health system. Nelles Manor Heritage Home Support the creation of initial marketing materials to help establish the significant heritage $3,500 site including internal and external signage, and print materials. Niagara Children’s Centre Purchase equipment, training and software to create webinars/eLearning modules to better $6,335 educate caregivers and accelerate therapy outcomes for clients at the Centre. Niagara Falls Art Gallery Construct a new vault and art storage system which is up to Ontario Association of $3,000 Art Galleries standards for the storage/maintenance of our permanent collection of 1,000 works of art. Niagara Falls Art Gallery Purchase 40 table easels for adult and youth in gallery art classes as well as our community $500 based seniors and adults programs which occur outside of the gallery. Niagara Foundation for Family and Children's Purchase recreational and educational supplies and activities for the expanded family $2,000 Services supervised visitation program held in the FACS office on Saturdays. Niagara Sexual Assault Centre Produce a 10-minute video on the potential impact of playing video games, starting at a $500 (CARSA Inc.) young age, on brain development, attitudes toward girls, and the ability to have healthy relationships as a resource for a new program for boys’ grade 9 gym classes. Niagara Victim Crisis Support Service Fund the development of an updated Strategic Plan to guide operational objectives of the $4,500 organization. Pelham Cares Inc. Purchase supplies to assist Pelham Cares in collecting and storing food and personal care $400 items, for the Food Services Program in Pelham. St. Albans Church Support the collection of donated bicycles, refurbishing and providing them to migrant $4,100 farmworkers and refugees who need them for transportation. The Conserver Society of Hamilton and District Inc. Support the delivery of transit education workshops, with an emphasis on encouraging $2.,900 (in partnership with Green Venture) ridership by older adults and newcomers. The focus on trip planning, getting information and assistance, and hands-on training. The Hope Centre Support the partnership with Niagara College’s Many Hands Project, a Community Soup $5,000 and Culinary Training Kitchen, within the Community Social Service Hub.

14 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 2016 GRANTS AWARDED From our Community, Mini, Environment, Summer Camp and Strategic Initiatives grant programs

The Norm Foster Theatre Festival Support the addition of a 4 day development workshop to the rehearsal of the 2 world $3,000 premieres in the summer of 2017. The Salvation Army Community & Family Services - Purchase TV to be placed in the area and loop community information: community events, $500 Niagara Region job listings, assistance, encouraging you tube videos, teaching resource to play while they wait and for teaching webinars. The Salvation Army Niagara Orchard Support project MAD Kids, for youth between the ages of 4-10 focusing on the key $500 Community Church elements of music, art, and drama, while also providing a free meal and sense of community. The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank Develop a summer workshop and speaker series to support the natural environment of $3,000 Willowbank. The Village of Hope Support “It Takes a Village” project designed to provide our families and individuals with $5,000 services to help them lead sustainable healthy lives, through transportation, safe and warm living quarters, and healthy meals. The Weir Foundation - The RiverBrink Art Museum Renovate two spaces in the Museum “Coach House” building to improve and expand $5,000 facilities for community educational programming, and for Museum events including outreach and fundraising with rental potential. The Welland Historical Museum Support First Fridays, a partnership with the Museum’s of Niagara Association that targets $6,350 a new demographic (19-35), introducing them to historic sites that are transformed with themed cultural events. United Way of Niagara Falls Conduct a human resources audit of two United Ways to optimize current staff skills and $4,325 and Greater Fort Erie experience with the ultimate goal of amalgamating the organizations. West Niagara Palliative Care Services o/a Rose Upgrade outdated Information Technology system components by acquiring up-to-date $6,300 Cottage Visiting Volunteers computer hardware and peripherals that will provide operational efficiency and effectiveness. Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc. Support the Coalition to End Violence Against Women Leadership Summit with Dr. Jackson $5,000 Katz and his Mentors in Violence Prevention Training. YMCA of Niagara Fund DrumFIT®, a fitness based drumming program that combines the mental health benefits of $4,850 drumming with the overall health benefits of physical fitness.. YWCA Niagara Region Support project that will engage women to identify the barriers to considering municipal $3,400 politics as well as develop solutions and tools to overcome them. Summer Camp Grants Provided bursaries to 16 groups to support 192 children to attend summer camp. $20,570 Strategic Initiatives Grants Leadership Niagara Bursary that supported the following organizations: Niagara Nutrition $6,000 Partners, OneFoundation for Niagara Health System, St. John Ambulance Niagara Region Branch and United Way of St. Catharines and District. Strategic Initiatives Grants Legacy Partners Program Grant that supported the following organizations: Family and $11,000 Children’s Services of Niagara, Niagara Symphony Association, Red Roof Retreat, Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc. and YWCA Niagara Region. Strategic Initiatives Grants Entrepreneur of the Year Award grant to Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the charity of $5,000 choice from winner Anne Kemp. Strategic Initiatives Grants To support the work of Niagara Connects and the Niagara Knowledge Exchange. $12,250

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 15 2016 DONOR DIRECTED GRANTS These grants are based on terms of the fund agreements between the donor and the Foundation with respect to beneficiary organizations.

Algonquin College...... $1,000 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $379 Algonquin College...... $1,000 FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre...... $300 Algonquin College...... $1,000 FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre...... $2,000 Algonquin College...... $1,000 FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre...... $1,000 Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region...... $836 Fort Erie Conservation Club...... $479 Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region...... $1,000 Fort Erie Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals...... $750 Amici Camping Charity...... $3,000 Friends Of Fort Erie’s Creeks...... $483 Animal Assistance Society of the Niagara Region...... $1,848 Georgian College...... $1,000 Animal Assistance Society of the Niagara Region...... $1,152 Gillian’s Place...... $836 Arthritis Society Ontario Division - Niagara Peninsula Office...... $560 Gillian’s Place...... $1,000 Beamsville Church of Christ...... $50,000 Grimsby Museum (Town of Grimsby)...... $252 Benevolent Society of Grimsby and District...... $10,000 Hannah House Maternity Home...... $1,139 Bethlehem Housing and Support Services...... $10,000 Hannah House Maternity Home...... $350 Bethlehem Housing and Support Services...... $1,660 Healthy Minds Canada...... $367 Big Brothers Big Sisters - Grimsby Lincoln, West Lincoln...... $5,572 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario...... $560 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls...... $701 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario...... $836 Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara...... $708 Heart Niagara Inc...... $500 Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines, Thorold and District...... $71 Heart Niagara Inc...... $35,000 Boxrun Charitable Foundation...... $1,122 Heart Niagara Inc...... $40,000 Brock University - Office of Development and Donor...... $1,000 Hospice Niagara...... $1,000 Brock University - Student Awards and Financial Aid...... $1,483 Hospice Niagara...... $4,200 Brock University - Student Awards and Financial Aid...... $16 Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Foundation...... $1,000 Brock University - Student Awards and Financial Aid...... $750 Humber College - Financial Aid - Scholarships and Awards...... $1,000 Brock University - Student Awards and Financial Aid...... $516 Humber College - Financial Aid - Scholarships and Awards...... $1,000 Canadian Cancer Society...... $3,118 Humber College - Financial Aid - Scholarships and Awards...... $1,000 Canadian Cancer Society (Niagara)...... $1,000 Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty...... $342 Canadian Red Cross, Niagara Area Branches...... $400 Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty...... $301 Canadian Red Cross, Niagara Area Branches...... $1,018 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation...... $350 Cave Springs Camp Inc...... $342 Kidsport Canada (Niagara Chapter)...... $343 Cave Springs Camp Inc...... $301 Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara...... $1,324 Chorus Niagara...... $10,000 Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara...... $500 Chorus Niagara...... $2,786 La corporation de l’ecole polytechnique de Montreal...... $306 Chorus Niagara...... $2,758 Lambton College - Financial Aid...... $3,000 Church of the Transfiguration...... $10,161 Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue...... $1,000 City of Port Colborne...... $1,000 Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region...... $500 CNIB...... $836 Lincoln County Humane Society...... $231 Community Animal Allies of Niagara...... $6,000 Lincoln County Humane Society...... $3,118 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold...... $5,300 Lincoln County Humane Society...... $1,000 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold...... $500 Lincoln County Humane Society...... $836 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold...... $519 Lincoln County Humane Society...... $3,500 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold...... $6,322 Lincoln Public Library...... $7,960 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold...... $500 Lincoln Public Library...... $3,000 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold...... $332 Literacy Council of Niagara West...... $1,990 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold (Niagara Nutrition Partners)...... $569 Literacy Council of Niagara West...... $3,000 Community Care of West Niagara...... $342 Loyalist College...... $1,000 Community Care of West Niagara...... $301 Make-a-Wish Foundation of Canada...... $200 Community Care of West Niagara...... $6,368 March of Dimes Canada...... $3,265 Community Care of West Niagara...... $3,000 Mayholme Foundation...... $56,130 Community Living - Grimsby Lincoln & West Lincoln...... $810 McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation...... $300 Community Living - Grimsby Lincoln & West Lincoln...... $1,990 McMaster University...... $1,500 Community Living St. Catharines...... $403 McMaster University...... $1,500 Community Living St. Catharines...... $2,926 McNally House Hospice...... $5,342 Conestoga College - Financial Aid...... $1,000 McNally House Hospice...... $67,470 Conestoga College - Financial Aid...... $1,000 McNally House Hospice...... $3,118 Conservation Niagara Foundation...... $479 Mission Services of Hamilton Inc...... $10,000 Crohn’s and Colitis Canada...... $2,416 Mohawk College...... $750 Crossroads Christian Communications Inc...... $20,000 Mohawk College...... $1,500 Cystic Fibrosis Canada - Niagara Chapter...... $3,118 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada...... $836 Doctors Without Borders Canada...... $1,018 Muscular Dystrophy Canada...... $10,733 Dog Guides Canada...... $2,423 Nativity of the Holy Mother of God...... $45,520 Dog Guides Canada...... $836 Newark Neighbours...... $500 Durham College - Financial Aid and Awards office...... $1,000 Niagara Action for Animals...... $9,500 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $361 Niagara Action for Animals...... $500 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $1,000 Niagara Action for Animals...... $836 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $2,189 Niagara Artists Company (Niagara Artists Centre)...... $812 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $1,009 Niagara Artists Company (Niagara Artists Centre)...... $533 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $6,826 Niagara Catholic District School Board...... $412 Education Foundation of Niagara...... $6,826 Niagara Children’s Centre...... $1,018

