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  • 2025 Annual Report

    2025 Annual Report Turning Intent Into Impact

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the region that we call home is the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit. We offer our sincere gratitude to them as the stewards of this land, covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement.

This Wampum Agreement teaches us three principles: to take only what you need, leave enough for others, and always keep the dish clean. We acknowledge that these values call us to reflect on our philanthropic practices and continue on our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Today, this area is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and acknowledging the land and its unique relationship with Indigenous People reminds us that our intention as a foundation is only turned into impact when we both acknowledge and join in friendship with Indigenous peoples.

Niagara Regional Native Centre’s Annual Pow Wow.

Above: Niagara Regional Native Centre’s Annual Pow Wow.
Photo courtesy of fellow event sponsor, Meridian Credit Union.

Vision

Realizing community dreams through philanthropy.

Mission

The Niagara Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Niagara through philanthropy.

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

Guiding Principals

ENABLE, COLLABORATE AND TRANSFORM

Enable community improvement by providing funding and community knowledge. Bring organizations together to form partnerships based on the respective strengths of each organization to focus on key community priorities.

DEMONSTRATE PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP

Demonstrate expertise & best practice in philanthropic leadership.

PUT NIAGARA FIRST

Communicate and support the Niagara story. Build community leadership. Seek and develop individuals who will bring leadership to the community.

BE TRUSTWORTHY AND TRANSPARENT

Engage in practices that are open, accessible, fair, objective, flexible, timely and built on a foundation of respect, trust, integrity & honesty.

ENSURE SOUND GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Ensure that the Niagara Community Foundation governance and management is sound, relevant and realizes its full fiduciary responsibility.

INTENT INTO IMPACT

Impact Stories Map

Scroll over the map for links to the incredible stories of our fundholders and charity partners.

INTRODUCTION

Executive Message

What is the measure of a quarter century? What goes into 25 years and what comes out of it?

2025 was a year unlike any other for NCF; achieving milestones that we could barely have imagined even a few years ago. Our total assets surpassed the $100 million mark (and growing…!) allowing us to make our largest annual grant dispersals of over $5.2 million into the charitable sector. To achieve all of this — in our 25th year no less — was the proverbial icing on our birthday cake to say the least.

As an organization that proudly serves all 12 municipalities and is one of the largest funders in Niagara, our focus has been and will continue to prioritize our support of the charitable sector through our work with our partners and stakeholders. Here are some of the highlights of our impact in Niagara for 2025:

  • Grants of just under $5 million bringing our historical tally to nearly $37 million dollars to Niagara’s charitable sector since our inception in 2000;
  • Another impactful deployment of significant dollars through our Environmental Grants thanks in large part to Dorothea Thomas Foundation. Grants to 14 organizations just over $246,000 in support of environmental projects focusing on protection, preservation & rehabilitation of our environment & natural habitat;
  • The 8th annual dispersal from the David S. Howes Fund with eighteen (18) new projects approved representing over $1 million. Since the creation of the Fund in 2017, nearly $6 million dollars has been deployed throughout the region;
  • The Governance Coaching Program (GCP) continues to provide consultant support to improve selected priorities areas including: board governance, oversight, policies & processes, financial accountability & transparency, fundraising strategy & donor relationships and staff & volunteer management. The organizations selected in 2025 included: ATTCH Niagara, Niagara Geopark, REACH Niagara, Volunteer Well & Westview Centre 4 Women;
  • Proud recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Community Partners Award, presented at AFP’s National Philanthropy Day celebration;
  • In partnership with Imagine Canada, NCF provided funding support to local charities & non-profits looking to achieve their Imagine Canada Accreditation. NCF is the second Community Foundation (Calgary CF) to partner with Imagine Canada on this initiative. The Niagara charities participating include: Second Story Community Homes & Services (formerly Bethlehem Housing & Support Services), Birchway Niagara, Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, Links for Greener Learning, REGOHVA (Francophone Newcomer Support Services) & Village of Hope;
  • NCF continued its partnership with the Armstrong Strategy Group (ASG) in delivering LOCAL fundraising professional development seminar sessions open to any local charity or nonprofit. Local experts came in to share their knowledge on topics including: Board Governance and Developing Fundraising Plans;
  • NCF was proud to sponsor several initiatives including, Future Black Female, TOES Niagara, Welland Heritage Council Black History Event, Links for Greener Learning, Niagara Regional Native Centre’s Annual Pow Wow, Leadership Niagara & the GNCC’s Women in Business Awards & Elevate Conference for Non-Profits;
  • Finally, NCF celebrated our 25th anniversary with a number of gatherings throughout the region including flag raisings and a garden display. Our year was caped-off with our 25th Anniversary event as 250 fundholders, charity partners, Board Directors, Committee members, superstar volunteers filled the Art Gallery at 13th Street Winery. Our thanks to Doug & Karen Whitty for hosting us at 13th Street for a memorable crescendo to an incredible year.

When the Foundation’s AGM is held in Spring 2026, Linda Boich (Grimsby) and Ann Godfrey (St. Catharines) will complete their terms as Board Directors. Both brought tremendous experience, wisdom, and expertise and made our organization stronger through their steadfast contributions. Losing such strong leaders and voices around our Board table is only lessened in the knowledge of the impressive new Directors who will take their seats and bring their own skillsets, knowledge and passion for the community we endeavor to serve.

2025 provided us with the privilege to look back at all that our organization has accomplished over 25 years. We quickly realized that there is much to be proud of, grateful for and much to look forward. We know that the best of what our first 25 years has produced is just the launching point to what our next 25 years — and beyond — in the impact we have here in Niagara.

Executive Message

Left to Right: Mike Lethby, Board Chair, Bryan J. Rose, Executive Director

INTENT INTO IMPACT

Endowment Funds

NCF is Niagara’s philanthropic partner since 2000, connecting donors to causes, and communities to resources.

We do this by helping donors create permanent, yet flexible, incomeearning endowment funds that benefit the people of Niagara and fulfill the philanthropic objectives of individual donors. We help donors give a charitable gift that will not only make an impact on the community today, but will leave a legacy in Niagara for generations to come.

TYPES OF FUNDS & GRANT STREAMS

NCF has a variety of funds available for our donors to consider, tailor made to meet their financial goals and philanthropic wishes. Many of them are open funds where gifts can be made by any interested contributor, at any time, allowing every gift to make a difference.

There are many triggers that prompt a donor to establish a fund—in memory of a loved one, leaving a gift in their Will, as an alternative to opening up a family foundation, and many more. No matter the scenario, we know that each and every donor comes to us with great intention, and it is our privilege to help turn that intent into impact.

Below is a summary of the various types of funds available and how they contribute to NCF’s grant making capacity.

Grant stream options and fund descriptions

DISCRETIONARY GRANT STREAM

DONOR-DIRECTED GRANT STREAM

NIAGARA FUND & COMMUNITY FUNDS

Minimum of $10,000 donation

Provides NCF with the flexibility to decide where the earnings can be used to most effectively meet the needs of Niagara, as they change year by year.

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

Minimum of $25,000 donation

Donors who establish a donor advised fund can select a charity of their choice to benefit from their fund each year.

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS

Minimum of $25,000 donation

Allows a donor to designate a preference for supporting a certain interest or cause in a general manner, without designating the actual recipient charity.

DONOR-DESIGNATED & CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FUNDS

Minimum of $10,000 donation per beneficiary

Donors can choose a specific charity to be perpetual beneficiaries of the annual grant from their fund.

2025 Grants

The earnings from these funds are re-invested into the community through grants. In 2025, NCF granted a total of $4,966,126! Here are the types of grants that were dispersed into the community:

Donor-Directed 63%
David S. Howes Fund 21%
Community 7%
Environmental 5%
Mini 1%
Summer Camp 1%
Total 100%

2025 Grants

Total: $4,966,126

INTENT INTO IMPACT

Endowment Fund List

DONOR DESIGNATED FUNDS

Donors have the opportunity to specify, at the time the fund is established, which particular charities to support in perpetuity. If an organization ceases to exist unexpectedly, NCF can redirect the fund to support a similar cause. The minimum donation to open a designated fund is $10,000 per beneficiary.

  • Agape Fund for Big Brothers Big Sisters North & West Niagara
  • Agape Fund for Red Roof Retreat
  • Agape Fund Supporting McNally House Hospice, Grimsby
  • Agape Fund Supporting Youth Unlimited St. Catharines
  • Alice Crawley Endowment for Women Artists Fund
  • Alice Downie-Bacon Education Fund
  • Ann Speedie Niagara Concerts Memorial Fund
  • Anonymous Fund
  • Art & Val Fleming Fund
  • Aspiring Healthcare Leaders in Niagara Bursary Fund
  • Audrey Shimizu Memorial Fund
  • Billy Graham Evangelical Association of Canada Fund
  • Bob Gale Recreation Fund
  • Brend Butler Family Fund 2
  • Brend Butler Family Fund 3
  • Brend Butler Family Fund 4
  • Caplan Family Anniversary Legacy Fund
  • CARMI for Kids
  • Carol Leppert Music Fund for Steele Street School
  • Carol Leppert Music Fund for Marshville Public School
  • Caughill Family Fund
  • CFUW Welland & District Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund
  • *Chance McSpadden Fund
  • Children of Niagara’s Migrant Workers Award Endowment Fund
  • Chris Lackenbauer Memorial Fund
  • Christine & Michael Watt Family Fund
  • Chuck and Judy Smith Bursary Fund
  • Church of the Transfiguration Education Fund
  • *Colby Hudson Collins Foundation
  • Colin & Linda Ruddell Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Colleen Kiers Memorial Fund
  • Collins-Dingman Fund
  • Come Over & Help Canada Fund
  • Cornelius & Helen Vanden Top Charity Foundation
  • Danna McDonough Fund
  • Debi Pratt Fund
  • Dr. Jaroslaus and Mrs. Edith Czerevko Family Fund
  • Dr. John Hunter Fund
  • Ferrara Kennedy Student Award Fund
  • Frederika & Benjamin Van Hoffen Charitable Foundation
  • Groch Family Fund
  • Headway Homes Fund
  • Hildebrand Lehn Family Fund
  • Howard V. Staff Memorial Fund
  • Hummel Family Fund
  • Isabel & Wayne Gale Fund
  • Joan E Marlow Salvation Army Endowment Fund
  • Joan E. Marlow Memorial Fund
  • Joan E. Marlow YWCA Endowment Fund
  • John and Jan Potts Children at Risk Fund
  • John and Lillian Clark Fund
  • Jordan Engineering Jane Cunningham Fund
  • Joseph Olascki Trust Fund
  • Kate Ostryhon-Lumsden Fund
  • Katey Marie Campbell Fund
  • Kiers Family Fund
  • Krista White Memorial Fund
  • Lincoln County Fair Endowment Fund
  • M&N Walker Foundation
  • M&N Walker NSO Fund
  • Margaret Combe Music Fund
  • Marsh Family Fund
  • Mary Urlocker Fund
  • May Crane Fund
  • McNally House Endowment Fund
  • Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary
  • Molly and David Simpson Fund
  • Monastery of Mount Carmel Fund
  • Morabito Family Fund
  • Necklaces of Hope Foundation
  • Niagara Artillery Fund
  • Niagara Artillery Museum Fund
  • Niagara Children’s Centre Fund
  • Niagara Indigenous Advancement Fund
  • NOTL Healthcare Foundation Palliative Care Fund
  • P. Louis & Philamena A. Giagnorio Fiorentino Scholarship Fund
  • Patrick & Nancy McNally Family Fund
  • Peter & Ann Koppel Family Fund
  • Peter & Gloria M. Giagnorio Savelli Scholarship Fund
  • R&K Fund
  • Rankin Cancer Run Foundation
  • Regan Peacock-Fung Memorial Art Fund
  • Rick Rose Music Foundation
  • Robert A. Lavelle Memorial Fund
  • Rowen Grace Treleaven Scholarship Fund
  • Samaritan’s Purse Canada Fund
  • Semley-McKeown Family Fund
  • *Sheila J. Walker Fund
  • Smithville and District Lions Club Fund
  • Souter Family Fund
  • Tom & Annette Urlocker Family Fund — In Memory of our son Patrick
  • Tom and Mary Cronin Fund
  • Tomlinson Family Fund
  • Troup Family Memorial Fund
  • Urlocker-Dillon Family Fund
  • Valentina McLeod Arts & Heritage Community Development Fund for the ‘Old Town’ of NOTL
  • Vince and Margaret Pillitteri & Family Fund
  • Welland Flatwater Fund
  • Wellspring HOPE Fund
  • William and Mary Lu Ellis Fund
  • Wills Family Foundation
  • Zonta Club of Niagara Falls Fund

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

A donor advised fund appeals to donors interested in having ongoing participation in the selection of charities benefiting from their fund.

