Come take a walk with us down memory lane, as we reflect on our milestones, turning points and achievements.
Niagara Community Foundation's 25 Year History
MILESTONES & MARKERS
2000
The Launch of Niagara Community Foundation.
Born out of years of planning, dating back to 1997.
2001
Distributes first round of grants to 6 organizations, totaling $9000
2002
First Annual Leaders Breakfast
Bringing together the Leaders of Niagara, NCF held this Annual Event until 2019.
Casino Niagara opens the “Cares Foundation”
Reaches first $1 million in Endowed Assets
Establishes Summer Camp Grants
2003
Selected to participate in the J. W. McConnell Family Foundation Environmental Initiative
This provided NCF with the incentive to prioritize Environmental Grants
Establishes Environmental Grants Program
2004
Hires Administrative Assistant
Orla Fitzpatrick Newhouse took over this position in 2007. Orla is now Manager of Philanthropic Services
The first Au Marche event in St. Catharines with Mayor Tim Rigby.
Au Marche continued for many years and had its final event in 2017.
NCF takes over the planning and production of Cuvée.
In 2015, NCF handed over this role to Brock University.
2005
Reaches $1 Million in historic grant tally
The Walker family makes largest donation to date to NCF of half a million, creating the Jack and Nora Walker Fund
2006
Reaches $5M in endowed assets
Sleep Cheap Charities Reap partners with NCF to support Niagara Falls Community Fund.
2007
Establishes the Strategic Initiatives Grant Program and Mini Grant Programs
NCF’s 1st Strategic Initiatives Grant in partnership with the Council for Business and the Arts- Artsvest
2008
Develops the Living in Niagara Report
Establishing Niagara's “community report card;" a corner stone document still used for evaluation today.
Hires a Manager of Community Initiatives
JoAnne Krick is now Director of Grants & Community Initiatives
2009
Reaches $10M in endowed assets
2010
Launches the Change the Game Initiative for Niagara's non-profit leaders
To support and facilitate growth within the Niagara Charitable sector
Initiates Random Acts of Kindness Day in Niagara
2011
NCF enters into formal agreement with the Region of Niagara to hire Niagara Prosperity Initiative Convener.
This agreement lasted for 12 years, ending in 2023.
NCF becomes accredited with Imagine Canada Standards Program
2012
Reaches $20M endowed assets
Establishes “Smart and Caring Community Funds”
This allowed for growth in the area of field of interest funds.
Partners with United Way for the “Niagara Neighbourhood Good Idea” Grants providing small grants to neighbourhood groups.
Partners with First Ontario Credit Union to implement Niagara’s first ever Micro-financing Program.
This laid the groundwork for Social Impact Investing
2013
Makes first investment in Social Impact Investing with the Community Forward Fund
2014
Reaches $1 million in ANNUAL Grant dispersal
2015
Launches the Governance Coaching Program
Supporting Niagara's charitable boards & directors.
NCF initiates Smart & Caring True Sport Matching Grants Program to fund grants from sports and recreation groups in Niagara
2016
Reaches $30M in endowed assets
Canada 150 and the Launch of "Make Your Mark" Campaign
Liz Palmieri, NCF's Founding Executive Director retires
Bryan Rose becomes NCF's next Executive Director
2017
Largest Donation in Niagara's history with a gift to NCF of $19M from the David S. Howes Foundation
Reaches $50 M in endowed assets
2018
Hire Community Fund & Foundation Associate
Suzanne Veenstra is now Marketing & Communications Coordinator
2019
Reaches $60M in endowed assets
Reaches $2 M in Annual Grant Dispersal
Social Impact Investment with Fair Finance Fund of $100,000
Partnership with the Government of Canada for federal granting program- Social Enterprise Investment Readiness Program
Joins the bi-national Collaborative, Great Lakes One Water Initiative (GLOW)
This initiative ended in 2021.
2020
Reaches $3 M in Annual Grant Dispersal
Dispersal of the Emergency Relief Fund in partnership with the Government of Canada in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Strategic Grant from David S. Howes Fund of $250,000 to Niagara Health for Ventilators
2021
Establishment of the Dorothea Thomas Foundation, enhancing Environmental Grants with $5M investment
Reaches $70M in endowed assets
Partners with Armstrong Strategy Group to offer local professional development training
2022
Rebrands Niagara Community Foundation with new visual identity
Deploys largest grant in NCF history from the David S. Howes Fund of $655,000 for 2022 Canada Games- David S. Howes Sports Performance Centre
2023
Reaches $80M in endowed assets
NCF Hosts Community Foundations Canada Annual Conference outing in Niagara
NCF invests in Windmill MicroFinancing with Social Impact Investments
2024
Recognized as Top 50 Equitable Funders in Canada
Reaches $90M in endowed assets
2025
Niagara Community Foundation marks 25 Years of Impact in Niagara
NCF receives 2025 Community Partners Award at AFP Golden Horseshoe National Philanthropy Celebration
Reaches $4 M in Annual Grant Dispersal