16 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 2016 DONOR DIRECTED GRANTS

Niagara Children’s Centre...... $1,000 Silver Spire United Church...... $732 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $1,000 Sleeping Children Around the World...... $653 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $1,000 St. George’s Anglican Church...... $500 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $300 St. Giles Presbyterian Church...... $1,174 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $1,500 St. John the Theologian Ukrainian Catholic Church...... $45,520 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $6,000 St. Mark’s Historic Properties Foundation, c/o St. Mark’s Church...... $538 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $1,500 St. Therese of Lisieux Church...... $423 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $1,000 St. Therese of Lisieux Church...... $5,021 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $750 Stamford Lane United Church...... $2,000 Niagara College - Financial Aid...... $810 Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church...... $45,520 Niagara College Foundation...... $1,000 The Adult Literacy Council of Greater Fort Erie...... $838 Niagara Falls Humane Society...... $750 The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation (SickKids Foundation)...... $1,000 Niagara Falls Humane Society...... $500 The Salvation Army Community & Family Services - Niagara Region...... $1,018 Niagara Falls Humane Society...... $1,961 The Salvation Army Niagara Orchard Community Church...... $500 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $1,213 The Salvation Army St. Catharines Community & Family Services...... $800 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $2,437 The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank...... $500 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $728 Town of Lincoln - Jordan Historical Museum...... 1,990 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $50 Trent University...... $1,500 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $361 Trent University...... $1,000 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $5,000 Ukrainian Canadian Congress Charitable and Educational Trust...... $45,520 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $2,500 Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (St. Catharines) Inc...... $45,520 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $1,000 United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie...... $1,000 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $5,000 United Way of South Niagara...... $1,477 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $50 United Way of St. Catharines and District...... $1,000 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $1,936 University of Guelph...... $1,000 Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services...... $1,745 University of Guelph...... $1,500 Niagara Historical Society - Museum...... $500 University of Ontario Institute of Technology...... $1,500 Niagara Land Trust...... $1,212 University of Toronto...... $10,000 Niagara Life Welland Centre o/a Elisha House Pregnancy & Family Support Centre...... $7,155 University of Waterloo...... $1,000 Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture...... $1,500 University of Waterloo...... $1,500 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation...... $2,786 University of Waterloo...... $1,500 Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre ( CARSA Inc. )...... $836 University of Waterloo...... $1,500 Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre ( CARSA Inc. )...... $441 University of Waterloo...... $1,500 Niagara Resource Service for Youth (The RAFT)...... $10,000 University of Waterloo...... $300 Niagara Symphony Association...... $800 University of Western Ontario...... $300 Niagara Symphony Association...... $5,000 University of Western Ontario...... $500 Niagara Symphony Association...... $2,786 University of Western Ontario...... $750 Niagara Youth Orchestra...... $2,786 University of Western Ontario...... $300 Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library...... $931 University of Western Ontario...... $500 Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library...... $4,308 Urban Wildlife Care...... $1,000 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - GNGH Site...... $3,000 VON Canada - Ontario Branch - Niagara Site...... $2,786 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - Port Colborne Site...... $2,510 Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation...... $2,170 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - St. Catharines Site...... $1,297 Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation...... $821 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - St. Catharines Site...... $814 Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation...... $5,000 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - St. Catharines Site...... $728 West Lincoln Community Care...... $523 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - Welland Site...... $449 West Niagara Agricultural Society...... $2,146 OneFoundation for Niagara Health System - Welland Site...... $1,477 Wilfrid Laurier University...... $1,500 Ontario Brain Injury Association...... $5,000 Wilfrid Laurier University...... $1,500 Ontario Lung Association - Branch serving Niagara...... $1,018 Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc...... $500 Open Arms Mission of Welland Inc...... $7,155 Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc...... $1,118 Osteoporosis Canada - Niagara Chapter...... $836 Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc...... $403 Pathstone Foundation...... $635 YMCA of Niagara...... $819 Pathstone Foundation...... $1,000 YMCA of Niagara...... $1,000 Pathstone Foundation...... $5,000 YMCA of Niagara...... $413 Pathstone Foundation...... $5,000 YMCA of Niagara...... $2,000 Pathstone Foundation...... $3,000 YMCA of Niagara...... $5,000 Peel Paramedic Association...... $834 YMCA of Niagara...... $1,000 Port Cares...... $1,250 YMCA of Niagara...... $17,000 Project S.H.A.R.E. of Niagara Falls Inc...... $500 York University...... $1,000 Queen’s University...... $5,000 York University...... $500 Queen’s University...... $1,500 YWCA Niagara Region...... $1,000 Queen’s University...... $1,500 YWCA Niagara Region...... $778 Queen’s University...... $1,000 YWCA Niagara Region...... $1,000 Red Roof Retreat...... $361 YWCA Niagara Region...... $2,500 Regional Niagara Upper Canada Lodge (Regional Municipality of Niagara)...... $7,024 YWCA Niagara Region...... $5,000 Rotary Club of Lincoln Foundation...... $216 $1,009,874 Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation, Canada...... $2,000 Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation, Canada...... $10,000

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 17 celebrating our DONORS

an exceptional legacy birdies helping animals in need

Pat Meikle was passionate about advancing the causes of women. Gratitude abounds when Ria Rosenberg talks about her cats, Lilly and Rosenberg. She was involved in aviation, getting her pilot’s wings at a time when it was rare for women to be more than passengers or “No matter how my day is going, they bring me back to a really flight attendants on an airplane. She taught high school physical good place,” the Niagara-on-the-Lake resident said. “Looking at my education, showing her students that athleticism and femininity rescues, I’m the lucky one.” weren’t mutually exclusive. That’s why, when it came time to update their wills, Rosenberg and Meikle was also a longtime member of the Zonta Club of Niagara her husband Stephen Levy insisted on leaving something that would Falls, a service group dedicated to bettering the lives of women. benefit animals in need. The couple considered setting up their own charity to direct funds to suitable animal organizations, but To ensure her legacy lived on, Meikle left the club a gift from her Rosenberg admitted the endeavour seemed complicated. estate after her death in 2005. For years the Zonta Club of Niagara Falls used the money to award scholarships that supported the Then they connected with the Niagara Community Foundation and post-secondary studies of female students graduating from Westlane the LetPets Live Fund was born. Rosenberg and Levy also decided Secondary School, where Meikle taught. that rather than wait until they were gone, they would do what they could now to support grassroots animal rescue groups or help cover But the club had hopes of the fund existing in perpetuity. The the veterinary bills of pet owners facing financial hardship. Niagara Community Foundation would help it achieve that goal and continue to honour Meikle indefinitely. This year will mark the seventh anniversary of their fundraising golf tournament at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course to benefit the “We didn’t think we had enough money but when our discussions LetPets Live Fund and ensure they’re helping as many animals as started, we were delighted to find this was something we could do,” possible. club member June Mergl recalled. Each hole on the course is sponsored by a different pet with the face Establishing the Zonta Club of Niagara Falls Fund in 2014 of a cat, dog, bird, horse — even a baby goat — greeting golfers at provided stability for Meikle’s investment and guidelines for how the every tee. money would be administered. The Pat Meikle Memorial Scholarship will recognize a female student having excelled in Physical Education “It’s so great to see the animals’ faces at the tee boxes. You’re over four years, with preference given to those who champion other reminded why you’re there,” Rosenberg said. “It’s a fun day without women, volunteer and contribute to the betterment of their schools. beating people over the brow that it’s a fundraiser.”

“We realized even though we were a small club, we were able to In the short time the couple has invited friends to the links, they’ve establish a wonderful legacy in Pat’s honour, which also helps us to raised $130,000 for animals in need. get the scholarship out there in a bigger, better way,” Mergl said. “Part of the animal population will always need help,” Rosenberg said. “It’s just not a perfect world for our friends with paws. They deserve to be treated withDarlene respect and and John kindness, Tuck so it’s what we do.”

18 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities to give is to receive

Betty-Lou Souter believes to give is to receive . . . “I don’t need recognition, the happiness giving brings, is enough for me.”

Betty-Lou was one of the first Board members for the Niagara Community Foundation and the initial chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee. She continues her relationship with the Foundation as a Community Ambassador.

Betty-Lou was born just outside of Ottawa Ontario, grew up in Montreal, Quebec and eventually moved with her husband Ken and their two sons to St. Catharines. That was when it all began . . . her unfailing quest to make a difference through giving of her time, energy and talent to help others.