The fund holder can also name successor advisors so that their legacy is continued by future generations. These funds can be established with a minimum donation of $25,000.

  • Agape Fund Series — J.L. Garrett & Family
  • Andreana Family Trust
  • Auzins Family Endowment Fund
  • Barbara Harris Endowment Fund
  • Beatties Business Products Anniversary Fund
  • Beth and Murton Seymour Family Fund
  • Bluevalley Foundation
  • Brian & Marilyn Power & Family Fund
  • Brunatti-Dyment Fund
  • Bush Family Fund
  • Gene Luczkiw Spirit of Enterprise
  • Endowment Fund
  • Cohen Family Fund
  • Cornelius & Helen Vanden Top Charity Fund
  • Darte Family Youth Mental Health Fund
  • Donald and Andrée McMaster Family Fund
  • Donald & Barbara Fraser Family Endowment Fund
  • DURK Family Fund
  • FEED Niagara Community Fund
  • Gary & Mall Accursi Family Fund
  • George Darte Funeral Chapel Fund
  • Gerald Kowalchuk Family Fund
  • Grocholsky Family Fund
  • Harber Family Fund
  • *Heather Winterstein Foundation
  • Ida & Bob Gale Sr. Community Fund
  • Jason Lococo Foundation
  • John-Micheal Martin Memorial Fund
  • Jordan Engineering Shared Blessings Fund
  • Kerry and Barbara Cornelius & Family Fund
  • Kerry and Todd Shoalts Family Fund
  • Kuska Family Memorial Student Awards Fund
  • Larry and Olga Andrusiw Paramedic Award Fund
  • LetPets Live Fund
  • Lise & Gerry Needs Based Scholarship Fund
  • Lynn and Kevan’s Niagara Charities Fund
  • M&N Walker Foundation
  • *Maddy Ker Forever 16 Fund
  • Martha Abra Fund
  • Matthew Zimmerman Memorial Fund
  • Morgan Funeral Home Community Fund
  • Moses F. Rittenhouse Trusts Fund
  • Murray-Surtees Fund
  • Niagara Engineering Week Scholarship Fund
  • Niagara Peninsula Energy Scholarship Fund
  • Niagara Road Supervisors Association Fund
  • Page Family Fund
  • Peter Partridge & Poppy Gilliam Family Fund
  • Philip & Karen Court Family Fund
  • Pope Francis Scholarship Fund In Memory of Paul Colton
  • Poth-Sabo-McMillan Family Fund
  • Rachel & Brian Delaney Fund
  • *St. George’s Lodge No. 15 Masonic Legacy Fund
  • Salit Steel Charitable Fund
  • Stack Family Fund
  • Stewart Family Endowment Fund
  • Sullivan Mahoney Endowment Fund
  • Svatantra Foundation
  • *Terry Lynn Adamson (Balicki) Fund
  • Vintage Hotels Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Fund
  • Young Children Priority First — Kiwanis Fund

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS

Donors are passionate about casues that matter most to them. A Field of Interest (FOI) Fund allows a donor to define their area of interest while empowering NCF’s Grantmaking Committee to select worthwhile projects to support. FOI Funds can support causes such as Animal Welfare, Education, Health, Enviornment, and Children & Youth. The minimum donation to open a FOI fund is $25,000.

  • Ann Fast Children & Youth Fund
  • Anna Angelone Endowment Fund
  • Anonymous Fund
  • Arthur Dalfen Fund
  • Arts & Heritage Community Development Fund — Old Town NOTL
  • Barbara Gale Seniors & Youth Fund
  • Bowman Family Fund
  • Bruce and Bonnie Wallace Family Trust
  • Children & Youth Fund for Niagara
  • Christopher John Slater Fund
  • Cooper Family Fund
  • Credit Counselling of Regional Niagara Fund
  • Cultural Endowment Fund for Niagara
  • David and Susanne DiLalla Howes Family Fund
  • David S. Howes Fund
  • Dorothea Thomas Foundation
  • Dritsacos Family Fund
  • Earl & Ida Clarke Animal Welfare Fund
  • Ed and Rosalie Vasso Fund
  • Education & Leadership Fund for Niagara
  • Enbridge Awaire Fund
  • Environment Legacy Fund
  • Fallsview Casino Resort Fund
  • Fengate Realty Group Env. Fund
  • Gark Family Fund
  • Gordon Hurst Fund
  • Hammond Family Fund
  • Harry Deline Fund
  • Investing in St. Catharines Youth Fund
  • Jessica Potts Fund
  • Jessie and Oscar Thompson Memorial Fund
  • Joan Tovenati Fund
  • Kathleen Summers and John Picken Fund
  • Lisa J. Badger-Gram Memorial Fund
  • Luigi & Amelia Setacci Health Niagara Fund
  • Lycett Family Fund
  • Mayflowers Fund
  • Michael & Paula Mann Family Fund
  • Nelson Aggregate Environmental Fund
  • Newman Rigby Family Fund
  • Niagara CAER Group Fund
  • Norman and Lisa Wills Fund
  • NOTL Healthcare Foundation Community Fund
  • Ontario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation
  • Palmieri Family Fund
  • Regional Chair’s Environmental Legacy Fund for Niagara
  • Roll Surface Technologies Inc Fund
  • R.V. Anderson Associates Fund
  • RWDI Air Inc. Fund
  • Samuel L. Rudolph Memorial Fund
  • Secord-Reid Family Fund
  • Smylski-Attenborough Fund
  • Stayzer Family Fund
  • Summer Camp Fund
  • Sunday in the Parks Fund
  • Suzanne Curtin Fund
  • Touch a Truck Niagara Early Childhood Literacy Fund
  • Urban & Environmental Management Fund
  • Verna and Maurice Walker Fund
  • W. S. Tyler Canada Environmental Fund
  • Walker Industries Earth 1st Fund
  • Walter & Sons Excavating Environmental Fund
  • Welland Mayor’s Children & Youth Fund

LOCAL COMMUNITY FUNDS

Local Community Funds provide an opportunity for donors to ensure their gift stays local. Gifts to these funds are endowed and the earnings on these funds enable NCF to respond to current needs at the local level through the provision of grants. Below is a list of funds established under one of the local community funds. Please note, this list does not include all fundholders who reside in the specific municipality. Donors can establish a named fund under a local community funder with a $5,000 gift.

NIAGARA COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Niagara Fund
  • Alice Downie-Bacon Com. Fund
  • Andrea Douglas Fund
  • Branscombe Families Fund
  • Canada GOATS Endowment Fund
  • Charron Family Fund
  • Crawford Smith & Swallow Fund
  • D. and M. Slade Family Fund
  • Dr. T. W. & Muriel O’Mulvenny Fund
  • Elvi Vicary Fund
  • Fallsview Casino Resort Fund
  • George & Doris Shepherd Family Fund
  • Jack and Nora Walker Fund
  • Janet St. Amand & Doug Herod Fund
  • Jo & Norm Opperman Fund
  • John & Jan Potts Fund
  • JP Fund
  • Judith Barker Fund
  • June Munro Fund
  • Marchand Kruczynski Family Fund
  • Marv Kriluck Fund
  • Meridian Credit Union Fund
  • Regional Chair’s Smart and Caring Community Fund
  • Rose Family Fund
  • Waters & Meredith Fund
  • Woodhead Family Fund

FORT ERIE COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Fort Erie Fund
  • Facca-Mindorff Family Fund
  • Little-Green Family Fund

GRIMSBY COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Grimsby Community Fund
  • Grimsby Benevolent Fund
  • Happening at the Forty Fund
  • Howard & Alice Clausen Fund
  • Jim Howden & Ruth Moffatt Fund
  • Pettigrew Family Fund
  • Todd Family Fund

LINCOLN COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Lincoln Community Fund
  • Holmes Barrett Family Fund
  • Hopkins Hill Family Fund
  • Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Fund
  • Mark & Jean Brohman Family Fund
  • Paul & Leslie MacPherson Family Fund
  • Prudhomme-Beatty Family Fund

NIAGARA FALLS COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Niagara Falls Community Fund
  • Americana-DiBellonia Family Fund
  • Courtyard Marriott Hotel Fund
  • DiCienzo Family Fund
  • Ed & Jessica Friesen Fund
  • Embassy Suites Hotel Niagara Falls Fallsview Fund
  • Hay Family Fund
  • Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Fund
  • Ripley’s Great Wolf Lodge Fund

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Fund
  • Joan & Larry Bourk Fund
  • Michael Berlis & Ellen Cheslock Fund
  • Vanessa & Evan Brazeau Fund
  • Tansey-Fitzsimmons Fund

NIAGARA WEST COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Niagara West Community Fund
  • Ericway Tire Community Fund
  • Ken and Jennifer Southward Family Fund
  • M. K. Rittenhouse Family Fund

NIAGARA COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Niagara Fund
  • Alice Downie-Bacon Com. Fund
  • Andrea Douglas Fund
  • Branscombe Families Fund
  • Canada GOATS Endowment Fund
  • Charron Family Fund
  • Crawford Smith & Swallow Fund
  • D. and M. Slade Family Fund
  • Dr. T. W. & Muriel O’Mulvenny Fund
  • Elvi Vicary Fund
  • Fallsview Casino Resort Fund
  • George & Doris Shepherd Family Fund
  • Jack and Nora Walker Fund
  • Janet St. Amand & Doug Herod Fund
  • Jo & Norm Opperman Fund
  • John & Jan Potts Fund
  • JP Fund
  • Judith Barker Fund
  • June Munro Fund
  • Marchand Kruczynski Family Fund
  • Marv Kriluck Fund
  • Meridian Credit Union Fund
  • Regional Chair’s Smart and Caring Community Fund
  • Rose Family Fund
  • Waters & Meredith Fund
  • Woodhead Family Fund

