Fall 2011
Investment Fund
New home for Hamilton Artists Inc. draws public interest.
Helps to Fill Gap
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striking gallery at the corner of James St. North and Cannon St. West represents two milestones: a new home for Hamilton Artists Inc. supported by the first loan from HCF’s new community investment fund.
“It’s a stunning transformation at one of Hamilton’s most visible corners,” says Terry Cooke, HCF’s President & CEO. “We are absolutely thrilled that the Foundation is able to use more of its assets in unique ways to support positive change like this.” Canadian charities have historically had difficulty finding financing for expanding services and facilities. Lack of funding for core operations, growth and diversification inhibits what they can accomplish.
A Boost for the
The Hamilton Community Investment Fund is a $5 million fund that invests in local charitable and non-profit projects – instead of the stock market. This amount includes $2 million available as loans to the sector, through a partnership with the Community Forward Fund, an innovative loan
Arts
– see Gap, page 4
Message from the President & CEO: Terry Cooke
Well-Positioned for ‘Bumpy Road Ahead’ O ur board and staff met recently to look at ways HCF can continue to make a difference in Hamilton. Looking at the broader global and local context for what we might do, one thing is eminently clear: economic volatility is here to stay.
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Increasing flexibility for donors on giving options so that it’s easier for them to have immediate impact with their donations.
Community impact – both today and into the future – is our Fortunately, HCF continues to ensure we are well-positioned overriding purpose. One of our goals is to maximize financial investment in the community. We put real power behind that to achieve our mission regardless of a bumpy road ahead. We have superb financial leadership both internally on our goal by creating the Hamilton Community Investment Fund to use more of our assets to strengthen Hamilton, through finance committee and externally with seasoned portfolio managers. Our Board of Directors and staff have taken steps social enterprise and community-building projects. to solidify our financial base by: Difficult economic times will demand more, with government n Adjusting our investment strategy to match the times austerity and rising community needs almost certain. HCF is and focus on long-term outcomes; doing all it can to make sure we’re well-positioned to answer that call. n Replenishing our reserves; and LEGACY • Fall 2011 Newsletter • Hamilton Community Foundation
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Donor Profile
Donation Tip:
Murray Hogarth, centre, with sons, Geoff, left, and Tim.
Use New Will Checklist to Reflect Giving Intentions A gift to HCF in your will can have a profound impact on the community for many years to come.
Pioneer Giving
You can choose to support specific organizations or causes that have been important during your lifetime or to let HCF’s Board of Directors direct your gift to the highest charitable priorities each year. HCF is pleased to work with you (or your advisors) in your lifetime to ensure that your legacy gift will honour and reflect your philanthropic wishes. As a guide to you and your advisors, we have developed a new checklist for composing the required clause for a gift in your will.
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A Sense of Pride
ioneer Energy and its long history of community support were recognized this fall when it received the corporate Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Murray Hogarth, Pioneer’s founder, says he is “proud to have been the leader of a company that has been able to make a difference.” A seasoned volunteer in countless community leadership roles, Murray’s example established Pioneer’s corporate value of philanthropy. In 1999, Pioneer marked the millennium by establishing the Pioneer Petroleums Children’s Foundation at HCF, and has made more than 250 grants totalling over $2.5 million. The company for also created the Pioneer Petroleums Foundation Fund within HCF’s Community Fund to help address Hamilton’s most pressing needs. In addition, Pioneer generously supports a range of other charities across the communities where they are located.
Recognized Support
For more information, please visit our website at www.hcf.on.ca and follow the links to Donors/ Ways to Give/ Bequests.
Equally important, Pioneer paves the way for others to make a difference through community philanthropy. Programs at their retail outlets, like Cent a Litre Days, Give What You Can and School Bucks Community Bucks, encourage customers and partners to join them in meeting local needs. “Pioneer’s people take a lot of pride in supporting the community,” Murray says. “We’re successful because of the communities we work in. It makes good business sense – and it’s just right – to give back.”
Practical Tips for Advisors
H
elping Your Clients to Make an Impact is a new video resource to help professional advisors introduce the subject of charitable giving to their clients. It presents four steps to raising the topic using scenarios like writing a will, selling a business and financial planning.
Watch video at www.hcf.on.ca/advisors.shtml.
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“Advisors are uniquely situated to help serve their clients’ charitable interests and to affect Hamilton’s quality of life,” says Sheree Meredith, Vice-President of Philanthropic Services. “Talking about philanthropy strengthens client relationships, but doesn’t always come naturally. The video provides practical tips to help advisors become more comfortable with the topic.”