One of her on-going challenges is to reduce poverty in Niagara.

“I choose to live a life that matters and go the extra mile by giving back to my Community” says Betty-Lou. “It is important to help bring others from the back to the front in life.”

As CEO of Community Care St.Catharines and Thorold, Betty–Lou carries on her efforts to help the community have a better understanding of the trials and tribulations of those who struggle to survive. She strives to influence people: “to care for, rather than judge the less fortunate.”

In 2007 under Betty-Lou’s leadership, Community Care established a charitable organization fund with the Niagara Community Foundation in direct support of the agency’s on-going work to win the war against poverty in Niagara.

In 2008 Ken and Betty-Lou Souter established the Stephen Souter Memorial Fund with the Foundation. Both felt strongly about being able to direct the fund to focus on what was important to Stephen, who was an artist and involved in the performing arts. “We wanted our son to be remembered by this legacy of giving, with the hope of making a difference in the life of other artists.” celebrating our DONORS

Generational guidance good hearts fill a void

Rosanne and John Marsh learned about philanthropy from their You could say the Niagara Community Foundation filled a void for parents and it’s something they’re glad to be handing down to the Wendy Cheropita. next generation. Rosanne, a member of the Niagara Community In turn, Cheropita filled one for her community when she took on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and a long-time community role of chair for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Fund in 2016. volunteer, has had her hand in establishing two funds, one named after her parents and one named for their own family. Cheropita had recently moved back to Niagara after living in Toronto and was keen to get involved in something meaningful in “My husband and I both had great role models in our parents,” her new hometown. Soon after her return, Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Rosanne said. “We established the Marsh Family Fund and the Mayor Pat Darte drew her attention to something noticeably absent Assunta and Cesare Bonelli Fund in order to honour the past from the community: a dedicated municipal fund established through and improve the future.” the foundation. Born in Italy, Rosanne immigrated to Canada with her family and Virtually every other city in the region had one to support charities remembers that her parents, even with limited resources, were quick within those communities. to help friends or neighbours in need. John’s parents were also extremely community minded, helping raise money for many local “Niagara-on-the-Lake is an affluent community and people are very causes. Rosanne has been involved with the Niagara Community passionate about living here,” Cheropita said. “So I got his message Foundation since 2001, serving as one of the founders of the quite clearly. I said ‘I’d really like to do that.’ ” Port Colborne Community Fund. Fundraising was new to Cheropita but soon she had a team of Proceeds from the Marsh Family Fund go to Pathstone Mental Health, “good hearts” and community engagement pros at her side: Darte, a cause that’s dear to Rosanne’s heart “because it involves children Nancy Brazeau, Joan King, Leisa Lepp, Debi Pratt, Mario Ferrara, and the need is so great.” Shawn Spiewak, Brianne Hawley, Ken Bridgman, and founding Niagara Community Foundation director, Ann-Louise Branscombe. Her leadership has helped shape her community, but Rosanne prefers a behind-the-scenes approach. That’s why she’s so pleased Together, they launched the Niagara-on-the-Lake Fund in November to see her grandchildren – there are four – already following in the 2016 to the benefit of local causes. Four donors stepped up with family’s philanthropy footsteps. significant contributions totalling $450,000, giving the endeavour incredible momentum. At the fund’s launch event, someone else “They inspire us every day to be better people,” she said. The two offered $100,000, making the fund one of the fastest growing in oldest, ages 11 and 9, have already raised money by doing extra foundation history. chores and donating it to the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. Voids are certainly being filled now. The Niagara Community Foundation is an amazing organization that looks after the needs of all living in Niagara, Rosanne said. “It “I’ve never felt happier in a room full of strangers,” Cheropita said is a great comfort to us to know that the foundation will be here to about the launch. “Everyone was there to see how they could get continue to support Pathstone, the organization of our choice, long involved to help people they’d never met. This is just the starting gate after we’re gone.” that we’re at. We’re over the moon.”

20 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities a love for thorold

Mario and Rachel De Divitiis are big fans of Thorold.

It’s where Mario grew up, and where his family started and sustained several businesses. It’s where his mother, Anna, has donated much of her time as a volunteer, and where his father, Paolo, was honoured after his death with a street named after him.

It’s also where Rachel bought her first home to set down roots before she and Mario married.

So the couple didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose to give back to the city they say has given them so much.

That chance came at their wedding last year. With a large guest list, they opted for wedding favours that would last beyond their big day. They made a donation on each guest’s behalf to establish the Mario and Rachel De Divitiis Fund with the Niagara Community Foundation.

The couple are passionate about many causes and working with the foundation would help take the guesswork out of allocating their donation. They also hoped their actions would inspire others to do something similar to mark the big moments in life.

The Mario and Rachel De Divitiis Fund is part of the larger Thorold Community Fund, which launched in early 2016 after Mayor Ted Luciani pledged $25,000 over three years to support its creation.

Mario and Rachel intend to continue contributing to their fund, which will support causes and organizations in their favourite city for years to come.

“Rachel and I are very similar in our love of Thorold. I said this at our wedding. I never thought I’d meet anyone who loved Thorold or Niagara more than I do,” Mario said. “Thorold has given so much to my family and myself and Rachel. It felt natural. I couldn’t see our first gift not going to Thorold.” celebrating our DONORS

SUPPORT IN BLOOM MAKING THEIR MARK

“April showers bring May flowers.” Catherine Mindorff-Facca and Jack Facca have seen first-hand the BJ Romans recalled this old rhyme as she drove in the Niagara way the Niagara Community Foundation has improved the quality of countryside at the end of a particularly miserable April day a life in their hometown – Fort Erie. So when the Foundation’s former number of years ago. “Summer is my most favourite season, but executive director Liz Palmieri asked the couple to be among the first by Spring – it’s almost here,” she recently said when asked about to join the Make Your Mark Campaign, they knew it was something the name of the fund she established with the Niagara Community they wanted to do. Foundation in 2012. The name the Mayflowers Fund is both about In honour of Canada’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of bringing flowers into other people’s live and ensuring the focus is on Confederation, the Foundation has a goal of establishing 150 such the impact of the fund – rather than the person who created it. funds, designed to demonstrate that anyone can be a philanthropist. The Mayflowers Fund has broad guidelines for disbursement: for Donors are asked to contribute at least $50 a month for 150 months, physical and mental health; wellness programs; education; palliative with $35 of each contribution placed in a permanent endowment care and hospice support. Children and youth are a primary – fund and $15 pooled with other such gifts and spent in the community but not exclusive – focus. Disadvantaged groups are specifically right away. By the time the last contribution is made, donors will have identified as possible beneficiaries. “I tried to make the guidelines invested $2,250 in grants in their community and have created a broad enough to give the Foundation a lot of latitude in satisfying my $5,000 endowment fund as their family’s permanent gift. priorities of supporting my community.” BJ says. Catherine said they liked the idea that their gift would be enriching BJ Romans has been an integral part of the Niagara Falls community their community long after they are gone. for more than 40 years. She was originally a Physical Education Both Jack and Catherine come from large families, and between teacher in the DSBN. After a stint teaching Family Studies, she found them they have 54 nieces and nephews. The Facca-Mindorff her true calling working in Student Services. “My life has been Family Fund has become one of the ways the family celebrates – learning that ‘I can’. From those earliest struggles in school, I have with contributions being made to mark milestones such as birthdays worked to achieve, gained some self confidence and can now strive and graduations. Many of the family members are far-flung, but they to assist others.” like knowing that when they celebrate, the community where they This pragmatic attitude continues. In response to the question ‘How have their roots is celebrating too. do you want to be remembered?’ BJ answers: “I don’t need to be Just as Catherine and Jack have quietly made it their priority to remembered. I need to do what I can while I’m here, but when I’m actively volunteer behind the scenes for countless community gone, I’m gone. Anything I have done stays behind.” endeavours, the Facca-Mindorff Family Fund is quietly investing in Words to live by, according to BJ: “Live. Love. Laugh. Learn. the community and causes they love. And leave a legacy!” The grants aren’t simply a hand-out, Catherine said. “There’s a difference between charity and investing and I have seen these (Foundation) grants make a difference in people’s lives.

“We consider it an investment in people.”

22 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities the gift that keeps on giving

For Ken and Lolly Pettigrew, it’s not about giving back to their community, it’s about paying it forward.

The Grimsby couple, who founded the Pettigrew Family Fund in the Niagara Community Foundation’s Grimsby Community Fund, said their lives and the lives of their children have been enriched by their community and they wanted to do what they could to ensure future families will be similarly blessed.

And taking a leading role was easier – and more affordable – than they expected. Through decades of involvement in key local charities, the couple knew about many good causes that need ongoing financial support, and, to their surprise, they found the initial contribution to establish a fund – $5,000 – was something they could afford.

“We are just regular people; we don’t consider ourselves wealthy,” Lolly said. They have since found other ways to add to their fund since it was established. For example, when Ken retired from his position as sexton at Trinity United Church, he asked that his retirement gift from the congregation be a contribution to the Pettigrew Fund. It was the couple’s strategic way of calling attention to what they saw as an opportunity for many others to emulate.

“If folks like us can do this, you can too,” said Ken. “A coffee a day and you’ve got it covered.”