FORT ERIE COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Fort Erie Fund
  • Facca-Mindorff Family Fund
  • Little-Green Family Fund

GRIMSBY COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Grimsby Community Fund
  • Grimsby Benevolent Fund
  • Happening at the Forty Fund
  • Howard & Alice Clausen Fund
  • Jim Howden & Ruth Moffatt Fund
  • Pettigrew Family Fund
  • Todd Family Fund

LINCOLN COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Lincoln Community Fund
  • Holmes Barrett Family Fund
  • Hopkins Hill Family Fund
  • Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Fund
  • Mark & Jean Brohman Family Fund
  • Paul & Leslie MacPherson Family Fund
  • Prudhomme-Beatty Family Fund

NIAGARA FALLS COMMUNITY FUNDS

  • Niagara Falls Community Fund
  • Americana-DiBellonia Family Fund
  • Courtyard Marriott Hotel Fund
  • DiCienzo Family Fund
  • Ed & Jessica Friesen Fund
  • Embassy Suites Hotel Niagara Falls Fallsview Fund
  • Hay Family Fund
  • Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Fund
  • Ripley’s Great Wolf Lodge Fund

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FUNDS

Charitable Organization funds are created and administered by NCF to benefit a registered charity. This allows the organization freedom from investment responsibility and gives donors the confidence of knowing that a permanent foundation is in place to professionally administer the charity’s endowment. Once established, the charity can encourage their donors to contribute to their endowment fund. The minimum donation to open this type of fund is $10,000.

  • 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund
  • Adrie’s House of Hope Fund
  • Adult Literacy Council of Greater Fort Erie Fund
  • Bert Miller Nature Club Endowment Fund
  • Bethlehem Housing and Support Services Endowment Fund
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Endowment Fund
  • Billes Family Future Housing Fund
  • Brock Leaders Citizenship Society Fund
  • CFUW St. Catharines 100th Anniversary Scholarship Fund
  • CFUW St. Catharines Brock University Awards Fund
  • CFUW St. Catharines Endowment Fund
  • *CFUW St Catharines Niagara College Indigenous to Canada Award
  • Community Care - St Catharines Thorold Fund
  • Community Care of West Niagara Endowment Fund
  • Community Living St. Catharines Endowment Fund
  • Conservation Niagara Fund
  • Education Foundation of Niagara Bursary Fund for DSBN Academy Students
  • Education Foundation of Niagara Bursary Fund for DSBN Students
  • Education Foundation of Niagara Fund
  • Education Foundation of Niagara Medical Needs Fund in Honour of Cindy Paskey
  • Education Foundation of Niagara Poverty & Emergency Relief Fund
  • *Emerson Fund for Community Living Welland Pelham
  • Fort Erie Conservation Club Fund
  • Freda Mae LeGallais Music Niagara Fund
  • Friends of Fort Erie’s Creeks Fund
  • Geoff Mayo Awards Fund
  • George and Jackie Thomas Bursary
  • Grimsby Museum Endowment Fund
  • Grimsby Public Art Gallery Collection Endowment Fund
  • Hospice Niagara Fund
  • Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara
  • Land Care Niagara Fund
  • Margaret Robinson Fund
  • Mayholme Foundation Fund
  • Momentum Choir Endowment Fund
  • Monika and Darren Pries-Klassen Fund
  • Music Niagara Endowment
  • Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters Scholarship Fund
  • Niagara Falls Humane Society Shelter Enhancement Fund
  • Niagara Foundation for Family and Children’s Services Endowment Fund
  • Niagara Land Trust Endowment Fund
  • Niagara on the Lake Public Library Endowment Fund
  • Niagara Pumphouse Arts Scholarship
  • Niagara Survivor Services Fund
  • Niagara Symphony Association Endowment Fund
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Fund
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library — Michael Dietsch Family Fund
  • NOTL Palliative Care Service Fund
  • Pathstone Foundation Fund
  • Pelham Public Library Endowment Fund
  • Red Roof Retreat Endowment Fund
  • Robert Cooper Youth Projects Choral Legacy Fund
  • Rotary Club of St. Catharines Fund
  • Rotary Club of St. Catharines Bethlehem Housing & Support Services Rent Stabilization Fund
  • St. Giles Presbyterian Church CEVO Fund
  • The RAFT Endowment Fund
  • The Table Fund — Downtown Thorold
  • Upper Canada Lodge Auxiliary — Constable Family Fund
  • Welland Hospital Foundation Endowment Fund
  • Women’s Place of South Niagara Endowment Fund

Intent Into Impact

Donor List

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our Donors — including those not listed and wish to remain anonymous. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these very important lists. If you discover an omission or error, please accept our apologies and notify the Foundation office. We will ensure that this is rectified for our next report.

