15 Years of Making Every Moment Count. Annual Report 2013-2014
A Message from our Leadership Marking fifteen years of strengthening Burlington in 2014, we’re bringing people together to celebrate BCF, our community’s centre for philanthropy. Over the past year, we focused on community convening, leadership and unearthing the meaning of philanthropy. You’ll also note – in the new size of this publication – our focus on reducing our environmental footprint with a streamlined paper-based report and increased focus on online communications. Throughout this publication and at burlingtonfoundation.org, you can read about some of our key accomplishments.
Tim Dobbie | Chair, Board of Directors
We’re following a deliberate course that is focused on grantmaking and addressing the most vital needs of our community. In 2013-14, 49 charities and non-profit organizations received $505,755 in grants. We presently manage more than $8.4 million in assets and steward 71 funds that respond to priority needs and strengthen our city’s vitality. We’re working to enhance the quality of life for all Burlington residents. As we look to the future, we’re continuing the tradition of focusing on people first and foremost. We recognize that each one of our grants truly makes a difference to people who live in our community. By grantmaking, and addressing the most vital community needs, the Foundation is making Burlington a more vital place to live, work and play – for today’s and tomorrow’s residents.
Colleen Mulholland President & CEO
Driven to Influence. The Paul Hansell Foundation. After losing his musically talented 18-year-old son, Brian Hansell was inspired to create a foundation fund with BCF that promotes programs aimed at the mental and emotional wellbeing of youth. Brian shares, “The spirit of Paul lives on through the Paul Hansell Foundation. At its core, it aims to provide youth with the necessary tools for mental wellness, continuing on Paul’s passion for helping others.” The foundation financially supports the Paul Hansell School Life Award at Burlington’s Assumption High School as well as two Brock University programs, the Paul Hansell Student Competition Award and the Students’ Union Students for Students Campaign. Launched in 2013, the Paul Hansell Hand Up for Kids Fund supports programming at Reach Out Centre for Kids. Across Burlington, six young people attended the Youth Aiding Youth Social Skills Camp. Also, through the Hugs for the Holidays Program, a local family of four received gifts and a family dinner. Along with important financial support, the Paul Hansell Foundation shines a spotlight on the mental health concerns that our youth face and the inclusion of mental wellness as a cornerstone to the overall wellbeing of youth. 1
April 1999 Burlington Mayor Rob MacIsaac & Bishop John Bothwell appoint Doug Leggat as BCF’s first Advisory Board chair.
April 1999 BCF’s first grant of $5,000 helps refurbish a lounge in the Burlington Seniors’ Centre where more than 1,500 members gather.
A Community Partnership Launches First Book Club for Special Needs Adults Adults with special needs meet each week for an hour of stories and activities as part of a new book discussion group at Brant Hills Branch Library that launched in the fall of 2013. Members are encouraged to read aloud to the group, take part in the discussion and make a craft. Read Free respects the abilities and limitations of all members within a safe and supportive group environment. The program is free and open to adults with special needs who are able to participate without the help of a caregiver. Rosemary Minnella, library supervisor, explains, “We heard about a U.S. discussion group that is set up like a book club and we wanted to create something similar here in Burlington. We made it our own by joining with Community Living Burlington and their dedicated staff. As a result, the Read Free discussion group is the first of its kind in Ontario.” Read Free is a great example of how community partnerships can make a real difference to people. As well as linking the Burlington Public Library and Community Living, area students from Ryerson University, Sheridan College and Mohawk College conduct the sessions as valuable, meaningful work placements. Karen Lade, director of program supports at Community Living Burlington, enthusiastically endorses the program. “Read Free promotes adult literacy, inclusivity, partnerships and volunteerism,” Lade says. “Stereotyping and assumptions about the capacity of people with disabilities to learn and work are harsh social barriers. Read Free is breaking down these barriers in our community.”
Grants that Boosted Community Vitality Across Burlington, local charities put grant dollars to work on projects that strengthen our city. Be inspired by the stories of our fundholders - visit burlingtonfoundation.org/our-stories.
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October 2000 The first-ever Mayor’s Gala ensures a solid financial base for the fledgling Burlington Community Foundation.
October 2000 Murray Hogarth’s $100,000 gift to fund BCF operations sparks “a coming of age for Burlington philanthropy”.
Burlington Community Fund Grants Respond to Vital Signs® Findings Our 2013-14 community grants focused on BCF’s Vital Signs® report, released on October 1, 2013. This report shares many of Burlington’s successes and highlights the sometimes-unseen concerns, including residents living in poverty and challenges facing both youth and seniors, especially regarding mental health. Download a copy of the complete Vital Signs® 2013 report by visiting burlingtonfoundation.org/vital-signs.