The contributions to the fund are held in perpetuity, and the proceeds are given away. “Long after we are gone, the Pettigrew Family Fund will continue to give,” Ken said. “And the money stays in our community, which is important to us.”

The Pettigrews say their grown children also really liked the idea, and the children’s Christmas gift to their parents this year was another contribution to the fund. That gesture delighted Ken and Lolly.

Declares Lolly: “It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”

Endowment Funds Continue to Grow

The Foundation has a different face to each of our donors. that is within one’s capacity to give. We strongly advise Their funds can support a particular cause, community or donors to speak to their family, lawyer, accountant or charity and once a fund is opened anyone can make gifts of financial planner to determine the best way to make a gift any amount, in any way, at any time. Donations can also be that maximizes their tax and estate goals. made in honour or memory of a loved one. $35,000,000.00 There are many ways to make a gift to the Foundation. Endowment fund growth These include cash, securities, bequests, special event $30,000,000.00 proceeds, property, and insurance policies. Our role is to work with donors to ensure that their charitable intent is $25,000,000.00 achieved through their gift.

There are a number of options for donors when considering $20,000,000.00 how long they would like their fund to be active. Most of our funds are held in perpetuity, where the capital is $15,000,000.00 preserved and a portion of the annual earnings on the fund are allocated to charities. Funds can also be held for a $10,000,000.00 specific length of time or established to have a fixed annual distribution. In these later two examples both the capital and $5,000,000.00 the earnings are distributed.

However, with increasing demands for support, it is $0.00 important to take the time to determine how to make ‘the best 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 gift’, a gift that provides maximum benefits to the community 2015 2016 Dollars

Smart and Caring Community Funds

In 2012 we created a group of sector-based funds that Donors interested in supporting future community needs support current and emerging community needs. We called are able to make a contribution to the Niagara Fund or these our Smart and Caring Funds in recognition of the one of the local community funds listed below. Grants vision of Governor General David Johnston, the patron of from community funds are restricted to charities providing Community Foundations of Canada, to build smart and programs and services in those municipalities. caring communities based on three pillars: innovation, Donors can create a named fund within any of our philanthropy and volunteerism. community funds or our Smart and Caring funds with a Our current funding priorities include: initiatives that gift of $5,000, which can be gifted either on an annual align with priorities identified in the Living in Niagara or monthly basis. Report, resources to help charities become more efficient and effective and leadership development and training opportunities for the voluntary sector.

24 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities ENDOWMENT FUNDS CONTINUE TO GROW

Niagara Funds ■ * Vintage Hotels Niagara-on-the-Lake them, ranging from education and the environment ■ Alice Downie-Bacon Community Fund Community Fund to children, culture, health and welfare. Since the Foundation supports all charitable sectors we have ■ Andrea Douglas Fund Niagara West Funds ■ Beth & Murton Seymour Family Fund the ability to connect donors’ passions with local ■ Bruce & Bonnie Wallace Family Fund ■ Branscombe Families Fund organizations through the creation of Smart & Caring ■ Ericway Tire Community Fund ■ Canada GOATS Endowment Fund Community Impact Funds. These funds can be ■ Ken and Jennifer Southward Family Fund ■ Charron Family Fund opened with $25,000 which can be pledged over a ■ M. K. Rittenhouse Family Fund ■ Crawford Smith & Swallow Fund five-year period. Once a fund is opened, donations ■ Niagara West Community Fund ■ Dr. T. W. & Muriel O’Mulvenny Fund can be added to any of the funds listed below. ■ Elvi Vicary Fund Pelham Funds Named funds can be created within an existing ■ Fallsview Casino Resort Fund ■ Adamson Family Fund Smart & Caring Fund with a $5,000 donation. ■ George & Doris Shepherd Family Fund ■ Augustyn Berkhout Family Fund ■ Jack and Nora Walker Fund ■ Pelham Community Fund Animal Welfare ■ Janet St. Amand & Doug Herod Fund ■ Earl & Ida Clarke Animal Welfare Fund ■ John & Jan Potts Fund Port Colborne Funds ■ LetPets Live Fund ■ * JP Fund ■ Brend Butler Family Fund ■ Niagara Falls Humane Society Shelter ■ * Judith Barker Fund ■ Dr. Scotty & Kay Wilson Legacy Fund Enhancement Fund ■ Gary Talosi Thanks Port Colborne Fund ■ June Munro Fund Children & Youth ■ Marchand Kruczynski Family Fund ■ Gordon Hurst Fund ■ Smart & Caring Children & Youth Fund ■ Marv Kriluck Fund ■ Hartley & Florentine Wallace Fund for Niagara ■ Meridian Credit Union Fund ■ John and Darlene Tuck Family Fund ■ Ann Fast Fund ■ Niagara Fund ■ Marsh Family Fund ■ Anna Angelone Endowment Fund ■ Niagara Road Supervisors Association Fund ■ Port Colborne Community Fund ■ Big Brothers Big Sisters Endowment Fund ■ Regional Chair’s Smart and Caring ■ Port Colborne Downtown Cruiser’s Assoc. Fund ■ Brend Butler Family Fund 4 Community Fund ■ Tom and Mary Cronin Fund ■ Brock Leaders Citizenship Society Fund ■ Waters & Meredith Fund ■ Verna and Maurice Walker Fund ■ CARMI for Kids Fund ■ Woodhead Family Fund St. Catharines Funds ■ David and Susanne DiLalla Howes Family Fund Fort Erie Funds ■ Burgoyne Doolittle Fund ■ Gark Family Fund ■ Facca-Mindorff Family Fund ■ Caplan Family Anniversary Legacy Fund ■ Hammond Family Fund ■ Fort Erie Fund ■ Durward Jones Barkwell ■ Investing in St. Catharines Youth Fund ■ Little-Green Family Fund ■ Investing in St. Catharines Youth Fund ■ Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara Fund ■ Jean Whitty Family Fund ■ Niagara Foundation for Family Grimsby Funds ■ Newman Rigby Family Fund and Children’s Services Endowment Fund ■ Grimsby Community Fund ■ St. Catharines Fund ■ Ontario Endowment for Children & Youth ■ Grimsby Benevolent Fund ■ Whyte Family Endowment Fund in Recreation ■ Pettigrew Family Fund ■ Pathstone Foundation Fund ■ * Todd Family Fund Thorold Funds ■ Robert A. Lavelle Memorial Fund ■ * Mario and Rachel De Divitiis Fund ■ Secord-Reid Family Fund Lincoln Funds ■ * Thorold Community Fund ■ Summer Camp Fund ■ Holmes Barrett Family Fund ■ Welland Flatwater Fund ■ Lincoln Community Fund Wainfleet Funds ■ Young Children Priority First - Kiwanis Fund ■ Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Fund ■ Robson Family Fund ■ Hopkins Hill Family Fund ■ Wainfleet Community Fund Culture Welland Funds ■ Smart & Caring Cultural Endowment Niagara Falls Funds Fund for Niagara ■ Americana-DiBellonia Family Fund ■ Angie & Gary Talosi Family Fund ■ Alice Crawley Endowment Fund for ■ Courtyard Marriott Hotel Fund ■ Groom Jensen Family Fund Women Artists’ Fund ■ DiCienzo Family Fund ■ Neill Terry Family Fund ■ Arthur Dalfen Fund ■ Embassy Suites Hotel Niagara Falls Fallsview Fund ■ Peter & Andrew Papp Family Fund ■ Arts & Heritage Commmunity Development ■ Hay Family Fund ■ Raymond & June Harper Fund Fund for the Old Town of NOTL and Village ■ Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Fund ■ Welland Community Fund of Queenston ■ Niagara Falls Community Fund ■ Welland Mayor’s Children & Youth Fund ■ Audrey Shimizu Memorial Fund ■ Ripley’s Great Wolf Lodge Fund Smart & Caring Community ■ Carol Leppert Music Fund for Steele Street School Niagara-on-the-Lake Funds Impact Funds ■ Carol Leppert Music Fund for Winger Public School ■ Grimsby Museum Endowment Fund ■ * Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Fund Donors are passionate about causes that matter to

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 25 ENDOWMENT FUNDS CONTINUE TO GROW

