About The Foundation
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?
- Connecting donors who care with causes that matter
- Independent centre for community philanthropy
- Includes donors from all walks of life – anyone can leave a legacy
- Known for stewardship and prudent investment practices
- Locally-run, volunteer foundation
- Creating a better community – today, tomorrow, forever.
who we are
The strength of the Foundation lies with its volunteers. The Board is made up of 11 dedicated Directors, and many more Directors at Large, who contribute significantly on foundation committees. These volunteers also reflect the diversity of Chatham-Kent, which is truly a “Community of Communities.”
what we do
The goal of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation is to assist in the development of this community through grants to registered charitable organizations which focus on education, health, arts and culture, recreation, social services, heritage and the environment. The Chatham Kent Community Foundation builds endowments and other funds to provide lasting support for local priorities. The income earned by the Foundation’s invested permanent funds is used to give grants to a wide range of community groups, while the original investment is retained, and grows over time.
History of the foundation
In 1990, the Foundation became a reality after founder, John Bradley, approached City Council to explain the concept of endowment funds that would serve the community forever. In May of 1990, the City Council reported that the City of Chatham Foundation Act had been passed by the Provincial Legislature and received Royal Assent. John Bradley was appointed the first chairman of the Foundation.
The founding dinner was held on November 1, 1991, and the Guest of Honour was Beryl Nurse Ivey who was thanked for her continued support of the Chatham Kent community.
On May 1, 1993, the first grants to community agencies were given to three hospitals, Public General and St. Josephs in Chatham and Sydenham District Hospital in Wallaceburg, as well as to CK Transition House, Chatham Public Library, Tilbury Information Centre, Ridgetown Arena and the Blenheim Leisure Centre. Since that time the Foundation has continued to grant all areas of Chatham Kent. Following the amalgamation of Chatham-Kent, the Foundation name was changed to the Chatham Kent Community Foundation.
YEAR | CHAIR OF THE BOARD | AMOUNT OF PERPETUAL FUNDS |
1990 | John Bradley | $0.00* |
1991 | John Bradley | |
1992 | John Bradley | |
1993 | John Bradley | |
1994 | David Dick | |
1995 | David Dick | |
1996 | Paul Courey | $139,324* |
1997 | Paul Courey | |
1998 | Mike McGregor | |
1999 | Mike McGregor | $226,845* |
2000 | Leigh Ann Shoji-Lee | |
2001 | Leigh Ann Shoji-Lee | |
2002 | Scott Geddes | |
2003 | Scott Geddes | |
2004 | Reg MacDonald | $1,606,436* |
2005 | Reg MacDonald | |
2006 | Barry Fraser | $1,547,550* |
2007 | Dean Bradley/Penny McGregor | |
2008 | Penny McGregor | $2,198,134** |
2009 | Penny McGregor | |
2010 | Kris Stevens | $2,885,300** |
2011 | Kris Stevens | $3,036,421.37 |
2012 | Rob McKinlay | $3,080,314.01 |
2013 | Rob McKinlay | $4,354,013.28 |
2014 | Jim Wickett | $4,906,888 |
2015 | Jim Wickett | $5,831,157 |
2016 | John Mallory | |
2017 | John Mallory | $7,265,326 |
2018 | Ed Little | $7,272,253 |
2019 | Ed Little | $8,526,956.56 |
2020 | Ruth Hook | $10,004.165.41 |
2021 | Ruth Hook | $12,097,561 |
2022 | Irene Moore | $11,244,319 |
2023 | Irene Moore | $12,929,458 |