#
  • 1NE Entertainment Inc.
A
  • Abatement Technologies Limited
  • Michael Abbott
  • Frank Adamson
  • Terry Lynn Adamson
  • Franco & Sonea Agnoletto
  • Natalie Ahlstedt
  • Roberta Aitken
  • Liz Aldrey
  • Peter Alexander
  • Deedee Alexandre
  • Rebecca Alfieri
  • Barry Allen
  • Steven & Anne-Marie Fulton
  • Philip & Margaret Andrewes
  • Tim Andrews
  • Sandra Anger
  • Heather Antunes
  • Lindsay Ashcroft
  • Jack Ashwood
  • Kenneth & Joanne Atkinson
  • Anne Atkinson
  • Melanie Austin
  • Shelly Avakian
B
  • Heather Bacon
  • Selina Baerg
  • Diane Baigrie
  • Ballet Etc.
  • Marie Balsom
  • Kathryn Banham
  • Mike Barber
  • Carol Barcados
  • Judith Barker
  • Ashley Barnatt
  • Sue Barnett
  • Lindsay Barrow
  • Kathleen Barry
  • Sally Basmajian
  • Ann Beacham
  • Joel and Elaine Beane
  • Shannon Beaudoin
  • Amanda Beaver
  • Julie Bell
  • Bell Marine
  • Michael Berlis
  • Sue Bernier
  • John Bevan
  • Chris Biggar
  • Bikers Rights Organization — Niagara
  • Mireille Bilodeau
  • Amanda Binnie
  • Sandy Bird
  • Mary Blackman
  • BMO Private Wealth
  • Linda Boich
  • Sheila Bonapace
  • Jason Bond
  • Diana Bondio
  • Michael Bonomi
  • Barbara and Geoff Bowen
  • Sandie Boyer
  • Anna Bozza & Brian Hillier
  • Jon Braithwaite
  • Bram Rochwerg Medicine Professional Corporation
  • Ann-Louise Branscombe
  • Claudia Brema
  • Mark and Jean Brohman
  • Jasmina Brozovic
  • Ian Brunskill & Julie Bowen
  • Heather Buchanan
  • Patrick Buckley
  • Gloria Buczkowski
  • Antonia Bugeja
  • Clementine Bugeja-Fortis
  • Marko Bukovec
  • Laura Burgar
  • Gary and Sarah Burroughs
  • Alana Burtch
  • Kathy Burtnik
  • Laura Byers
C
  • C. E. Elliott & Sons Ltd.
  • CAA Niagara
  • Velma Cameron
  • Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) St. Catharines
  • Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Welland & District
  • Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc.
  • Paul Cano
  • Nick Cardinale
  • Robert Cary
  • Calissa Cathcart
  • Ava Cattran
  • Minfeng Chai
  • William & Judith Charron
  • Mary Theresa Charron
  • Jordan Charron
  • Hallie Chase
  • Peter Chmiel
  • Chorus Niagara
  • Kristin Chow
  • Erika Christian
  • City of Niagara Falls
  • Benjamin Clark
  • Jennifer Cloughton
  • Marilyn Cochrane
  • Steve Cohen
  • Harry and Missy Collier
  • Marnie Collins
  • Wayne Collli
  • Andrew Colwell & Richard Ellis
  • Estate of Margaret Elizabeth Combe
  • Community Care of West Niagara
  • Community Living Fort Erie
  • Lesley Compagnon
  • Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
  • Constantini Family
  • Diana Continenza
  • Danielle Cook
  • Trevor Cooper
  • Diane Corkum
  • Lisa Cowan
  • Sally Cowan
  • Emily Cowan
  • Sandra Cowie
  • Biljana Crevar
  • Warren Crosbie
  • Linda Crouch
  • Adrian Crowe
  • Bill Crumm
  • Jo-Ann Cudmore
  • Rob and Carolyn Culliton
  • Art and Carol Currie
  • Suzanne Curtin
  • Ben and Sharon Custers
D
  • Chris Dabrowski
  • Jane Dagg
  • Joe and Barbara Dallal
  • Manilu D’Amore
  • John D’angelo
  • Barbara Davidson
  • Cort Day
  • Mario & Rachel De Divitiis
  • Therese DeAgazio
  • Carol Decloux
  • Judi Dei Cont
  • Rachel & Brian Delaney
  • Emily Denney
  • Matthew Detlor
  • DiLalla Systems Limited
  • Douglas & Joyce Dineley
  • Do Hardwood Floor
  • Doane Grant Thornton LLP
  • Kimberly Dobson
  • Judith Doerksen
  • Sean & Roseamaria Doolittle
  • Miriam and David Dunbar
  • Miriam Dunbar
  • Shelley Duncan
  • Susan Dunning
  • Pat Durocher
  • Marlene Dykstra
E
  • eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
  • Edwin de jesus Sabas
  • Ron Eldridge
  • Cindy Ellis
  • Thomas Elltoft
  • Viviane Elltoft
  • Eskoot Niagara Ltd.
  • ETFO Niagara Occasional Teachers
  • ETFO Niagara Teacher Local
  • Craig Evans
F
  • Jack Facca
  • Carolyn and Don Fallis
  • Jayna Faragher
  • Kerry and Doug Fast
  • Karen Stearne & David Fast
  • FEED Niagara
  • Mario Ferrara and Annabel Kennedy
  • Katie Fisher
  • Alex Fitsialos
  • Jodi Fitzgerald
  • Orla Fitzpatrick Newhouse
  • Alison Fleming
  • Maria Forcier
  • Ian Fraser
  • Ed and Jessica Friesen
  • Helen Fulton
G
  • Lisa Gallant
  • Gordon Gambell
  • Judith Gardner
  • Simon Gardner
  • Jim Garrett
  • Garrett Group Ltd.
  • Louis & Judy Gaudier
  • JoAnn Gedrimas
  • Barbara Gelb
  • Carol Gilliam
  • Ann Gilmore
  • Angel Gilson
  • Mike Girotti
  • Wendy Gitleman
  • Joshua Goodeill
  • Arlene Goodman
  • Sharon Gordon
  • Jaime Gott
  • Joseph Gottli
  • Damian Goulbourne
  • Colleen Graham
  • Grape Escape Wine Tours
  • Sandie Gregorski
  • Mary Ellen Groom
  • Juan Guzman
H
  • Nancy and Richard Halinda
  • Lyle Hall
  • Simon Hall
  • Diana Hall
  • Bill Hallett
  • Heather and Ross Hamlin Fund through Hamilton Community Foundation
  • Peter and Linda Hammond
  • Yvonne Harding
  • Suzanne Harmer
  • Michael Harris
  • Barbara Harris
  • Matthew Harris
  • Amber Harwood
  • Diana Hastings
  • Michelene & Paul Hauber
  • Gail Hawkins
  • Robert & Sharon Hay
  • Kevin and Kim Hay
  • Jennifer Hay
  • Paul & Kathy Heath
  • Vern & Elfrieda Heinrichs
  • Margaret Hembruff
  • Mike Hembruff
  • Robert & Josephine Henderson
  • Chris Hendriks
  • David and Cathy Henry
  • Yolanda Henry
  • Sheila Hewerdine
  • Randy Hewerdine
  • Judy Hewko
  • Ed Hickey
  • Wilma Hickman
  • John & Susan Hildebrand
  • Gail Hilyer
  • Kenneth & Margaret Hipkin
  • Maxine Holmes
  • Carol Hopgood
  • James Howden
  • Marsha Howe
  • Jennifer Hric
  • Zaiqiang Hu
  • Audrey Hunter
  • Victoria Hunter
  • Roy & Maxine Hutchings
I
  • Integrity Rentals Inc.
  • Irish Design Ltd.
  • Irpan & Xia Foundation
  • IUOE Local 793
J
  • Adon Jacob
  • Jami Januszczak
  • Susan Jay
  • Qi Jia
  • Johnston Group Inc.
  • Rebecca Johnstone
  • Bev Jong
  • Louise Judge
  • Margaret Julian
K
  • Dina Kalns
  • Rob Karas
  • Brian and Audrey Kealey and Family
  • Keefer Developments Ltd.
  • James Keen
  • Anne Kemp
  • Judy Kennedy
  • Sara Kiley
  • Kimberly Clark Canada
  • Jackie Kinnear
  • Robert Kirk
  • Dianne Kirwin
  • Kathryn Kiyokawa
  • Katherine Klauck
  • Gwen Knapp
  • Gabe Kocsis
  • Brian Kon
  • Gerald Kowalchuk and Lise Andreana
  • Mike Kray
  • JoAnne Krick
L
  • Nathalie LaCoste Ling
  • Peggy Lampard
  • Susan Lampman
  • Carin Lampman
  • Lancaster Chown & Welch LLP
  • Lane Cornell
  • Iva Laska
  • Walter Lastewka
  • Helen Latimer
  • Jane Laughton
  • Sheila Lavell
  • David Lavigne
  • Robert Lawler
  • Leah and Paul Atkinson Family Foundation
  • Linda Lemaire
  • Blair Leonard
  • Daniel Levine
  • Carrie Lewis
  • Marion and Kerry Lichty
  • Karyn Lidbetter
  • Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
  • James Lindsay
  • Ginny Lovelace
  • Georgia Linney
  • Lisa Ibba Real Estate
  • Kasia Lisiecka
  • Nancy Lockhart
  • Margaret Loney
  • Tom LoRegio
  • Richard Loreto
  • Tom & Susan Lucas
  • Jane Luczkiw
  • Sue & Bob Luey
  • Timothy & Catherine Lukacs
  • Joseph & Jodi Lycett
M
  • Nancy MacArthur
  • Bruce MacDonald
  • Duncan & Judith Macfarlane
  • Deanne Macintosh
  • Robert & Mariette MacKenzie
  • Wendy MacPherson
  • Perry and Ruth Macvicar
  • Ryan Maizis
  • Jennifer Malcolm
  • Andrew Maloney
  • Sylvana Mancini
  • Michael and Paula Mann
  • Marama Management Ltd. — Victoria Gallery Cafe
  • Laura Marchese
  • John & Rosanne Marsh
  • Sheila Martignago
  • Suzanne Martin
  • John Martin
  • Mary Jane Rochefort
  • Lynn Masaro
  • Ann Massel
  • Resa Mastromatteo
  • Mike & Diane Masur
  • Tom and Lynn Mather
  • George and Doris Mayer
  • Tiffany Mayer
  • Gillian Mazzetti
  • Blair McArthur
  • Tim McCann
  • Robert & Elaine McCaughey
  • Evan McCaughey
  • Greg and Brigit McCaughey
  • Joan McCurdy-Myers
  • Alison McDonald
  • Thomas McEwen
  • Cheryl McIntyre
  • McKeil Family Foundation
  • Laura McKenzie
  • Patricia McKenzie
  • McKenzie Marine Inc.
  • Naseemah McKnight
  • Ann & John McLaughlin
  • Ron McLaughlin
  • Tamu McLean
  • Reginald McLean
  • Keith McLeod
  • Andrée McMaster
  • Deb McMaster
  • Brian McMullan
  • Joan Medina
  • Fiona Menzies
  • Meridian Credit Union
  • Rick & Carol Merritt
  • Yvonne Messenger
  • James and Susan Miles
  • Roland Miljus
  • Helen Millar
  • Craig Misener
  • Erin and Michael Mitchell
  • Sally Mitchell
  • Elizabeth Mollica
  • Morgan Funeral Homes
  • Christina Mottola
  • Karen Mowder
  • AJ Moxam
  • Carolyn Mullins
  • Holly Mundula
  • Dianne Munro
  • Victor Muratori
  • Kirsten Murdock
  • Gary Murphy
  • Neil & Doreen Murray
  • David Murray & Elizabeth Surtees
  • Susan Murray
  • Carly Myers
N
  • Nadine Hebert Inc
  • Wayne Nagy
  • Sue Napper
  • Uwe & Ruth Natho
  • Tim Nauta
  • Rob and Pat Neill
  • Jeff Neill
  • Gary Nemcko
  • Petrina Nesbitt
  • Niagara Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association
  • Niagara Falls Professional Firefighters Association Local 528
  • Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.
  • Niagara Region
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club Ladies’ 18th Hole League
  • Melissa Nichol
  • Derek Nichols
  • Georgia Nichols
  • Nick Knows Niagara Real Estate Corp
  • Peter Nixon
  • David North
  • Nostromo Pet Supplies Inc.
  • Daryl Novak & Brian Harrison
O
  • Jane O’Connor
  • Sharon Okun
  • Marylee O’Neill
  • Ontario Trillium Foundation
  • Estate of Norman Opperman
  • OPSEU/SEFPO Local 202
  • Dominique O’Rourke
  • John Osczypko
P
  • Tony and Judy Page
  • Janie Palmer
  • Stephen Palmer
  • Lou Papagiannis
  • Clarice Paprosky
  • Robert Parker
  • Linda Parkhill
  • Corrie Parkhill
  • Paddy & Brian Parr
  • Jane Parr
  • Lesley Parsons
  • Peter W. Partridge and Poppy Gilliam
  • Janet Partridge
  • Darlene Peach
  • Meaghan Pearson
  • Lynn Pelletier
  • Maggie Penca
  • John Pendergast
  • Stephanie Perrett
  • Andrew Perrie
  • Peterborough Singers
  • Lindsay Peters
  • Tracey Peters
  • Diane Philippe-Martin
  • Ann Philips
  • Noelle Phoenix
  • Allen Piche
  • Sarah Pickersgill
  • Lynne Player
  • Joseph Pluchino
  • Lynne and Blair Pollard
  • Marlene Pomes
  • Patrick Porter
  • John and Jan Potts
  • Jessica Potts
  • Jim Pound
  • Pat Powell
  • Brian Power
  • Thomas and Maria Powers
  • John & Marlene Precious
  • Harry Preenen & Linda Chambers
  • Penny Preis
  • Bonnie Prentice
  • Gail Price
  • Virginia Pullar
  • Brent and Karen Pym
Q
  • Perry Quinn
R
  • R Todd Professional Corp
  • Rachel Delaney Insurance Agency Ltd.
  • Shyam Rangaratnam
  • Diane Rawsthorn
  • Susan Reddon
  • Robert and Margaret Reid
  • Jane & Stuart Reimer
  • Bev Reimer
  • Don Reynolds
  • Bruce & Elizabeth Richardson
  • Matthew Richardson
  • Mora Richmond
  • Robin and Sam Ridesic
  • Richard Rigby
  • Josephine Rigg
  • Kevin Ripper
  • Cathy Ripper
  • Alan Ritchie
  • Mark & Wendy Rittenhouse
  • Ronald Rizzuto
  • Bruce Robb
  • Kelly Robson
  • Cathy & John Rollo
  • Conney Romundt
  • Matthew Rosato
  • Bryan & Andrea Rose
  • Ria Rosenberg & Stephen Levy
  • Bev Ross
  • Rotary Club of St. Catharines, Charitable Trust
  • Robert and Karen Rotz
  • Paul Rotz
  • Zelma Roubi
  • Mikki Roy
  • Rimando Rual
  • David Rupay
  • Lori Russell and Dave Banks
  • Adam Russell
  • RWG Farms & Construction Inc.
  • Catherine Rye
  • Sandra Rylander
S
  • Salit Steel — Myer Salit Limited
  • Alan Salmoni
  • Jaimee Samson (Kirkwood)
  • Elaine & Jim Samways
  • Jim Samways
  • Sarbjit Sandhu
  • Marcey Saunders
  • Elvino and Linda Sauro Fund — Toronto Community Foundation
  • Marie Scarland-James
  • Mark Schonewille
  • Mary Schuman
  • John Schutz
  • Iain and Barbara Scott
  • Scott Construction Niagara Inc.
  • Lesley Seaborne
  • Robert Sears
  • David and Fran Semley
  • John Senn
  • Idella Serafini
  • Cliff & Teresa Sexton
  • SGI Canada
  • Pam & Brad Sharp
  • Drew Shaw
  • Sarah Sheppard
  • Brett Sherlock
  • Todd and Kerry Shoalts
  • Ryan Sills
  • Gary Sills
  • Steven Silverman
  • David and Molly Simpson
  • Ward and Oresta Simpson
  • Stephanie & Sean Simpson
  • Alexandra Simpson
  • Melanie Singh
  • Timothy Sirianni
  • Regina and David Smith
  • Nancy Smith
  • Bruce Smith
  • Derryck Smith
  • Linda Smith
  • Colleen Smith
  • Ellen Smith
  • Laurie Sobil
  • Kimberley Somerville
  • Robert Sparrow
  • Kathy Speck
  • Margie Spence
  • St. Catharines Artillery Foundation
  • St. Catharines Mayor Siscoe and City Council
  • St. George’s Lodge No. 15
  • St. Giles Presbyterian Church
  • Catherine Statton
  • Wade & Jenn Stayzer
  • Brian Steffler
  • Connie Stevens
  • Christina Stewart
  • Walter Stewart
  • Emily Stickland
  • Kathy Stogren
  • Subzwari’s Accounting Inc.
  • Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Inc.
  • Karen Supinski
  • Susan Greco Interiors
  • Lisa Svihus
  • Sharon and Donald Svob
T
  • Angie Talosi
  • M. Rosalie Tansey
  • Tarzan Kay Global
  • Mike Tavano
  • Jonathan Taylor
  • Trish Teeter
  • Maria Tennant
  • The Bermuhler Group
  • The Marine Club
  • Rosalie Thomas
  • William Thompson
  • Michael Thompson
  • Stacy Thomson
  • Alison Thomson
  • Thursday Night Basketball
  • Connie Tintinalli
  • Paul and Barb Tomlinson
  • Karen Toppila
  • Town of Lincoln
  • Cassandra Trach
  • Kathryn Traynor
  • Bradley Troup
  • Ondine Troutbeck
  • Tashi Tsering
  • Ross & Anne Tucker
U
  • Terry Ugulini
  • United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada
  • United Way Niagara
  • University of Waterloo
  • Julie Upper
  • Carl and Eileen Urben
  • Mary Urlocker
  • Annette Urlocker
V
  • Rocky Vacca
  • Leona Vaillancourt
  • Estate of Kevin Anthony Van Den Elzen
  • Benjamin and Frederika Van Hoffen
  • Algis Vanagas
  • David and Louise Veres
  • Veronics Instruments Inc.
  • Lou Vescio
  • Maria Vetere
  • Virginia Vickers
  • Zakk Vilk
  • Sally Vince
  • Anne Virag
  • Al & Anne Visser
  • Debbie Vreken
W
  • Christina Walker
  • Tom Wall
  • Jeffrey and Elaine Wallis
  • Bernadette Walsh
  • Cynthia Ward
  • Estate of Ian Warnica
  • Jennifer Warren
  • Mildred Watts
  • Dianne Werner-Simon
  • Janice White
  • Carly White
  • Alan White
  • White Oaks Tennis World Inc.
  • Rick and Pauline Whyte
  • Sally Whyte
  • Ann & Lydell Andree Wiebe
  • Rick & Ruth Wiebe
  • Gregory and Anne Wight
  • Mary Wiley
  • Ronald Williams
  • Linda Williams
  • Kristi Williams
  • Grant Williamson
  • Andrew Williamson
  • Norman and Lise Wills
  • Christopher Wilson
  • Meghan Wilson
  • Jill Wilson
  • Chris Wilson
  • Madeline Woodhead
  • Barbara Worthy
  • Wright Kenny-Scherber MPC
X
Y
  • Chris Yakymishen
  • John You
  • Gordon Young
Z
  • Gary and Tammy Zalepa
  • Angela Zangari
  • Adriano Zannin
  • Peng Zhang
  • Yuan Zhang
  • Paul Zimmerman
  • Ronald Zimmermann
  • Erik Zufelt