■ Mayholme Foundation Fund ■ Nelson Aggregate Environmental Fund donor to have ongoing participation in the selection ■ Niagara Children’s Chorus Fund ■ Niagara CAER Group Fund of charities benefitting from their fund. Donors can ■ NOTL Library Michael Dietsch Fund ■ Niagara Land Trust Endowment Fund also name successor advisors so that their legacy is ■ NOTL Public Library Fund ■ Regional Chair’s Environmental Legacy continued by future generations. These funds can be ■ * Niagara Symphony Assc. Endowment Fund Fund for Niagara established with a minimum donation of $25,000. ■ * Pelham Public Library Endowment Fund ■ Roll Surface Technologies Inc. Fund ■ Andreana Family Trust ■ Regan Peacock-Fung Memorial Art Fund ■ RV Anderson Associates Fund ■ Beatties Basics Anniversary Fund ■ Robert Cooper Choral Scholars Fund ■ RWDI Air Inc. Fund ■ Bluevalley Foundation ■ Smylski-Attenborough Fund ■ Samuel L. Rudolph Memorial Fund ■ Brunatti-Dyment Fund ■ Valentina McLeod Fund ■ Urban & Environmental Mgmt Fund ■ Bush Family Fund ■ W. S. Tyler Canada Environmental Fund ■ Cornelius & Helen Vanden Top Charity Fund Education & Leadership ■ Walker Industries Earth 1st Fund ■ Donald & Barbara Fraser Family Endowment Fund ■ Smart & Caring Education & Leadership ■ Walter & Sons Excavating Environment Fund ■ George Darte Funeral Chapel Fund Fund for Niagara ■ Gerry Kowalchuk Family Fund ■ Anonymous Fund Health & Well-being ■ Grocholsky Family Fund ■ Adult Literacy Council of Greater Fort Erie Fund ■ Smart & Caring Health & Well-being ■ Ida & Bob Gale Sr. Community Fund ■ Alice Downie-Bacon Designated Fund Fund for Niagara ■ Jordan Engineering Shared Blessings Fund ■ CFUW St. Catharines Endowment Fund ■ Bethlehem Housing and Support Services ■ Lynn and Kevan’s Niagara Charities Fund ■ Children of Niagara’s Migrant Workers Award Endowment Fund ■ Matthew Zimmerman Memorial Fund Endowment Fund ■ Brend Butler Family Fund 2 ■ M&N Walker Foundation ■ Chuck & Judy Smith Bursary Fund ■ Chris Lackenbauer Memorial Fund ■ Marchand Kruczynski Family Fund ■ DiCienzo Family FT Fund ■ Colleen Kiers Memorial Fund ■ Morgan Funeral Home Community Fund ■ * Education Foundation of Niagara Bursary Fund ■ Community Care - St. Catharines Thorold Fund ■ Peter Partridge & Poppy Gilliam Family Fund for DSBN Academy Students ■ Community Living St. Catharines Endowment Fund ■ Stephen Souter Memorial Fund ■ * Education Foundation of Niagara Bursary Fund ■ Ed and Rosalie Vasso Fund ■ Stewart Family Endowment Fund for DSBN Students ■ Headway Homes Fund ■ Sullivan Mahoney Endowment Fund ■ Education Foundation of Niagara Fund ■ Hospice Niagara Fund ■ Education Foundation of Niagara Poverty & ■ Howard V. Staff Memorial Fund Donor Designated Funds Emergency Relief Fund ■ Jessie and Oscar Thompson Memorial Fund These funds provide on-going annual support to ■ Ferrara Kennedy Student Award Fund ■ Joan E Marlow Salvation Army Endowment Fund charities important to donors and their families. ■ Gene Luczkiw Spirit of Enterprise ■ Joan E. Marlow YWCA Endowment Fund The minimum donation is $10,000 per charity to Endowment Fund ■ Joan Tovenati Fund be supported. ■ * George and Jackie Thomas Bursary ■ John and Lillian Clark Fund ■ Anonymous ■ Groch Family Fund ■ Katey Marie Campbell Fund ■ Adrie’s House of Hope Fund ■ * Jessica Potts Fund ■ Mayflowers Fund ■ Art & Val Fleming Fund ■ John-Micheal Martin Memorial Fund ■ McNally House Endowment Fund ■ Bob Gale Recreation Fund ■ Jordan Engineering Jane Cunningham Fund ■ Morabito Family Fund ■ * Brend Butler Family Fund 3 ■ * Kuska Family Memorial Student Awards Fund ■ Necklaces of Hope Foundation ■ Caughill Family Fund ■ Larry and Olga Andrusiw Paramedic Award Fund ■ Niagara Aboriginal Advancement Fund ■ Cornelius & Helen Vanden Top Charity Foundation ■ Lycett Family Fund ■ Niagara Survivor Services Fund ■ Dr. Jaroslaus and Mrs. Edith Czerevko Family Fund ■ Niagara Engineering Week Scholarship Fund ■ Patrick & Nancy McNally Family Fund ■ * Frederika & Benjamin Van Hoffen Charitable Fdn. ■ Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters Scholarship Fund ■ Rankin Cancer Run Foundation ■ Hildebrand Lehn Family Fund ■ Niagara Peninsula Energy Award Fund ■ Red Roof Retreat Fund ■ Joan E. Marlow Fund ■ * Palmieri Family Fund ■ Upper Canada Lodge Auxiliary ■ Kiers Family Fund ■ Sunday in the Parks Fund - Constable Family Fund ■ Lincoln County Fair Endowment Fund ■ Zonta Club of Niagara Falls Fund ■ Welland Hospital Foundation Endowment Fund ■ NCF Operational Endowment Fund ■ * R&K Fund Environment ■ Wellspring HOPE Fund ■ Women’s Place of South Niagara End. Fund ■ * Semley-McKeown Family Fund ■ Smart & Caring Environment Legacy Fund ■ Smithville and District Lions Club Fund ■ Bert Miller Nature Club Endowment Fund Spiritual ■ Troup Family Memorial Fund ■ Conservation Niagara Fund ■ Assunta and Cesare Bonelli Fund ■ William and Mary Lu Ellis Fund ■ Enbridge Awaire Fund ■ Church of the Transfiguration Education Fund ■ Wills Family Foundation ■ Fengate Realty Group Environment Fund ■ St. Giles Presbyterian Church CEVO Fund ■ Fort Erie Conservation Club Fund *Represents funds created in 2016 ■ Friends of Fort Erie’s Creeks Fund Donor Advised Funds ■ Harry Deline Fund These funds appeal to donors interested in creating ■ Land Care Niagara Fund their own family foundation as they enable the

26 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 2016 donors

1825156 Ontario Inc. o/a Pet Valu Bruce Brown David J. Fast Chartered Accountant Barbara Gelb 2150844 Ontario Inc BTB Mortgage Solutions Barbara Davidson John Gerden Michael Abbott Heather Buchanan Bill Versluis and Peggy Davidson Mike Gibson Martha Abra Tony and Madeleine Bufalino Richard Davidson Margaret Gillespie Frank Adamson John Bullivant Tina Davis Kelly Gleeson and Fred Thompson Liz Aldrey Sarah Burley Hollows Mario De Divitiis Darlene Goad Michele Allen Gary and Sarah Burroughs Heather Deans Alan Goddard Deborah Allerton J. R. Bush Pauline Deguire Gary Golbeck Lise Andreana Patrick Bush Stephanie DeGuzman Carolyn Goodwin Jo Ashwell Business Development Bank of Canada Clarice del Mundo Doug Goslin John Ashwood (BDC) Rachel Delaney Joseph Gottli Monique Atherton Business Education Council of Niagara Rheal and Susan Demers Government of Canada - Heritage Paul Atkinson Caldwell Securities Ltd. Robert and Kathy Demers Canada Debra Attenborough Anna Campbell Vera and Al Derbyshire Colleen Graham Rob & Julia Audette Wayne and Helga Campbell Christopher Dilts Robert & Sheila Graham Eric Augustino and Savanna Bond Janet Cannon Bob Dingman and Marnie Collins Paul and Ginny Green David Augustyn Bernice Caplan District School Board of Niagara Dr. Greenway and Dr. O’Reilly Murray Austin Frank and Dina Caplan Kelly Doan Bonnie Grimm Leo Ayotte Carol Carbonaro Allan & Darlene Dobbin Roman Groch B. A. Loney Services Inc. Mark Carl Chelsea Dobson Mary Ellen Groom Max and Theresa Bailey Pino and Helene Carriero Jacqueline Donnelly Grooming Boutique Laura Bakin Carla and Roger Cavasin Rick Dritsacos Irmi Hack Chris Bangham Central United Church United Church DSBN - Twenty Valley Public School Mike Halliday Jason Leo Bantle Women Edith M. Duncan Shirley Hamilton Judith Barker Centre de santé communautaire Durward Jones Barkwell Kurt Hamm Donald Barnes Hamilton/Niagara & Company LLP Peter and Linda Hammond Jenn Barr Don and Judy Chabot Andrew and Laurie Dyck Jeremy Harb Betty Baxter Helen Chalcraft Lyle & Roberta Dyment David Harder Tanya Beals Susan Chapman Lynda Sue Eads Terry Harford Beatties Basics Ltd Mary Theresa Charron Eagle Valley Golf Club Matthew Harris Patrick & Gigi Beaudoin William and Judith Charron Christine Earl Zachary Harris Jennifer Beck Jean Chartrand Pamela Earl Harris Sign Company Inc. Peter Bedard Hallie Chase eBay Inc. Bev Harvey Lori Beech Chorus Niagara Education Foundation of Niagara Shirley Harvie Peter Beens City of Niagara Falls Amy Elder Kim and Kevin Hay Richard Berti City of Thorold Chrisitne Elia Robert and Sharon Hay Shannon Betts John Clare Rob Ellsworth Susan Hay Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Tiffany Clark Eskoot Niagara Ltd. Ashley and Tony Hayes Niagara Alexandra Clarkson Estate of Doreen Butler Helen Henderson Stephanie Bignell Clickback Inc. ETFO Niagara Occasional Teachers Hendriks Valu-Mart G. Mel Bird Club Italia, Niagara, Order of Sons Jack Facca Christine Hennessy Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls Ltd of Italy Fallsview Casino Resort Alex Herlovitch Moe and Steffanie Bjorgan Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc. Jayna Faragher Doug Hernder Stewart Black Phyllis Colton Geri Fazakas Judy Hewko Michael Blakely Diana Continenza April Feasby Dave and Marian Heydon Andy and Brenda Blew Diane Corkum Nino Ferantelli and Jen Roberts Wilma Hickman Diana Bondio Cornerstone Home Services Inc. Mario Ferrara Dave & Linda Higgins Michael Bonomi Denise Cote and Kenneth Hines John Fisher John Hill Dan Borowski Melanie Coxon Catharine Flachs Laura Hills Tim Borowski Bernice Crawford Michael Flynn Gail Hilyer Wendy Bowle-Evans Robert and Alyson Crawford Sue Forcier Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Jim Bradley Nancy Croce Helen Forrest Conference Centre Natasha Bradley Barry Cromarty Delwyn and Diane Fraipont Gary and Louella Holland Paul Bradley Cropac Equipment Inc. Barbara Fraser David Holmes Barry Brady Warren Crosbie Ian Fraser Kimberly and Michael Holmes Ann-Louise Branscombe Rob Culliton Norman & Anne Marie Froud Sara Holmes & Ian Barrett Branscombe Family Foundation Mary Jean Dal Bello Bette Gallander Homes by DeSantis David Braun Joseph Dallal Carrie Gallen-Noell Ruth Hope Denis and Diane Brochu Carmelina D’Angelo Richard Gark Carol Hopgood James Brooks Dan’s Produce Ltd. Robin Garrett Jennifer Hopkins Anthony Broski Peter D’aurora Gary Gaverluk Sandy Horvat McIntyre