Preserving our Land with the Bruce Trail Conservancy For two consecutive years, we’ve given grants to Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC). With funding from BCF, donors and organizations, BTC purchased a 10-acre wedge of the Niagara Escarpment known as Cedar Springs Woods, located near Kerncliffe Park in north Burlington. Now under the permanent care of the BTC, this land is held in trust and will be preserved for future generations. Additional BCF funding secured a Land Management Plan for this same tract — a way for scientists to map the tract’s attributes, record and ensure proper long-term care activities. This sustainable form of funding is a great demonstration of how funds can be nurtured during a fundholders lifetime as well as through future bequests. More practically, this investment through our environmental field of interest funds supports sustainable care for this land tract.
Grants Support Arts and Culture, Seniors and Mental Health Our annual call for grants yielded 52 applications from local charities. The Grants Council confirmed 25 projects with great potential to address priority needs identified in our Vital Signs® 2013 report. From ArtHouse’s weekly after-school art programs for children in at-risk neighbourhoods to Acclaim Health’s music care program for seniors with dementia, BCF grants are contributing to our community’s vitality. Visit burlingtonfoundation.org/grant-awards more information. One highlight of our 2013-14 grants is our ongoing commitment to mental health. Announced in March 2014, BCF launched a Mental Health Roundtable series with the inaugural session held on May 1, we are bringing together local leadership to address mental health issues affecting our community. 3
Visit burlingtonfoundation.org/mental-health-roundtable-series for updates on work to support mental wellness in our community.
March 2005 $10,000 grant to purchase a sailboat equipped for use by people living with disabilities.
March 2007 McDonald’s Restaurants of Burlington & Waterdown Fund created to support children’s charities and Ronald McDonald House.
Creating a Gift that Will Give Forever For 15 years, we’ve provided flexible ways to create an endowment fund and build a legacy. We help you set up your personal foundation and steer your ongoing community gifts. We currently manage 71 funds that support arts and culture, education and scholarships, the environment, health, social services and recreation. Funds are pooled together and invested to generate income on an annual basis. Income is distributed in the form of community building grants. An initial donation establishes your fund. You can also contribute to an established fund, or to the Foundation’s Impact Fund that helps sustain BCF operations. As a fundholder, you can get involved in grantmaking or rely on us to steer distributions to local charities that match your philanthropic wishes.
Public Art Funded by Private Citizens The Dan Lawrie Family Foundation. Dan Lawrie, CEO of Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd., a local insurance brokerage and long-time Burlington resident launched a new fund in September 2013. This fund was created to educate and increase the publics understanding, appreciation and accessibility of visual and sculptural arts. The Dan Lawrie Family Foundation is establishing and providing support for a public sculpture garden in Hendrie Park at the Royal Botanical Gardens that will display and feature an international sculpture collection and other works of art. The garden’s first sculpture is the Rejoicing Family by Zimbabwean artist Taurai Mutigwa. Dan shares how his decision to fund public art came about, “Through my personal interest in art and sculpture and through my travels to various places in the world where I have been inspired by public sculpture, I decided to create a sculpture garden closer to home for the enjoyment and benefit of my own community. I believe investing in public art can enrich lives, enhance communities and inspire innovation, learning and creativity.” He hopes this fund will help enhance the cultural vibrancy of the cities of Burlington and Hamilton as well as surrounding areas by engaging the imagination of residents and visitors.
Questions about becoming a fundholder? Find answers at burlingtonfoundation.org under Donors & Fundholders.
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October 2007 World-renowned David Suzuki speaks at a BCF event.
July 2008 $1 million in grants since inception to Burlington charities and non-profits.
Engaging Burlington Residents Through Community Leadership We’re committed to engaging and collaborating with Burlington residents. A few examples over the past year include: • Our community impact video featured each of our lead corporate Proud Supporters speaking about a charity and the community impact it makes across Burlington. • Our community grant application encourages organizations to show evidence of partnership — from sponsors and donors through to shared spaces and resources to applications between two organizations. • Our new Mental Health Roundtable Series, has led to a crosssection of leaders and individuals in our community coming forward to partner with us on a healthier community. • With United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton, we’ve launched the Community Partners Collective, an information sharing and advocacy group among non-profit leadership organizations.
Interested in getting involved? Please Visit burlingtonfoundation.org under Volunteer Today.
• With Halton Region, we hosted two free grant-writing workshops. In 2013, 35 people and agencies took part.