WillPower Logo

It’s not about deep pockets.
Anyone can make their mark on this world.

Even 1% to charity in your will can make a world of difference down the road.

That’s what prompted Rashmi and Rick to become fundholders with NCF. They wanted to “make decisions now that would stand the test of time,” shares Rashmi.

Establishing a field-of-interest fund, with general charitable goals, means their estate will be able to support the causes that are important to them, without having to monitor individual charities. They trust that when the time comes, NCF will turn their intent into impact.

Planned Legacy Gifts are an important piece of the philanthropic landscape and have incredible potential to make lasting impact across Niagara.

Above: Rashmi Biswas & Rick Besteman - Planned Legacy Gift Fundholders

NCF is a proud partner of Will Power: a national movement showing Canadians how to use wills for good.

What will your legacy be in Niagara?

Learn more about will power

Memorial & Tribute Gifts

During 2024, gifts were received by the Foundation in honour or in memory of the following individuals:

  • Chris Bangham
  • Bernice Caplan
  • Paul Caplan
  • Amy Chamberlain
  • William (Bill) Collier
  • Wanda Derda
  • Kornelius Fast
  • Mike Franic
  • Donald M. Fraser
  • Paul Joseph Green
  • Vanda Guarasci
  • Ingrid Kritsch
  • Jason Lococo
  • Gene Luczkiw
  • Rick Rose Maiuri
  • Penny Martin
  • Susan Maxwell
  • Liz Palmieri
  • Robert (Bob) Peacock
  • Thérese Philippe
  • Patrick Robson
  • Lori Root
  • Keith O. Saldeba
  • Gary Talosi
  • Joan Taylor
  • Rowen Grace Treleaven
  • Sherwin Tucker
  • Norris & Marilyn Walker
  • Tim Woodhead

Planned Legacy Gifts

Donors have included the Foundation in their estate plan making a real difference in our community’s future. We would like to thank the following people who have named the Niagara Community Foundation in their Will, donated a life insurance policy or will be donating the proceeds from their RRSPs:

  • Niagara Fund
  • Alice Downie-Bacon Com. Fund
  • Andrea Douglas Fund
  • Branscombe Families Fund
  • Canada GOATS Endowment Fund
  • Charron Family Fund
  • Crawford Smith & Swallow Fund
  • D. and M. Slade Family Fund
  • Dr. T. W. & Muriel O’Mulvenny Fund
  • Elvi Vicary Fund
  • Fallsview Casino Resort Fund
  • George & Doris Shepherd Family Fund
  • Jack and Nora Walker Fund
  • Janet St. Amand & Doug Herod Fund
  • Jo & Norm Opperman Fund
  • John & Jan Potts Fund
  • JP Fund
  • Judith Barker Fund
  • June Munro Fund
  • Marchand Kruczynski Family Fund

25 Years of Niagara Community Foundation

In 2025, NCF proudly celebrated 25 years of philanthropy in Niagara.

With flag raisings in all twelve municipalities, a commemorative garden at Lester B. Pearson Park in St. Catharines, awards and recognitions, and a celebration event at 13th Street Winery with our fundholders and volunteers, this year was one to remember.

These celebrations were made possible thanks to the support of more than 400 fundholders, dedicated volunteers, ambassadors, and charity partners.

View our gallery and timeline for highlights and memorable moments from this special anniversary year and the past 25 years.

View Gallery & Timeline

Celebrating 25 years

2025 GRANTS AWARDED

NCF’s granting programs are the wheels that turn our intention into impact.

NCF has six Discretionary Grant Programs: Community, David S. Howes Fund, Mini, Environmental, Summer Camp & Strategic Initiatives. Each application for our Discretionary Grant programs is evaluated by our volunteer Grant Review Committee, ensuring our grants are, meeting the greatest needs in Niagara, are making a visible and sustained impact and are being dispersed in an equitable way.

These Grants are funded by the earnings of our undesignated, discretionary endowment funds – Niagara Fund, Community Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Undesignated funds provide NCF with ultimate flexibility to meet the pressing needs of Niagara.