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 27 2016 DONORS Matt Houtby LJM Developments Grimsby Inc. Victor Muratori Harry Preenen James Howden Nancy Lockhart Susan Murray Sara Premi Marsha Howe Lindsey Loft Anna Murre Pretty Paws Dog Grooming Vija Howe Marilyn Loft Carol Myers Shamika Promo Amanda Hughes Rob & Christine Long Sue Napper Puglisi Farms Dave Hughes Losani Homes (1998) Ltd Jeff Neill Heather Pullen Martin Hughes Mike and Wendy Lostracco Rob and Pat Neill Judy Quagliariello Ceri Hugill Loud+Clear Lorraine Nemeth John Quinn Marlene Humphrey Jodi Lycett Petrina Nesbitt Perry Quinn Jane Humphries Muriel Lynch Niagara 21st Group Inc. (Courtyard R.Tisi Professional Corporation Darlene Inglis M.K. Rittenhouse and Sons Ltd by Marriott) Carol Radford Insurance Brokers Association of Bruce MacDonald Niagara CAER Group Janice Randles Niagara Falls Duncan and Judith Macfarlane Niagara Canine Conditioning Tom and Elizabeth Rankin Irish Design Ltd. Alison MacTavish Centre Inc. Tom Ratkovsky Mary Jackson Steve Magannety Niagara College Diane Rawsthorn George Janiszewski Allan & Betty Magnacca Niagara Engineering Week Committee John and Shirley Rednall Margaret Jarrell Bruce and Jennifer Malcolm Niagara Falls Hydro Holding Zach Redpath Ray and Dianne Jeffrey Andrew Maloney Corporation Michelle Reynolds and Tim Balasiuk April Jeffs Patrick Maloney Niagara Falls Labour Charitable Tom Richardson Alison Jenkins Michael Mann Foundation Ridley College Elaine Jenkins Pamela Manning Niagara Food Specialities Inc. Tim & Gini Rigby Scott and Darka Jensen Sarie Marais Van Zeeland Niagara Hospitality Hotels Inc. Josephine Rigg Jiffy Lube (771872 Ontario Ltd) Marama Management Ltd. - Victoria Niagara on the Lake Realty (1994) Mark & Wendy Rittenhouse Joan Crawford Graphic Design Gallery Cafe Limited River Realty Development (1976) Inc. Bev Jong Marshville Heritage Society Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Robert Martin Engineering Inc. Judith Hill CGA Professional John and Diane Martin Niagara Symphony Association Joseph and Anita Robertson Corporation Suzanne Martin Niagara Warehouse Management Patrick and Kelly Robson John Julien Rod Mcauley Niagara-on-the-Lake Jewellers Steven and Mary Jane Rochefort Ellis Katsof Glen McCann David Nicholson Mary Romano Malcolm and Elizabeth Kay Greg and Brigit McCaughey Jennifer Nickerson BJ Romans Dan Keays Robert and Elaine McCaughey John Nicol Bryan Rose Sean Keays Jim McCollum Nine Zero Five Salon Ria Rosenberg and Stephen Levy Anne Kemp Judith McCulloch Peter Nixon Rotary Club of Lincoln Foundation Kenmore Developments Inc. Kenneth and Mary McElheran John & Linda O’Connell Susan Roth George and Roslyn Keri Anne-Marie McElrone James O’Connor Royal LePage Phyllis Kerkhoven Coletta McGrath Kevan O’Connor and Lynn Masaro Ian Rutherford Roz Kerri Woody McKaig Gudrun O’Flynn Michael Rutherford Kevin J. Clark Dentistry Professional Gordon McKindsey Fisher Oksana Missy Sauer Corporation MCP Trilogy Sidney and Helen Orvitz Chrisitine Sauriol O Khorshed Ed and Esther McWatters Diane and Henry Paetkau Amy Sawyer William and Sandra King Laura Menechella Alice Page Tony and Maria Scaringi Dianne Kirwin Maria Menechella Janie Palmer Bob and Lorna Schatz John and Diane Kiser Sarah Menninen Liz Palmieri Chris Schatz Kontiki Investment Club Meridian Mike Palmieri Chris Schoures Gerald Kowalchuk Meridian Credit Union Lesley Parsons Caroline Schweitzer JoAnne Krick Roland Miljus Peter and Janet Partridge Scotiabank Paul Lafontaine Roger Miller Peter W. Partridge and Poppy Gilliam Andre Seguin Lambco Enterprises Parise Milligan Cindy Paskey Marc Seguin Peggy Lampard Anne Mirynech Pathstone Foundation David & Fran Semley Susan Lampman Sally Mitchell Scott and Robyn Pearson Florence Semley Lancaster Brooks & Welch LLP MNP LLP Pelham Public Library Geoffrey Seymour Helene Lapalme Mohawk College PenFinancial Credit Union Kathy Seymour Rose Lattanzi Elizabeth Mollica Irmgard Penner Lana Sgambelluri Jane LeCain JoAnne Monych Stacy Penner James Shanahan Susan Lee Cynthia Moor Henri and Nicole Perreault Tamara Shanahan Joseph and Suzanne Lefebvre Patricia Moore Ken and Laurilee Pettigrew Barry and Patricia Sharpe Kim LeGros-Whetham Meaghan Morel Pharmasave - Simpson’s Pharmacy John Sharpe Vic Lesnicki Morgan Funeral Homes Will Pisek Shaw Festival Theatre Lifelease Non-Profit Residences Joyce Morocco Milan Plentai Geraldine Sheehan St. Catharines Corp Brian Morrison Jessica Potts Philip Sheehan Georgia Linney Arthur and Franca Moss John and Jan Potts Debra Sherk Kasia Lisiecka A J Moxam Deborah Pratt Elliott Sherlock

28 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 2016 DONORS Jim & Anne Sifton Janice Thomson Bruce Warren Marc and Debbie Slade Ruth Todd Holly Washuta Derryck Smith Treadwells Restaurant Paul and Carolyn Weiss Marlene Smith Muriel Triano Brody Whetham Nancy Smith Barb Troup Kathleen White Betty-Lou Souter Bradley Troup Robert Whitenect Janet St. Amand & Doug Herod John and Darlene Tuck Doug and Sally Whyte St. Giles Presbyterian Church Leanne Tuck Brian Wiese Marcel St. Onge Upper Canada Animal Hospital Marie Wiese Wendy Staff Professional Corporation Ron Williams Stamford Realty Ltd. Carl and Eileen Urben Ronald Williams David Fast and Karen Stearne V. Gibbons Contracting Ltd. Richard Williamson Mark Steinman Rocky Vacca Willow Cakes and Pastries Kyle Stephenson Leona Vaillancourt Lois Wills Kathryn M. Stewart Mark Vajda Christopher H. Wilson Susan Stewart Barb Van Der Heyden Dave Wilson Yvette Stewart Richard and Margie van Gelder Wendy and Chris Wing Rudolf Stohr Benjamin and Frederika Van Hoffen Mike Wiss Mike Strange Bonnie Van Schoewen Madeline Woodhead Ken & Sharon Sullivan Lisa van Straten Tim and Madeline Woodhead Sullivan Mahoney Ed Vasso Gail Woodruff Sharon & Donald Svob Verge Insurance Mandy Wychreschuk We extend our sincere gratitude to all Gary and Angie Talosi Vintage Hotels / Lais Hotel Properties Y.T.S. Productions Inc. o/a Magicuts Donors – including those not listed and Tango Boutique (1645529 Ontario Inc.) Limited Chris Yakymishen wish to remain anonymous. Every effort Corlene Taylor Anne Virag Blair Yauch has been made to ensure the accuracy Brian Teichgraf Natasha Vuckovic Steve Yochim and completeness of these very The 2% Factor Christina Walker Hedy Ziesmann important lists. If you discover an The Brain Farm Walker Industries Holdings Ltd. Gloria Zimmerman omission or error, please accept our The Fruitshack Tom Wall Paul Zimmerman apologies and notify the Foundation The Hair Lover’s Place Bob and Dana Walters The River Realty Foundation Cynthia Ward Office. We will ensure that this is John Thompson Bill Warren rectified in the 2017 Annual Report.

MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS HERITAGE SOCIETY During 2016, gifts were received by the Foundation Members of the society have included the Foundation in their estate in honour or in memory of the following individuals: plan making a real difference in our community’s future. We would Eric Augustino and Savanna Bond, Katey Marie Campbell, Wayne Campbell like to thank the following people who have named the Niagara Frank Caplan, Jan Cook, Howard Crawford, Bill Denler, Emma, Vic Flus, Community Foundation in their will, donated a life insurance policy Barbara J. Fraser, Sandra Konderka, Maddie, Bart Maves Sr., Valentina McLeod, Scott Nicholson, Dr. John Palmer, Liz Palmieri, Ken and Lolly or will be donating the proceeds from their RRSPs: Pettigrew, Stan Pettit, Irma Robitaille, John Walker. Debra Attenborough, Chris & Ann Bangham, Norm Bradshaw, Ann-Louise Branscombe, Elizabeth Connor-Elliott, John P. Cunningham, Moira Davidson, Barbara Davidson, Daniel Davidson, Rachel Delaney, Sandra Durward, Robert C. Gibson, Roman Groch, Harvey & Mary Jane Hall, Bob & Esther Hougham, Brad Hutchings, April Jeffs, Alan Jostman, Anne Kemp, Sharon Kirk, Ann Koppel, Rob & Christine Long, Mary Mauriello, Greg and Rena McDonald, Daryl Novak and Brian Harrison, Liz Palmieri, Cindy Paskey, Kathleen Summers and John Picken, Liz Powell, Mora Richmond, BJ Romans, Annemarie Rosenberg and Stephen Levy, David & Molly Simpson, Marc and Debbie Slade, Betty-Lou Souter, Dave and Sonia Stevenson, Virginia Stewart, Graham & Pearl Sweeting, Carl and Eileen Urben, Leona Vaillancourt & John Habuda, Robert and Kathie Welch, Doug and Sally Whyte, Hedy Ziesmann, Debbie Zimmerman.

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 29 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For the Year End December 31, 2016 2016 2015 2014 Total Assets $31,610,499 $28,967,043 $27,588,295 Gross Fundraising and Event Revenue $257,438 $249,995 $343,627 Total Donations $2,740,250 $852,811 $2,551,636 Total Revenue $5,011,267 $3,613,545 $5,498,694 Total Grants $1,309,871 $1,473,494 $1,111,589 Total Charitable Programs $124,952 $100,573 $77,130 Total Special Projects $51,171 $50,227 $251,830 Total Fundraising Expenses $246,539 $185,848 $261,528 Total Administrative and Governance Expenses $432,583 $395,459 $404,223 Total Endowments $30,649,093 $28,731,520 $27,294,015

% of Admin/Governance to Total Endowment 1.41% 1.38% 1.48% % of Fundraising Expenses to Total Endowment 0.80% 0.65% 0.96%

allocation to GRANTS & SOURCE OF REVENUE charitable programs $5,011,267

Animal Welfare 3% Sports & Recreation 4% Special Projects 2%

Culture 19% Investment Income 33% Spiritual 24%

Education 8%

Donations 61% Environment 2%

Social Service 19% Special Events and Other Health 21% Fundraising 4%

To view the audited financial statements, please visit: www.niagaracommunityfoundation.org/about us

30 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities FINANCIAL AND GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS Governance The Board’s role is to set policy and to question, scrutinize and Investment fees and returns monitor the management of the Foundation’s affairs. It is a role of The Foundation’s investments are pooled with a number of other governance as opposed to operational management. The Board’s public foundations and charities in an investment pool with the Toronto primary responsibility is to build and ensure sound management of Foundation (TF). This relationship has been in place since 2001 and is the Foundation. It oversees the Foundation’s management and ensures re-evaluated on a regular basis by the Investment Committee. that the affairs of the Foundation are being conducted in a manner that achieves its goals, consistent with the Foundation’s mission. The Board The endowments are invested according to the investment policy meets five times throughout the year plus a special meeting for strategic guidelines established by Foundation’s board and are available at planning. The Role of Board and Executive and the Scope of Authority www.niagaracommunityfoundation.org. All portfolios are managed by policies are in place to delineate responsibility between board and professional investment managers and in accordance with the policy. staff. The Board has also adopted a Code of Ethics and Confidentiality policy for board, staff and volunteers. Asset Mix and Targets Operations Asset Mix Target The Foundation’s staff is led by the Executive Director, who reports Cash and cash equivalents 0 per cent to 50 per cent to an independent board of directors. Operating costs include asset Equities and alternate strategies 50 per cent to 95 per cent development, charitable activities, special projects, administration Fixed income 5 per cent to 50 per cent and governance. Once again, the Foundation also received funding in 2016 from Niagara Region to support the position of Convenor The average investment fee paid for 2016 was 0.57% for funds in the for the Niagara Prosperity Initiative. This funding enables us to bring TF investment pool. The investment fee is charged monthly to each fund community groups together to guide poverty reduction initiatives. on a pro-rated basis. Investments returned 4.5% in 2016.

Fund development, administration and governance expenses for the In November 2012, the board of the Foundation made a commitment fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $679,122. This figure to invest $500,000 in the Community Forward Fund, a social finance does not include special projects that were funded separately from investment fund. The initial draw on this investment took place in normal operating revenue. The expense of development activities is February 2014. As of December 31, 2016 the Foundation has not necessarily related to the donations received in any one year and invested $358,576 in this fund. For 2016 the investment returns on this gift delays result in costs preceding the receipt of gifts by several years fund were 2.75%. The Board is willing to have a lower return because (for example, gifts in wills and life insurance). As a result, consistent 100% of the capital is invested with non-profits and charities. with the community foundation sector, operating costs are evaluated by a ratio of total core operating expenses (excluding special projects) to total endowment. For 2016, that percentage was 2.21% (up from 2.04% in 2015), but is still below the range of community foundations of similar size and stage of development. Each endowment fund is charged a pro-rated administration fee of up to 1.25 per cent which helps to offset these expenses.

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 31 FINANCIAL AND GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Risk management Compensation The Board has a comprehensive risk management policy The Board has established salary ranges for each of the covering legislative and legal, fiscal performance, financial Foundation employees. The ranges are determined based on reporting, management of volunteers, effective management reviewing similar positions within the community foundation and governance, economic risk, and donor and volunteer sector across Canada as well as similar positions within stewardship. The Finance Committee annually reviews the Niagara. Ranges are adjusted regularly to reflect cost of Foundation’s exposure to risk and mitigants to address perceived living changes. Movement through the range is dependent or actual risks. The Board regularly considers risk exposure as on performance. For 2016, $131,117 was allocated for the part of its deliberations. The price risk related to investments Executive Director’s salary. This includes two weeks of overlap arises due to fluctuations as a result of changes in market prices between Executive Directors, a retirement bonus and a stipend whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the to keep the retiring Executive Director on retainer for six months. individual security or its issuer or factors affecting all securities traded in the market. Accordingly, the Foundation is exposed to Board recruitment, orientation and training the effects of the market fluctuations. The Bylaws of the Foundation set out the Board recruitment process. Nominees from across Niagara are identified based Accreditation on current board attributes and future strategic needs. The Board In 2012, the Foundation received accreditation through is comprised of 17 members who are elected for a three-year Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. The Foundation term, which can be renewed once. The term can be extended if was one of the first community foundations accredited in a director is serving as the vice-chair, chair or past-chair. Canada. The program offers a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and nonprofits wishing to enhance their New directors take part in a formal orientation program. effectiveness in the fundamentals of governance, paid-staff Board training takes place at each meeting and additional management, financial accountability, fundraising and volunteer opportunities are provided throughout the year for members to management. The program includes a voluntary accreditation participate in professional development provided by Community program for organizations wishing to publicly demonstrate Foundations of Canada. they have successfully met the standards through a third-party peer review process. 2016 saw the Foundation go through Imagine Canada’s Re-Accreditation process to confirm that the organization is exceeding the standards for charitable excellence.

Evaluation The Board has adopted a comprehensive annual process to evaluate its performance. The results of the evaluation are reviewed at its November meeting where actions to improve board performance are implemented. Moving forward the evaluation will be reviewed at the April meeting. This process is done on a biennial basis with Foundation committees. Employees of the Foundation participate in annual performance appraisals, which include on-going review throughout the year. The Executive Director’s review is presented annually to the Board by the Board Chair.

32 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS The contribution of time and talents of our volunteers, donors and staff is the ‘intangible wealth’ of the Foundation. Starting in 2012 we began tracking the number of hours our volunteers contributed. Last year they contributed 1,923 hours, and based on $15/hr hour, this gift works out to almost $29,000 in support! Thank you so much for this contribution of time and talent.