Our Proud Supporters Diamond Proud Supporters Crosswinds Golf & Country Club Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Pioneer Energy SmartMeds Pharmacy Platinum Proud Supporters Cogeco/TVCOGECO Effort Trust Leggat Auto Group TD Wealth Private Client Group Tim L. Dobbie Consulting Vital Signs Proud Supporter Paletta International
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Mental Health Roundtable Series Proud Supporter RBC Royal Bank Gold Proud Supporters BDO Bell Boehringer Ingelheim Deloitte Brady Benefits Branthaven Homes Burlington Hydro Burlington Taxi Carriage Gate Homes Cynthia Zahoruk Architect Inc Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd
Discovery Ford Firstbrook Insurance Group Greenpark Group King Paving & Materials Company L-3 WESCAM Mercedes-Benz Burlington MHPM Project Managers Inc. Mohawk College MTE Consultants Inc. Newalta Play Advertising SB Partners Smith’s Funeral Homes STANMECH Technologies Inc. Taylor Leibow LLP Turkstra Mazza Associates
We strive to foster strong partnerships with corporations that support community vitality, now and into the future. Visit burlingtonfoundation.org/proudsupporter to learn more about our current sponsors and Proud Supporter Program.
March 2009 Burlington BlueCreeks Project is created to make improvements in the Grindstone Creek watershed.
June 2011 Nelson Allan Project Video and Toolkit is launched to propel seniors from isolation to activation.
Back to the Future – 15 Years Later Fond Memories of our Founding A few of our founders recall the moments that led to our Foundation’s origin and the start of our mission to strengthen Burlington with gifts that give forever. Community minded people seize a timely opportunity. “In the early 1990’s there was a period of recession and cutbacks in provincial expenditures, social contract programs as well as reduced revenues for the municipalities.” shares Walter Mulkewich, Burlington Mayor 1991-1997. “While there was no community foundation in Burlington, the Hamilton Community Foundation had a mandate that included serving Burlington.” A neighbouring foundation lends critical support. Doug Leggat, the first BCF Chair recalls, “Creating a foundation in Burlington was an opportunity to bring something closer to home.” In the April 15, 1999 press release that announced our launch, Leggat shared, “Burlington Community Foundation (was) affiliated with Hamilton Community Foundation in order to gain the advantage of cost and operational effectiveness based on the experience and support built up during it’s 45 years of operation.” Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, BCF, shares, “How the two foundations came together in such a transparent and giving way was truly unique…and I’m sure, inspirational for other community foundations across Canada.” Burlington leadership comes together. Rob MacIsaac, Burlington Mayor 1997-2006 recalls, “The Foundation introduced the concept of creating endowment funds as a very sustainable way to literally create a legacy for the city.” Philanthropic gifts plant seeds for future gifts. “The first Mayor’s Gala that Rob MacIsaac hosted was a big infusion of financial support in 2000 – the proceeds from the gala along with Murray Hogarth’s $100,000 gift were key to building a strong operations base,” recalls former Mayor Walter Mulkewich. Former Mayor Rob MacIsaac notes, “The first gala in October 2000 was a very special night. In some respects, it really sparked a coming of age for philanthropy in our city.” 15 years later, we currently manage more than $8.4 million in assets and steward 71 funds. Throughout 2014, we’re bringing together people from across the city and beyond – past and present board members, volunteers, supporters, staff and most importantly, local residents – to celebrate our community’s centre for philanthropy.
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November 2011 Food For Life acquires a new 800 square-foot walk-in chiller funded by a BCF community grant.
April 2012 A $250,000 stock donation is made to support performing arts programs for lower-income youth.
Strengthening Burlington with Gifts that Give Forever Established in 1999 as a centre for philanthropy, 2014 marks a celebration of Burlington Community Foundation’s 15 years of service to Burlington residents. A local knowledge broker and trusted partner in the non-profit sector, we collaborate with donors to build endowments, give grants and connect leadership. Responsive to our donors, our experts help people give grants, build legacies, address vital community needs and support areas of personal interest. The Foundation helps people, agencies and corporations improve our city’s vitality – today and tomorrow. Our grantmaking supports donor wishes and addresses the highest priority needs in our community. Each grant truly makes a difference to our neighbours, friends, colleagues and their families.
2013-2014 Board of Directors Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Foundation. We sincerely thank our many volunteers for giving generously of their passion, time and talents to help us build a more vital Burlington. Tim Dobbie, Chair
Lysa Fitzgerald
Philip Reddon, Vice Chair
Kristina Hyland
John Rockx, Treasurer
Darren McMullin
Michael Banks
Keith Strong
Leighan Basadur
Jim Sweetlove
Danny Chou
Charting the Course – Our Team Recognized in the community for our expertise in philanthropy, community building, and grantmaking, we help fundholders, donors, volunteers and supporters address Burlington’s most pressing needs. Want to get involved? Visit burlingtonfoundation.org, follow @BurlingtonFDN or connect on Facebook to discover the many ways you can help strengthen our great city.
3380 South Service Road, Unit 107 | Burlington, ON L7N 3J5 905 639 0744 | info@burlingtonfoundation.org BCF is a registered charity #857812739 RR0001
We are proud to be part of the following organizations:
FPO September 2012 Vital Signs report sheds light on issues across Burlington.
March 2014 BCF launches Mental Health Roundtable Series to tackle mental health issues.
2014 BCF celebrates 15 years of service.