2025 Discretionary Grants

Year Grantee Amount Description
2025 Niagara Health Foundation - St. Catharines Site $18,621 Replace outdated centrifuge equipment with a modern, high-performance unit that will enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve staff safety, and reduce test turnaround times.
2025 Horse Cents for Kids $14,860 Pilot horsemanship program that gives Indigenous youth accessible, culturally respectful opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and well-being through connection with horses.
2025 FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre $20,000 Support Art in Action: Climate, a 10-day initiative using art to spark climate dialogue featuring Ed Burtynsky's work, performances, exhibits, a climate symposium with wide community, youth, and educational engagement to inspire practical action
2025 Hospice Niagara $18,500 In partnership with Positive Living Niagara, pilot a six-month grief/loss support program for people experiencing homelessness, additions and HIV, providing a safe space that validates experiences, empowers choice & reduces re-traumatization.
2025 Trinity United Church (Grimsby) $6,001 Upgrade stage flooring in historic Memory Hall for public use and in particular for community theatre group which is the major repeated user of the facility .
2025 Junior Achievement South Western Ontario $5,000 Deliver five programs to 125 students in grades 4–12, providing engaging, hands-on learning in financial literacy, career exploration, and entrepreneurship to help youth build confidence and essential life skills.
2025 Project SHARE $7,000 Hire temporary holiday season worker to increase our capacity to better support the more than 17,622 people (2024) seeking emergency food supports this holiday season.
2025 The Norm Foster Theatre Festival $10,000 Support A Niagara Christmas Carol, a new adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, set in the Niagara region prior to the second build of the Welland Canal circa 1840, and presented as an annual/biannual tradition.
2025 Starlight Children's Foundation Canada $7,500 Purchase portable gaming device with tv (Starlight Fun Center) that encourages play, reduces stress, and empowers kids for children while in Niagara Health - Marotta Family Hospital.
2025 Canadian Chamber Academy (Music Niagara) $5,000 Support Symphony for Seniors – A Musical Experience, that will bring world-class, intergenerational performances into senior residences and the Indigenous community, reducing isolation, celebrating diversity, and fostering connection through music.
2025 Niagara Children's Centre $20,434 Replace Gait equipment that uses video & motion capture technology to provide individual treatment for kids with physical disabilities.
2025 Femmes du Feu Creations $9,100 Support Youth Circus Creation Program, that brings together young people, ages 7 to 17, to learn aerial dance, gymnastics, and acrobatic performance and devise a circus arts show that will be shared at a community performance.
2025 Shaw Festival Theatre, Canada $20,000 Transform Centre for Lifelong Creativity, cased on belief that the arts play a significant role in staying happy, healthy, and more connected as we age, we will add three pilot activities to our Positive Aging programs.
2025 Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara $16,590 Purchase software that help offer more mental health services to vulnerable community members while consistently and transparently tracking all trauma therapy outcomes.
2025 Casa El Norte Refugee Assistance Program $20,000 Support Fort Cares Community Hub Model that will create a continuum of services through a new framework for agency collaboration, to address housing, reduce poverty, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
2025 Heartland Forest Nature Experience $12,250 Support Wood Shop Skill Sharing Program that connects youth with older adults to improve safety and accessibility through hands-on projects, participants learn woodworking, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
2025 Heart Niagara $24,000 Support the start up of The Crowded Table Café Social Enterprise that will reduce reliance on donor dollars and advance mission of healthy living, social inclusion, and education.
2025 Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold $9,000 Strengthening Prevention: Equipping Staff with Landlord/Tenant Expertise Program to train housing staff in landlord/tenant law, improving their ability to resolve disputes, prevent evictions, and support long-term housing stability.
2025 Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara $12,500 Fund Court Support Centre, steps from the St. Catharines courthouse, providing one-on-one support and trauma-informed care, helping young victims navigate court safely while promoting resilience and well-being.
2025 Carousel Players $20,000 Support Niagara Children's Festival, a multi-day event offering live theatre, performances, and free cultural activities for children and their families.
2025 Positive Living Niagara $20,000 Support project that builds community capacity by centering lived/living experience to foster a collective response to the needs of sex workers with a platform that will strengthen safety, wellbeing, and advocacy.
2025 Mishka Social Services $15,000 Support Digital Bridges for Newcomers, that equips newcomer and refugee families with digital literacy and online safety skills to access housing, health, and education services while building confidence and independence in a digital world.
2025 Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation $11,788 Replace 8 Windows 11-incompatible computers and discontinued Office 365 licenses (Feb 2026) with Business Premium securing member records and Basic licenses for daily operations serving 10,000+ visits.
2025 Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara $22,000 Support Kids First Project that delivers engaging, preventative content to students that is designed to teach how to stay safe on and offline and empowered them to think critically and make choices to reduce their risk of harm.
2025 Start Me Up Niagara $16,500 Support Mini Closet that offers 24-hour access to clothing, footwear and hygiene, making these essentials more accessible to those in need as it provides a lifeline that fosters compassion, dignity, and hope—the foundation of human connection.
2025 McNally House Hospice $84,000 Purchase of three cuddle beds for Hospice that will enhance end-of-life care, offering space for loved ones to share meaningful moments and improve accessibility and comfort for bariatric patients, ensuring equitable care.
2025 Brock University $110,000 Purchase equipment to support simulated learning that is needed to transition from student to nurse, ultimately helping address health-care sector labour shortages.
2025 Horse Cents for Kids $30,000 Support update of the barn to become resilient against weather impacts to allow for continued riding and skill building programming for at-risk-youth and those with disabilities.
2025 Habitat for Humanity Niagara $110,000 Support First Steps at Plymouth, a six-townhome project in Welland, creating affordable homeownership opportunities for families in need that promotes stability, independence, and economic growth, generating $1.2 million in community benefits.
2025 Community Living Welland Pelham $24,000 Support program that works in combination with community partners to provide inclusive literacy and mathematics support for children and youth in our local community.
2025 Niagara Falls Public Library $60,000 Support open+ technology that gives Chippawa residents access to their library outside of staffed hours, where members can browse and borrow from the collection, use computers, access wi-fi and enjoy the community space.
2025 Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Foundation $44,000 Purchase Bioness L300 that will improve rehabilitation for inpatients and outpatients as it aids in recovery from MS, stroke, and injuries, boosting mobility and overall quality of life.
2025 Boys and Girls Club of Niagara $17,000 Support immediate and planned capital needs at the St. Catharines facility, may include kitchen and exterior door replacements, and updates to internal doors and the exterior fence to maintain safety, functionality, and compliance.
2025 Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit o/a South Shore Search And Rescue $20,000 Support acquisition, installation, testing and crew training of wireless digital voice communication system for use on single-purpose rescue vessel, for accurate communication while protecting volunteers from long-term hearing loss.
2025 Niagara Children's Centre $59,000 Support a Recreation Therapy Assistant will expand Recreation Therapy programs to more youth and children with physical, developmental or communicative delays and disabilities in Niagara.
2025 Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre $40,000 Replace aging appliances and address critical repairs, including installing new windows, fixing a leaking skylight, and adding sliding bathroom doors, ensuring a safe and dignified environment for individuals facing homelessness.
2025 YWCA Niagara Region $34,000 Provide a service protocol to respond to pre and post natal women who enter the shelter system and provide a service map and rapid response for community organizations to better support women.
2025 City of St. Catharines (Niagara Olympic T&F Club) $200,000 The NOC track requires a surface upgrade as the current surface is at end of serviceable life. The surface replacement will allow the facility to continue to play a major role in healthy active living and athletic development in the community.
2025 Niagara Health Foundation - St. Catharines Site $42,500 Purchase five new Stryker Prime Stretchers and IsoFlex SE Mattresses as part of a larger upgrade of patient beds throughout the Niagara Health System to enhance patient safety and reduce healthcare costs from pressure injuries.
2025 Niagara Regional Native Centre $30,000 Create a fenced, shaded outdoor space with a gazebo and picnic tables providing a safe area for Indigenous children to engage in land-based learning, outdoor play, and cultural programming.
2025 Heartland Forest Nature Experience $32,000 Enhance play environment with a new sidewalk ensuring easy access to park side washrooms and three new shade stations providing all children, regardless of their abilities, safe access to play.
2025 Kids Care Oncology Central West Ontario $75,000 Support RMHC Family Room at St. Catharines Hospital that will provide respite areas, laundry, and food services directly inside the hospital to ensure families can rest and recharge while remaining close to their hospitalized children.
2025 City of Niagara Falls $6,554 Support the Garner Neighbourhood Trail tree canopy along a well utilized commuter trail that leads in between neighbourhoods and local high school.
2025 Links for Greener Learning $8,944 Empower newcomer youth in Niagara to transform local urban spaces into thriving, sustainable green areas, fostering a deeper connection to nature, by focusing on environmental education, protecting & restoring environmental integrity.
2025 Heartland Forest Nature Experience $33,000 Monitor and restore slough forest habitat for species at risk including three endangered bat species and create programming that will include nature exploration opportunities, citizen science workshops and interactive indoor/outdoor exhibits.
2025 City of St. Catharines (Haig Neighbours) $3,900 ArborSTC will canvass residences in the Facer neighbourhood of St. Catharines to offer native species trees and/or tree planting services to property owners and tenants at no cost.
2025 Swim Drink Fish $20,000 Monitor water quality and nuisance algae at underserved beaches and shorelines in the Niagara region and promote water literacy and restoration through community engagement and advocacy work.
2025 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation $50,000 Restore 1 ha of wetland habitat and enhance 0.9 ha of associated upland habitat within St. George Park in Welland which will include wetland excavation, managing invasive species, and planting of native trees/plants.
2025 Hamilton Naturalists' Club $13,600 Enhance one of the six ponds found at the Grimsby Wetlands by increasing the depth of half of the pond to improve biodiversity.
2025 The Niagara Foundation $20,000 Support rehabilitation of The Wilderness lands and building with Phase 1 (Natural Environment) which focuses on health of, and public access to, One Mile Creek and the extensive Carolinian forest/significant horticultural plantings on the grounds.
2025 Cairn Christian School $20,000 Support restoration of the school yard that will enhance biodiversity on the property and to increase curiosity and a passion for environmental stewardship among the students and community.
2025 The Niagara Parks Foundation $20,000 Restore up to one hectare of habitat along the Niagara Falls Moraine through the removal of invasive species and the planting of over 7,500 native plants.
2025 City of Welland $14,300 Support tree canopy replacement project along the Kingsway/Canal Lands is a proactive step toward environmental responsibility and community improvement, representing phase 2 of a multiphase project.
2025 Ontario Nature $9,706 Support work to combat the infestation of hemlock woolly adelgid at Harold Mitchell Nature Reserve, expanding protection of the locally rare mature hemlock forest.
2025 Town of Pelham $20,000 In partnership with Land Care Niagara, undertake a feasibility study to restore Niagara’s unique population of Native Brook Trout in the Upper Twelve Mile Creek watershed.
2025 Town of Pelham $6,800 Establish a connected trail network between Marlene Stewart Streit Park (MSSP) and the Nature Conservancy of Canada property and include educational opportunities on the benefits of conserving Carolinian forests and outdoor recreation.
2025 Niagara Falls Art Gallery $2,200 Support production of an 18 month Calendar focused on artwork by children throughout the Niagara Region to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Art Gallery.
2025 St Vincent de Paul Society $2,500 Purchase freezer for increased donations.
2025 RiverBrink Art Museum Inc. $2,500 Assist development of an artist residency with funding for fire safety upgrades, legal review of artist contract, upgrades to building security and bedroom furniture.
2025 Project SHARE $2,000 Install a 2-way intercom system in their reception window to better support the more than 71,741 seeking emergency food & housing support as well as our valued donors and service providers with accuracy, dignity and respect.
2025 Community Crew $2,500 Purchase Better Impact, volunteer management software.
2025 Links for Greener Learning $1,800 Purchase computer and utility card to support operations of the Good Food Box Program.
2025 West Niagara Agricultural Society $2,500 Provide permanent refillable bottle filling station and cooler in the Community Hall of the grounds
2025 Brock University $2,350 Support mental health of students by providing personal counsellors with specialized training in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its common co-occurring conditions.
2025 Mountainview CRC $2,000 Purchase freezers to support Tuesday Evening Food Program, addressing the food security needs of those living on the street and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal.
2025 Young Caregivers Association $1,728 Fund staff professional development to best serve our community which would result in fewer waitlists, stronger care and better support for young caregivers.
2025 I Can Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Association of Niagara Inc. - I CAN-T.E.R. $1,500 Provide professional development and educational tool kits for participant use in Equine Assisted Learning Program
2025 Lincoln Pelham Public Library - Fonthill $2,373 Enhance accessibility and build capacity by purchasing spine label printers for both Lincoln and Pelham to produce durable labels and minimize the time materials are unavailable to customers while being relabeled.
2025 Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre $2,500 Support skill-based psychoeducational group aimed at symptom improvement and preparing participants for effective engagement in individual psychotherapy.
2025 Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold (Niagara Nutrition Partners) $2,500 Purchase of two staff laptops to enable enhanced productivity through faster, reliable devices, and supported staff to ensure uninterrupted services and response to our community needs.
2025 The Willow Community Support Services (Willow Arts Community) $2,500 Support “Songs for Healing,” that will foster creative collaboration and cultural healing by uniting artists and Indigenous community members to share stories and create original music together.
2025 Town of Grimsby - Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) $2,500 Support free monthly art-hang series inviting local queer and trans youth to explore different artmaking practices in a safe, peer-supported space intended for developing creative expression and fostering community.
2025 The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre $2,500 Purchase and install a commercial high temperature dishwasher that meets health and safety requirements and benefit from increased capacity by improving operational efficiencies.
2025 Literacy Link Niagara Inc. $900 Fund the Niagara Navigator guide that will share easy-to-use tools and resources that help educators, employment staff, and community organizations work together to support people in finding the learning, jobs, and services they need.
2025 Tomorrow's Voices Foundation $2,500 Partner with students from Niagara College to launch and implement the volunteer management and attendance tracking app specially developed by students for the organization.
2025 Mountainview CRC $1,500 Purchase needed equipment to support Tuesday Evening Food Program, addressing the food security needs of those living on the street and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy a warm meal, that is nutritiously balanced for healthier living.
2025 Starlight Children's Foundation Canada $2,500 Purchase portable gaming devices that encourages play, reduces stress, and empowers kids for children while in St. Catharines hospital.
2025 Niagara College $2,500 Understand underground habitat of Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders that are essential species: as they support a biodiversity of other creatures and facilitate carbon sequestration in our forests.
2025 Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie $1,948 Provide staff with tools & techniques to effectively manage & de-escalate challenging behaviors ensuring the safety & dignity of individuals with brain injuries.
2025 Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library $2,500 Support project that empowers kids in Niagara to explore STEM through hands-on learning and access to new tech tools at the library, supporting digital literacy and community connection
2025 Avanti Chamber Singers $2,500 Purchase works of living composers, to diversify music library and performances to include more music by Canadian, women and BIPOC composers.
2025 The Willow Community Support Services (Willow Arts Community) $1,500 Support Exhibition Catalogue that creates a lasting record of art works in the form of a professionally photographed, designed, and printed booklet that celebrates artists living with mental illness/substance use.
2025 The Brown Homestead $1,988 Purchase portable A/V equipment, to enhance off-site programs and outreach to reach more diverse audiences—ensuring Niagara’s Homestead is shared and experienced by all.
2025 Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation $2,336 Enhancing private program spaces to ensure confidentiality and comfort for cancer support groups and counselling sessions, respecting vulnerable community members' dignity while delivering more effective support services.
2025 Lincoln Pelham Public Library - Fonthill $2,500 Purchase English as a Second Language collection that will provide resources to support learning English, including grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills, as well as career-specific materials for fields like healthcare and business.
2025 YMCA of Niagara $2,500 Provide key day camp staff with enhanced pre-camp training (NVCI) to support the needs and well being of individuals who are in distress and may demonstrate inappropriate or risk behaviours while in the camp environment.
2025 The Essential Collective Theatre $1,500 Create website that will be a community meeting space for artists to share, learn, discuss and showcase their new works.
2025 Summer Camp Grants $39,500 Provide grants to 22 organizations to support nearly 300 children in finanical need attend summer camp programs.
2025 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation $1,000
2025 Niagara Regional Native Centre $2,500
2025 YPI Canada $15,000 Support Youth & Philantrophy Initiative (YPI) that supported 6 Niagara Schools to participate in the program.