Board of Directors Ambassadors John Armstrong, Sandy Annunziata, Brian Babcock, Ann-Louise Branscombe, Frank Caplan, Madeline Woodhead (Chair) Investment Advisor, National Bank Financial Bill Charron, Pat Darte, Andrea Douglas, Denise Elliott, John Fisher, Alan Goddard, Eric Gilbert, Mel Groom, Brad Hutchings, Paul Jones, Paul Leon, Rena McDonald, Maria Menechella, Shirley Jodi Lycett (Past-Chair) Martin, Victor Muratori, Rob Neill, Eugene Oatley, John Palumbo, Stan Pettit*, John Potts, Partner, Durward Jones Barkwell & Co. LLP Kelly Robson, Betty-Lou Souter, Wade Stayzer, Mary Turner, Rob Welch, Chris Wilson Bob Watson (Vice-Chair) Retired, CEO, PenFinancial Credit Union Grimsby Fund advisory committee Naomi Beirnes, Gary Evans (Chair), Alan Goddard, Jim Howden, Ken Pettigrew, Amanda Pyper, Ruth Todd (Treasurer) Bryan Rose (Staff), Tony Quirk, Ruth Todd, Trish Vidler (Staff) Managing Partner, KPMG Hamilton Niagara lincoln Fund advisory committee Carrie Beatty (Chair), Rob Foster, Rich Gark, Sara Holmes, Adrian Pennachetti, Stuart Reimer, Directors Bryan Rose (Staff), Trish Vidler (Staff), David Wood Dino DiCienzo Niagara-on-the-lake fund advisory committee CEO, Canadian Niagara Hotels and Entertainment Inc. Ann-Louise Branscombe, Nancy Brazeau, Ken Bridgman, Wendy Cheropita (Chair), Lord Mayor Pat Mario Ferrara Darte, Brianne Hawley, Joan King, Liesa Lepp, Debi Pratt, Bryan Rose (Staff), Shawn Spiewak, Trish Retired, Vice Chair, Ontario Financing Authority Vidler (Staff) Jessica Friesen Niagara West Fund AdvisorS President, Gales Gas Bars Ltd. Margaret Andrewes, Eric Gilber, Don Knechtel, Wendy Rittenhouse Rich Gark Pelham Fund AdvisorS Retired, Scotiabank Mayor Dave Augustyn, Mel Groom, Carolyn Mullin Damian Goulbourne Port Colborne Fund Advisory CommittEE Acting Associate Dean, Niagara College Claudia Brema (Chair), Dave Elliott, Rosanne Marsh, Bryan Rose (Staff), Rob Steven, Gary Talosi, Jim Howden Darlene Tuck, Trish Vidler (Staff), Christopher Wilson Retired, HSBC Bank St. Catharines FUND Advisory CommittEE Michael Lethby Sharon Borgmann, Mark Brohman, JoAnne Krick (Staff), Peter Partridge Jr. (Chair), Bryan Rose (Staff) Executive Director, The RAFT Wainfleet Fund Advisory Committee Michael Mann Lori Hemmskerk, Stan Pettit*, Kelly Robson (Chair), Bryan Rose (Staff), Sharon Svob, Trish Vidler (Staff) Partner, Lancaster Brooks & Welch LLP Welland Fund Committee Advisors Rosanne Marsh Damian Goulbourne, Michael Grocholsky, Jeff Neill (Chair), Aulf Robitaille, Bryan Rose (Staff), Retired educator Trish Vidler (Staff), Deanna Villella, Madeleine Woodhead, Deb Zahra Scott Maskell Community Leadership Committee Vice-President, Glenny Insurance Brokers Ltd. John Fisher, Damian Goulbourne (Chair), JoAnne Krick (Staff), Mike Lethby, Rick Merritt, Jessica Potts, Janet St. Amand Bryan Rose (Staff), Jennifer Sinclair (Staff), Janet St. Amand, Madeline Woodhead CEO, YMCA of Niagara Finance Committee David Shaw Dino DiCienzo, Judith Hill (Accountant), Laura Hills, Jodi Lycett, Sheri Penner, Bryan Rose (Staff), Agent Owner, Xerox Canada Ruth Todd (Chair), Bob Watson, Brian Wilkie Sharon Svob Governance Committee Retired, fund development voluntary sector Jodi Lycett, Bryan Rose (Staff), Dave Shaw, Bob Watson, Madeline Woodhead (Chair)

Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities 33 THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Grants Committee Random Acts of Kindness Sponsors Janet Booth, Natalie Chaumont, John Cunningham, Ashleigh Dronyk, Brock University, Centre de santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara, District Manfred Fast, Wes Foebel, Jessica Friesen, Rich Gark (Co-Chair), Rob Hunt, School Board of Niagara, Giant FM 91.7, Greater Niagara Chamber of JoAnne Krick (Staff), Peter Kryger, Francine Legault, Wendy Luce, Michael Commerce, Starbucks, Fallsview Casino Resort & Casino Niagara, Meridian Mann, Leah Maves, Andy Panko, Deanna Pope, Jan Potts, Dan Schonewille, Credit Union, Niagara Catholic District School Board, Niagara College, Alexis Stupich, Sharon Svob (Co-Chair), Stephanie Turton Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc., Niagara Region, Niagara Worship Centre, Investment Committee PenFinancial Credit Union, The Print House, The Review, The Standard, The Tribune, TV Cogeco Niagara, United Way, Walker Industries, YMCA of Jim Blake, Mario Ferrara (Chair), Alan Goddard, Jim Howden, Jodi Lycett, Niagara Peter Nixon, Bryan Rose (Staff), Teresa Quinlin, Madeline Woodhead

Nominating Committee 15th Annual Canadian Business Leaders Breakfast Sponsors Mario Ferrara, Rich Gark, Damian Goulbourne, Jodi Lycett (Chair), ReSolve Asset Management, KPMG, Meridian Credit Union, Niagara Bryan Rose (Staff), Ruth Todd, Bob Watson, Madeline Woodhead Peninsula Energy Inc., The Review, The Standard, The Tribune, TV Cogeco

2016 Volunteers and Sponsors in Annual Report My story writers Judith Barker, Maureen McRae, Debi Pratt Au Marché Committee Lauri Brady, Frank Caplan, Julie Hughes, JoAnne Krick (Staff), Leanne Kurek, Annual Report writers Lindsay Marcaccio, Angelo Nitsopoulos, Peter Partridge Jr. (Chair), Jason Judith Barker, Marlene Bergsma, Tiffany Mayer, Maureen McRae Pollock, Bryan Rose (Staff), Mayor Walter Sendzik, Kristen Smith, Steve Solski Other supporters Au Marché Sponsors Bob Jackson & Vintage Hotels, City of Niagara Falls – Sleep Cheap Bolete, Brock University, Canadian Tire Financial Services, City of St. Charities Reap event participants, City of Welland – Mayor’s Gala, Durward Catharines, CN, Con Gusto Artisan Bakery, Criveller Cakes, Croce Consulting Jones Barkwell and Co. LLP, Good Earth Food & Wine Co., Grimsby and Event Management, First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, Franklin Secondary School Senior Concert Band, Loud+Clear, Oborne Wolfe Wealth Templeton Investments, Freedom 55 Financial, a division of London Life Management, Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery, Penner MacKay & Herb Nelson, Insurance Company, Fresco’s Euro Grille and Bar, GT French, H2Only, Henry Robert Nowell Photography, Sullivan Mahoney LLP, The Brain Farm, of Pelham Family Estate Winery, Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Whitney Pea Centre, JJ Kapps Backyard BBQ Steak and Grill, Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grille, Lapennaco, Lina Linguini’s Pasta and Grill, Mackenzie Investments, Meridian Staff Credit Union, Niagara College Teaching Brewery, Niagara College Teaching Bryan J. Rose (Executive Director), Liz Palmieri (Executive Director – retired Winery, 180 Marketing, Pandor Productions, Partridge Wealth Management, May 2016), Orla Fitzpatrick Newhouse (Administrative and Donor Services Rankin Construction Inc., RBC Dominion Securities, Pig Out Events, RBC Global Co-Ordinator), JoAnne Krick (Community Initiatives Manager), Judith Hill Asset Management, RBC Royal Bank, Savoia Hor’s D’Oeuvres, Shorthills Tree (Accountant), Jennifer Sinclair (Niagara Prosperity Initiative Convener – to Service Inc., Shriner’s Creek Kettle Popcorn, Silversmith Brewing Company, TD June 2016), Bea Taylor (Office Volunteer), Suzanne Veenstra (Niagara Bank, The Standard, 13th Street Winery, Walker Industries, Wellington Court, Prosperity Initiative Convener – from Sept. 2016), Trish Vidler (150th Initiative Westcott Vineyards, Wind Coordinator)

Random Acts of Kindness Committee *- denotes individual who sadly passed away during the 2016 calendar year Lauri Brady, Dana Brown, Marisa Brown, Lesley Calvin, Nick Cicchino, Tamara Coleman-Lawrie, Filomena Goldsworthy, Amy Hollingsworth, Sylvia Iamarino, JoAnne Krick (Staff), Peter Kryger, Carrie Noell, Melanie Olah, Deborah Ogilvie, Deanna Pope, Sarah Singleton, Kristen Smith, Ryan Treanor, Stephanie Turton

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under licence by Niagara Community Foundation.

34 Niagara Community Foundation 2016 Annual Report | helping good people build smart and caring communities Thanks to the following for sponsoring our annual report Celebrate Canada’s 150th MAKE YOUR MARK for $50/month

Your community. Your cause. Your name.

The Make Your Mark initiative invites Niagara residents to create an endowment fund to begin their legacy today and support their community for generations to come. It’s a great way to celebrate Canada’s 150th.

Give forward by giving back with an endowment fund that produces income to support community causes that mean the most to you.

To get started or explore donation options, contact us today.

301-8 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3B3, Phone: 905.684.8688, Fax: 905.684.2337 Email: [email protected] www.niagaracommunityfoundation.org