LEGACY • Fall 2011 Newsletter • Hamilton Community Foundation
Grants at a Glance
New Music Program
in Tune with Kids
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n innovative music program is striking a chord with school kids, who are able to discover and develop their creative musical potential earlier than normal. An Instrument for Every Child (AIFEC), a pilot program introduced last year at King George Elementary in Hamilton, gives Grade 1 children an opportunity to learn to play an orchestral musical instrument, which is not offered in the curriculum until Grades 6 or 7. Supported by a grant from HCF, the four-year program is provided by the Hamilton Music Collective in partnership with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. In the first year, children are introduced to a variety of instruments and receive in-class music lessons each week from a qualified music instructor. In Grade 2, children select the instrument they want to play for the remainder of the program and receive lessons after school. “AIFEC doesn’t set out to produce world-class musicians,” says program founder and director Astrid Hepner. “It’s a
Building Jobs for
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Youth at Risk
new, innovative program offered by the Threshold School of Building will give youth practical experience and employment in the construction sector. The school operates programs that provide construction training and experience for at-risk and marginalized youth aged 15 to 30. Supported by a grant from HCF, its new venture, Threshold Construction Program, is a social enterprise created to provide employment for its top graduates. Operating similarly to a private construction company, Threshold Construction is starting as a two-year pilot to build outdoor residential projects such as decks, fences and sheds, with potential to expand to larger-scale residential and commercial renovations. A construction co-ordinator, skilled in the trades, customer service and sales, ensures the school’s principles are upheld as well as its commitment to programs that provide opportunities to disadvantaged youth who face barriers to employment. By the end of the two years, Threshold Construction forecasts a sustainable enterprise that would also assist in funding the school’s other programs.
social program at heart,” she says, adding that it is designed to create community spirit by giving children the opportunity to experience the joy and fun of music while building self-esteem and sense of value. The program also helps kids who might have a musical talent but lack the financial resources to realize their ability. AIFEC is modelled on successful international programs. It currently operates in three Hamilton schools with plans for expansion.
A Healthy Place for Everyone
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reaking down barriers that can make it harder for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) communities to access health care is the focus of a new Foundation grant. Research shows that members of the LGBTQ community have the same health concerns as anyone else, but cultural differences and attitudes in the broader community mean that these health issues may be experienced differently. As a result, many delay treatment or withhold personal information from health-care providers for fear that disclosure will lead to prejudice and discrimination. A recent needs assessment study on the LGBTQ community revealed that only 56 percent of respondents felt safe going to their primary health-care providers. This project will increase access to training for family physicians and other health-care professionals on understanding and responding to the unique needs of LGBTQ people, including using inclusive practices, increasing awareness of confidentiality concerns and supporting with sensitivity. The program is supported through HCF’s Community Health Education and Research Fund, whose purpose is making Hamilton “a healthy place for all to live, learn and work.” LEGACY • Fall 2011 Newsletter • Hamilton Community Foundation
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Filling the Gap continued from page 1
and investment organization that provides financing for charities and non-profits. “We expect community investment to go beyond traditional granting and fill an important gap that will help to strengthen the charitable sector and the city,” says Terry. “The Inc.” is a long-standing artist-run centre that supports and reflects the diverse environment of the community. A loan from HCF’s community investment fund, which has been fully repaid, allowed them to complete the building project on time while awaiting promised financing that had been delayed. Read more about community investing at www.hcf.on.ca.
Terry Cooke hosts cable TV series and talks with local experts.
Vital Signs: Report on Our Quality of Life
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hile Hamilton continues to face challenges, there have been a number of positive outcomes in the quality of life for residents and the city over the past year, according to the 2011 Vital Signs, a recently released HCF report.
Hamilton’s Vital Signs – part of an annual community checkup conducted nationally by community foundations – measures the health and vitality of community life, identifies significant trends and supports action on issues that are critical to the city’s future. In conjunction with its Code Red series, The Hamilton Spectator published Hamilton’s Vital Signs, one of 22 reports released by community foundations in cities across Canada on October 4. “This year’s Vital Signs proves change is possible,” says HCF President & CEO Terry Cooke, who is hosting an eight-part series on Cable 14 – Hamilton’s Vital Signs on For the Record – featuring local experts who will examine the 12 aspects of community life addressed in the report.
120 King Street West, Suite 700 Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4V2 T 905-523-5600 F 905-523-0741 W www.hcf.on.ca E information@hcf.on.ca Hamilton Community Foundation is grateful to the following for their support of Legacy: Our annual communications partner:
The first program aired on October 3 to introduce the series. Upcoming segments will feature areas like the environment, education and the economy, discussing Hamilton’s progress, as well as its opportunities and challenges. While providing a forum for dialogue and adding insight to Vital Signs statistics, the For the Record segments help to inform and engage the public in broad community concerns. “Vital Signs takes a collaborative approach to enhancing the long-term vitality of our city,” says Terry. “The strength of HCF’s report comes in sharing our know ledge while continuing to build strong connections and synergy in the community.” Vital Signs on For the Record will be aired the first Monday of each month until June 2012 and is repeated on YouTube, linked via HCF’s website at www.hcf.on.ca. To view the full report, visit www.hamiltonvitalsigns.ca, or contact HCF for a copy.
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LEGACY • Fall 2011 Newsletter • Hamilton Community Foundation