Donor Directed Grants speak to the philanthropic wishes of our donors.

Both Donor Advised and Donor Designated funds provide fundholders with an opportunity to select the beneficiary from their fund. These are considered 'Donor Directed Grants' and make up 64% of NCF’s annual grants.

These grants are based on the terms of the fund agreements between the donor and the Foundation with respect to beneficiary organization.

Below is a list of the organizations supported by Donor Directed Grants.

  • 2022 Canada Games Sport Legacy Inc.
  • Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
  • Amici Camping Charity
  • Angels Rest Dog Rescue
  • Animal Assistance Society of the Niagara Region
  • Arthritis Society Ontario Division — Niagara Peninsula Office
  • Ass Menagerie Sanctuary
  • Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara
  • Autism Ontario — South Region
  • Beamsville Church of Christ
  • Benevolent Society of Grimsby and District
  • Bert Miller Nature Club of Fort Erie
  • Bethlehem Housing and Support Services
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara — West Niagara
  • Birchway Niagara (Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Niagara — Niagara Falls
  • Brock University — Office of Development and Alumni Relations
  • Brock University — Student Awards and Financial Aid
  • Bruce Trail Conservancy
  • Burlington Rotary Community Hospice Inc. (Carpenter Hospice)
  • Canadian Cancer Society
  • Canadian Chamber Academy (Music Niagara)
  • Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) St. Catharines
  • Canadian Red Cross
  • Canadian Red Cross, Niagara Area Branch
  • Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
  • Canadian Veteran Service Dog Unit (CVSDU)
  • Carleton University — Awards and Financial Aid
  • Cave Springs Camp Inc.
  • Central United Church of Port Colborne
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Chinmaya Mission
  • Chorus Niagara
  • Church of the Transfiguration
  • CityKidz Ministry — Hamilton Branch
  • City of St. Catharines (Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park)
  • Civil Air Rescue Emergency Service Niagara (CARES NIAGARA)
  • CNIB
  • Community Animal Allies of Niagara
  • Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold (Niagara Nutrition Partners)
  • Community Care of West Niagara
  • Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold
  • Community Crew
  • Community Living St. Catharines
  • Community Living Welland Pelham
  • Community Support Services of Niagara
  • Conestoga College — Financial Aid
  • Cultural Communications Group Inc. / Niagara Regional Native Centre
  • Cystic Fibrosis Canada — Niagara Chapter
  • Doctors Without Borders Canada
  • Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice Foundation Inc.
  • Durham College — Financial Aid and Awards Office
  • Dying With Dignity Canada Inc.
  • Early Childhood Community Development Centre
  • Education Foundation of Niagara
  • Family and Children’s Services Niagara
  • Feed the Children
  • FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
  • Fleming College — Financial Aid
  • Fort Erie Conservation Club
  • Fort Erie Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  • Foundation of Resources for Teens (The FORT)
  • Friends of Lincoln’s History
  • Georgian College
  • Gillian’s Place
  • Golf Canada Foundation
  • Grace Community Church
  • Grimsby Life Centre Ministries
  • Grimsby Museum (Town of Grimsby)
  • Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga
  • Habitat for Humanity Niagara
  • Hamilton Health Sciences
  • Happy Days Sanctuary
  • Heart and Stroke Foundation
  • Heart Niagara
  • Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge
  • Hospice Niagara
  • Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Foundation
  • Humane Society of Greater Niagara
  • Humber College — Financial Aid — Scholarships and Awards
  • I Can Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Association of Niagara Inc. — I CAN-T.E.R.
  • IEEE Canadian Foundation
  • Inclusion West Niagara (Community Living — Grimsby Lincoln & West Lincoln)
  • Jack.org
  • Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
  • Kidney Foundation of Canada
  • Kids Up Front Foundation — Toronto Chapter
  • Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara
  • La corporation de l’ecole polytechnique de Montreal
  • Lambton College — Financial Aid
  • Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue
  • Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre
  • Latvian Relief Society of Canada
  • Lincoln Memorial Cultural Centre: Home of the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty
  • Lincoln Pelham Public Library — Fleming Branch
  • Lincoln Pelham Public Library — Fonthill
  • Lincoln Pelham Public Library — Rittenhouse Branch
  • Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
  • Literacy Council of Niagara West
  • Little RES Q
  • Lung Health Foundation
  • March of Dimes Canada
  • May Court Club of St. Catharines
  • Mayholme Foundation
  • McMaster University
  • McMaster University — Faculty of Science
  • McNally House Hospice
  • Meals on Wheels Port Colborne
  • Mission Services of Hamilton Inc.
  • Mohawk College
  • Momentum Choir
  • Monastery of Mount Carmel
  • MS Canada
  • Muscular Dystrophy Canada
  • Museum of Health Care at Kingston
  • Nativity of the Holy Mother of God
  • NCDSB — Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School
  • NCDSB — Saint Paul Catholic High School
  • NCDSB — St. Mary Catholic Elementary School
  • NCDSB — St. Michael Catholic High School
  • NCDSB — St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School
  • Newark Neighbours Food & Thrift Shops
  • Niagara Action for Animals
  • Niagara Artists Company (Niagara Artists Centre)
  • Niagara Chapter — Native Women Inc.
  • Niagara Children’s Centre
  • Niagara College — Athletics
  • Niagara College — Financial Aid
  • Niagara College Foundation & Alumni Relations
  • Niagara Dog Rescue
  • Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education
  • Niagara Foundation for Family & Children’s Services
  • Niagara Health Foundation
  • Niagara Health Foundation — Port Colborne Site
  • Niagara Health Foundation — South Niagara Site
  • Niagara Health Foundation — St. Catharines Site
  • Niagara Health Foundation — Welland Site
  • Niagara Historical Society/ NOTL Museum
  • Niagara Land Trust
  • Niagara Life Welland Centre o/a Elisha House Pregnancy & Family Support Centre
  • Niagara Military Museum
  • Niagara North Family Health Team (NNFHT)
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care Service
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library
  • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation
  • Niagara Region — Senior Services
  • Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre
  • Niagara Resource Service for Youth (RAFT)
  • Niagara SPCA & Humane Society — Niagara Falls Site
  • Niagara SPCA & Humane Society — Welland Site
  • Niagara Symphony Association
  • Niagara Ukrainian Fund
  • Niagara Youth Orchestra
  • No Paw Left Behind
  • Ontario Brain Injury Association
  • Ontario Rett Syndrome Association
  • Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust — University of Guelph
  • Ontario Wildlife Rescue Centre
  • Open Arms Mission of Welland Inc.
  • Osteoporosis Canada
  • Owl Foundation
  • Pathstone Foundation
  • Pelham Cares Inc.
  • Pets Alive Niagara
  • Pflag Canada — Niagara Chapter
  • Plan International Canada
  • Port Cares
  • Port Nelson United Church
  • Project SHARE
  • Pumpkin’s Acres Rabbit Rescue
  • Queen’s University
  • REACH Niagara
  • Red Roof Retreat
  • Ridley College Foundation
  • River’s Edge Haven of Hope
  • Rotary Club of Lincoln Foundation
  • Rotary Club of St. Catharines, Charitable Trust
  • Royal Canadian Artillery
  • RRPC Innovation Foundation
  • Salvation Army Community and Family Services — Hamilton/Wentworth
  • Shaw Festival Theatre, Canada
  • SickKids Foundation
  • Silver Spire United Church
  • Sleeping Children Around the World
  • Southridge Shelter / Brock University Dept. Rec and Leisure
  • Southwestern Ontario Youth for Christ / Youth Unlimited
  • Stamford Lane United Church
  • Start Me Up Niagara
  • St. Clement’s School
  • St. George’s Anglican Church
  • St. Giles Presbyterian Church
  • St. John the Theologian Ukrainian Catholic Church
  • St. Lawrence College
  • St. Mark’s Church
  • Strive Niagara (AFSSN)
  • Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church
  • St. Therese of Lisieux Church
  • Syrian Kids Foundation
  • Terry Fox Foundation
  • The Bridge Church
  • The Niagara Foundation
  • The Niagara Parks Foundation
  • The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
  • The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
  • The Rotary Foundation — Canada
  • The Salvation Army Community & Family Services
  • The Salvation Army Niagara Orchard Community Church
  • The Salvation Army St. Catharines Community & Family Services
  • The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank
  • The Village Church
  • The War Amps of Canada
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Town of Lincoln
  • Town of Lincoln — Jordan Historical Museum
  • Town of Pelham
  • Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (St. Catharines) Inc.
  • United Way Halton & Hamilton
  • United Way Niagara
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Guelph
  • University of Ottawa
  • University of Toronto
  • University of Waterloo
  • University of Western Ontario
  • Urban Wildlife Care
  • Village of Hope
  • VON Canada — Ontario Branch — Niagara Site
  • Wellspring Niagara Cancer Support Foundation
  • West Lincoln Community Care
  • West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation
  • West Niagara Agricultural Society
  • West Niagara Palliative Care Services o/a Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers
  • Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Centre
  • World Vision Canada
  • YMCA of Niagara
  • York University
  • Youth Resources Niagara
  • YWCA Niagara Region

GROWTH

2025 Financial Snapshot

$5,254,394

DONATIONS RECEIVED

$4,966,126

GRANTS AWARDED

10%

GROWTH IN ASSETS

1.2%

OPERATING EXPENSES

Growth Of Endowment Funds
2014 – 2025

Source Of Revenue
$8,363,687

Financial Highlights

2025 2024 2023 2022
Total Assets $101,984,687 $92,520,137 $82,317,851 $73,221,792
Gross Fundraising & Event Revenue $80,214 $58,030 $57,732 $51,415
Total Donations $5,254,394 $2,790,985 $5,562,938 $4,955,648
Total Revenue $15,997,826 $15,060,945 $13,406,831 $1,055,146
Total Grants $4,966,126 $3,857,707 $3,513,557 $3,344,438
Total Charitable Programs $166,272 $179,766 $256,143 $209,047
Total Fundraising Expenses $387,248 $283,895 $170,304 $173,922
Total Administrative & Governance Expenses $1,214,271 $1,070,188 $927,820 $858,309
Total Endowments $99,601,923 $91,252,715 $79,641,364 $71,151,159
% of Admin/Governance to Total Endowment 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2%
% of Fundraising Expenses to Total Endowment 0.39% 0.31% 0.21% 0.24%

GROWTH OF GRANTS 2016 – 2025

Over the past 10 years, the assets of the Niagara Community Foundation have grown from $28 million to $100 million!  Since inception in 2000, NCF has given over $36.5 million in grants to the community.

2025 Financial & Governance Highlights

GOVERNANCE

The Board’s role is to set policy and to question, scrutinize and monitor the management of the Foundation’s activities. It is a role of governance as opposed to operational management and ensures that the affairs of the Foundation are being conducted in a manner that achieves its goals consistent with NCF’s mission. The Role of Board and Executive and the Scope of Authority policies are in place to delineate responsibility between board and staff. The Board has also adopted a Code of Ethics and Confidentiality policy for all staff and volunteers.

OPERATIONS

The Foundation’s staff is led by the Executive Director, who reports to an independent Board of Directors. Operating costs include asset development, charitable activities, special projects, administration and governance. Expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 totaled $1,214,271. Consistent with the community foundation sector, operating costs are evaluated by a ratio of total core operating expenses to total assets. For 2025, that percentage was 1.2% (1.2% in 2024), which continues to be below the range of community foundations of similar size and stage of development.

INVESTMENT FEES & RETURNS

NCF’s investments are pooled with a number of other public foundations and charities in an investment pool with the Toronto Foundation (TF). This relationship has been in place since 2001 and is re-evaluated on a regular basis by the Investment Committee. The endowments are invested in accordance with the investment policy established by TF’s Board and are part of the NCF’s Investment Management Agreement with TF.

LONG TERM STRATEGIC ASSET ALLOCATION

The average investment fee paid for 2025 was 0.84% for funds in the Toronto Foundation investment pool. The investment fee is charged monthly to each fund on a pro-rated basis. NCF’s annualized fiveyear (2021 to 2025) rate of return is 8.15% and 6.77% since inception (both net of fees). For more information on Asset Allocation, visit our website to find our Investment Policy.

EXTERNAL INVESTMENT MANAGERS PROGRAM

In 2012 the Foundation created the External Investment Managers Program which allows assets gifted to a newly created Fund to be invested outside of Foundation’s Consolidated Investment Fund in a portfolio managed by the donor’s recommended investment firm. This program is available for advisors who have been licensed as a portfolio manager actively involved in discretionary investment management of segregated portfolios for a minimum of three years. The minimum donation required to participate in this program is $1,000,000. There are currently six funds under the management in this program.

ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 2001—2025 (NET)

SOCIAL IMPACT INVESTING

As with all Social Impact Investment opportunities, NCF recognizes that although there may be a lower financial return compared to traditional investments, there is an equally important social and environmental impact alongside of the financial return. Since 2012, NCF has made four (4) commitments in several Social Impact Investment opportunities including: Community Forward Fund (2012), a social finance investment fund; Fair Finance Fund (2018) which lends to social enterprises that provide demonstrable social, environmental and economic benefits from across the food & farm sector supporting the future of local food in Ontario from seed to supper; Windmill Microlending (2023) providing loan support to skilled immigrants to assist with higher education, Canadian accreditation and access to career coaching and professional mentorship; Rally Reader (2024) an online literacy platform dedicated to fostering literacy equity by nurturing a genuine love for reading through choice, support and motivation ensuring every student, regardless of their background or learning differences, has access to the resources they need to succeed.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board has a comprehensive Risk Management Policy covering legislative & legal, fiscal performance, financial reporting, management of volunteers, effective management & governance, economic risk and donor & volunteer stewardship. The Finance Committee reviews NCF’s exposure to risk & mitigants to address perceived or actual risks annually. NCF is exposed to the effects of market fluctuations due to changes in market prices caused by factors specific to the individual security or its issuer or factors affecting all securities traded in the market. While market risk cannot be eliminated, the Foundation’s Investment Policy addresses this risk with parameters for both asset quality & diversification.

OPERATING RESERVE FUND

In 2018 an Operating Reserve Fund was established with the accrued surplus revenue from our Operating Fund year-over-year. Operating Reserves are liquid, unrestricted assets the Foundation can use to support our operations in the event of an unanticipated loss of revenue or increase in expenses. The reality of market fluctuations have an impact on NCF’s source of income and an Operating Reserve Fund provides comfort to stakeholders that NCF has the ability to respond to a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The Foundation’s goal for our Operating Reserve Fund is six months of our annual Operating Budget to cover major expenses.

ACCREDITATION

In 2012 NCF received accreditation through Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. NCF was one of the first Community Foundations accredited in Canada. The program offers a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and nonprofits wishing to enhance their effectiveness in the fundamentals of governance, paid-staff management, financial accountability, fundraising and volunteer management.

EVALUATION

The Board has adopted a comprehensive annual process to evaluate its performance. The results of the evaluation are reviewed and actions to improve board performance are implemented. This process is done on a biennial basis with Foundation committees. NCF staff team participate in annual performance appraisals, which includes check-ins throughout the year. The Executive Director’s review is presented to the Board by the Board Chair.

COMPENSATION

The Board has established salary ranges for each of the Foundation employees. The ranges are determined based on reviewing similar positions within the community foundation sector across Canada as well as similar positions within Niagara. Ranges are adjusted regularly to reflect cost of living changes.

BOARD RECRUITMENT, ORIENTATION & TRAINING

The Bylaws of the Foundation set out the Board recruitment process. Nominees from across Niagara are identified based on current board attributes and future strategic needs. The Board is comprised of 17 members who are elected for a three-year term, which can be renewed once. The term can be extended if a Director is serving as the Vice Chair, Chair or Past Chair. New Directors take part in a formal orientation program. Board training takes place at each meeting and additional opportunities are provided throughout the year for members to participate in professional development provided by Community Foundations of Canada.

GRATITUDE

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. In 2025 they contributed 1,400 hours, and based on $17.60/hr hour, this gift works out to $24,631in support! Thank you so much for this amazing contribution of time and talent.

AMBASSADORS

Sandy Annunziata, John Armstrong, Brian Babcock, Rashmi Biswas, Ann-Louise Branscombe, Pat Darte, Dino DiCienzo, Andrea Douglas, Denise Elliott, Mario Ferrara, John Fisher, Jessica Friesen, Eric Gilbert, Alan Goddard, Damian Goulbourne, Mel Groom, Jim Howden, Brad Hutchings, Paul Jones, Paul Leon, Jodi Lycett, Rena McDonald, Rosanne Marsh, Shirley Martin, Scott Maskell, Maria Menechella, Victor Muratori, Rob Neill, Eugene Oatley, John Palumbo, John Potts, Carrie Prudhomme, Kelly Robson, David Shaw, Janet St. Amand, Betty-Lou Souter, Wade Stayzer, Sharon Svob, Mary Turner, Louise Veres, Rob Welch, Doug Whitty, Chris Wilson, Brian Wilkie & Madeline Woodhead

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

    • Michael Lethby (Chair) - Executive Director – The RAFT
    • Natasha DiCienzo (Vice-Chair) - Wealth Advisor – Scotia Wealth Management
    • Michael Mann (Past-Chair) - Partner – Lancaster, Chown & Welch LLP
    • Bill Crumm (Treasurer) - Director, Indirect Tax (Public Sector) – Deloitte LLP

DIRECTORS

    • Natalie Apparicio-Farrell - Consultant, Investors Group Securities Inc. – IG Wealth Management
    • Linda Boich - Executive Vice President, Quality, Mental Health, Addictions – Niagara Health System
    • Marisa Brown - Manager, Career Development and Planning – Mohawk College
    • Chris DiLalla - Owner– DiLalla Systems Ltd.
    • Jennifer Feren - School Board Lawyer – District School Board of Niagara
    • Ann Godfrey - Director, Development & Public Relations – FACS Niagara (Retired)
    • Brian Kon - Indigenous Relations Advisor – Region of Niagara
    • April Mitchell-Boudreau - CEO – Lofttan Jewelry
    • Kithio Mwanzia - Housing Manager – Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold
    • Maggie Penca - Director of Quality and Strategy – Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara
    • Don Stewart - Senior Associate, Philanthropy – Armstrong Strategy Group
    • Joanna Stubbs- Manager, PlaySmart Centres – Responsible Gambling Council
    • Denise Tulk - Agent Owner & Operator – Desjardin Insurance

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS

COMMUNITY FUND COMMITTEE

Nancy Bailey (NOTL), Mike Berlis (NOTL Chair), Patrick Brabant (Grimsby), Claudia Brema (Port Colborne Chair), Pat Darte (NOTL), Alan Goddard (Grimsby), Rosanne Marsh (Port Colborne), Sharon McMillan (Wainfleet), Andrew Niven (NOTL), Monika Patterson (Grimsby), Debi Pratt (NOTL), Amanda Pyper (Grimsby), Kelly Robson (Wainfleet Chair), David Semley (Port Colborne), Don Stewart (Grimsby Chair), Sharon Svob (Wainfleet), Denise Tulk (Grimsby), Christopher Wilson (Port Colborne)

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Damian Goulbourne, Mike Lethby, Michael Harris, Rick Merritt, April Mitchell-Boudreau (Chair), Sarah Pritula, Jessica Potts, Carrie Prudhomme, Louise Veres, Madeline Woodhead

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Nancy Ammari, Bill Crumm (Chair), Amanda Galley (DJB Accountant), Scott Maskell, Tracy Rienzo, Carrie Sportel, Ruth Todd, Josh Tonos, Suzanne Wilson

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Linda Boich, Bill Crumm, Natasha DiCienzo, Jennifer Feren, Damian Goulbourne, Mike Lethby, Mike Mann (Chair), Kithio Mwanzia

GRANTS COMMITTEE

Brandon Agnew, Marisa Brown, Paul Chapman, Janice Coles, Chris DiLalla, Dawit Eshetu, Manfred Fast, Mark Fortuna, Andrew Harwood, Robert Hunt, Ziggy Janzen, Nyarayi Kapisavanhu, Peter Kryger, Kerry Lorence, Mitchell Lutz, Chantelle Mamone, Wayne Moorehead, Katja Odegaard, Andy Panko, Andrew Porteus, Karen Schmidt, Kristen Smith, Melissa Stack, Don Stewart, Carol Stewart-Kirkby, Joanna Stubbs (chair), Pam Swick-Janjac, Laurie Tucker, Emily Veres, Louise Veres

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Alexandra Elmslie, Nicki Inch, Pauline Fenwick, Advait Maybhate, Jan Potts, Sharon Svob

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Terry Lynn Adamson, Natalie Apparicio-Farrell, James Blake, Natasha DiCienzo (Chair), Mario Ferrara, Alan Goddard, Stephen Jenkins, Peter Nixon, Brian Wilkie, Madeline Woodhead

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Bill Crumm, Damain Goulborne (Chair), Natasha DiCienzo, Mike Lethby, Mike Mann, April Mitchell-Boudreau, Louise Veres

STAFF TEAM

Bryan J. Rose (Executive Director), Orla Fitzpatrick Newhouse (Manager, Philanthropic Services), JoAnne Krick (Director, Grants & Community Initiatives), Suzanne Veenstra (Coordinator, Marketing & Communications), Victoria Duru (Director, Financial Services – External), Amanda Galley, Ryan O’Neill & Johnson Hu (DJB Accounting Services)

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

ANNUAL REPORT WRITERS: Marlene Bergsma, Tiffany Mayer

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTIONS: Tara Walton (Aaron & Tara Photography) Nataschia Wielink