WORKING TOGETHER
A MAGAZINE OF THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION WINTER 2017
FOR HELPING MAKE ‘A WINNIPEG WHERE COMMUNITY LIFE FLOURISHES FOR ALL.’
WORKING TOGETHER | A MAGAZINE OF THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION | WINTER 2017
THANK YOU
HELPING YOUTH FIND HOPE
THE ROBB NASH PROJECT STRIKES A CHORD WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS
THE LAST WORD WITH CEO RICK FROST
The Winnipeg Foundation celebrates our 2016 year and announces an exciting granting milestone at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Read more on page 7.
YOU MAY NOT HAVE NOTICED BUT THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION IS IN THE MIDST OF A TRANSITION. THIS WOULD BE COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDABLE BECAUSE OUR POLICIES ARE INTENDED TO PROMOTE STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY. A ‘STEADY AS SHE GOES’ ENVIRONMENT SEEMS VERY NATURAL TO AN ENDOWMENT-BASED ORGANIZATION THAT MUST ALWAYS COMPENSATE FOR THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE INVESTMENT MARKET. BUT NONETHELESS, CHANGE IS A REALITY FOR US ALL.
DETERMINING THE PATH AHEAD
O
ur current strategic plan covers the years 2014 to 2017. Because our yearend is Sept. 30, we are now only months away from the end of this fouryear period. For example, the last three projects in our Downtown Green Spaces Strategy are identified and largely funded. Projects like Growing Active Kids, the You Can Do It Awards and Nourishing Potential which didn’t exist only a few years ago, are now positioned to provide sustained support long into the future. Our fall issue of Working Together magazine will review all The Foundation activities of the last four years. Looking ahead, we are now asking, ‘What are the priorities that should impact our community building work as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2021?’ The Winnipeg Foundation describes itself as a 360-degree grant-maker because we engage with charities of all types. This will not change. But we are likely to identify areas of focus. For example, working in the health sector will remain, but we may decide that mental health deserves special emphasis over the next few years. Our process for determining priorities is called Vital Signs®. Through a wide range of activities from community forums to public surveys, we will create a picture of what Winnipeg sees as its primary challenges. We have already engaged a number of research partners to help us with this work. Our intent is to reach out to donors, charitable agencies and the general public. We encourage everyone to participate. In October 2017, our Vital Signs® report will be released.
Another factor that will influence our thinking is the strength and capacity of charitable agencies. Are some parts of the voluntary sector faring better than others? Are smaller organizations less stable or more vulnerable than larger ones? Certainly, there is a general concern that we need to re-enforce our philanthropic traditions. For years, Manitoba has led the nation when it comes to giving, but like all of Canada, the number of people who donate is on the decline. These are factors that could influence how our Board defines our role in the next few years. There is always a sense of excitement as we move from one planning period to the next, in pursuit of our vision: ‘A Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’
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OUR VISION
A WINNIPEG WHERE COMMUNITY LIFE FLOURISHES FOR ALL
WORKING TOGETHER
A MAGAZINE OF THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION WINTER 2017
Contributors Nolan Bicknell
Nancy Mak
Stacy Cardigan Smith
Armande Martine
Noah Erenberg
Jennifer Pawluk
Richard Frost
Helle Wilson
LuAnn Lovlin
Robert Zirk
Photography Ian McCausland and David Lipnowski Design 23 Below
Working Together is published three times per year by The Winnipeg Foundation. In our ongoing efforts to connect with our many communities, we are always looking for ways to improve this publication. If you have comments, please email them to Stacy ssmith@wpgfdn.org. If you do not wish to receive this publication, please contact us.
The Winnipeg Foundation is For Good. Forever. We help people give back to our shared community by connecting generous donors with causes they care about For Good. We are an endowment-based public foundation, so gifts are pooled and invested and the annual earnings are granted back to the community Forever. We strive to be a catalyst for strengthening community well-being, now and for future generations, by promoting philanthropy, creating partnerships and supporting diverse charitable organizations. Formed in 1921, we are proud to be the first community foundation in Canada. We are committed to working with everyone in our community toward a shared goal of reconciliation. A copy of the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action was signed in 2015 by both The Foundation’s Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer, and helps guide our strategic direction.
The Winnipeg Foundation Board of Directors Justice Deborah McCawley, Chair Mayor Brian Bowman, Ex-officio George Bass
Tracy Graham
Doneta Brotchie
Gerry Labossière
Tom Bryk
Patricia Mainville
David Cohen
Susan Millican
Carolyn Duhamel
Maureen Prendiville
Spencer Duncanson
Robert G. Puchniak
Albert El Tassi
Anita Southall
Daniel Friedman
GET IN TOUCH The Winnipeg Foundation 1350-One Lombard Place | Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0X3 | 204.944.9474 | 1.877.974.3631 wpgfdn.org
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Publications Mail Agreement No. 40623039 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The Winnipeg Foundation 1350-One Lombard Place Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3
FEATURES
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18 8 T HE POWER OF MUSIC
37 A TOAST TO
and Women of Note
PEOPLE REACH THEIR POTENTIAL
choir: how two very
Sam’s Place volunteers
Camping Supplies a
different styles of music
gain more than work
stanch supporter of
are changing lives
experience
our city
14 T HE STRENGTH OF A
23 H IGHLIGHTS FROM THE
40 A FAMILY TRADITION OF
The Robb Nash Project
MOTHER’S LOVE
The Mothering Project
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22 H ELPING YOUNG
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FOUNDATION’S 2016 YEAR
WINNIPEG
Founder of Coghlan’s
CHARITABLE SUPPORT
Ross Robinson and
helps struggling moms
Summary report included
family shine a light on the
get back on their feet
in this magazine
importance of giving back
18 B UILDING COMMUNITY
34 S PEECH PATHOLOGY
42 I INSPIRING EXCELLENCE
Little Free Library Build
The legacy of Margaret
Barbara Pearce’s legacy
Days help bring books
Morse
gift helps people soar to
ONE BOOK AT A TIME
to the streets
PIONEER
THROUGH THE ARTS
new heights
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JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Help make ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’ Sign up to make a monthly gift. It’s easy and automatic. wpgfdn.org/give | 204.944.9474 4
DEPARTMENTS
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FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
21
PROMISING PROJECTS
31
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
33
NEW FUNDS AT THE FOUNDATION
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33
46
RIVER CITY 360
49
COMMUNITY NEWS COMMONS
50
OUR FOUNDATION
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OUR CULTURE OF GENEROSITY
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THE LAST WORD WITH CEO RICK FROST
STORIES
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FOUNDATION’S GRANTS TO COMMUNITY REACH $400 MILLION
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EXCITING CHANGES TO COMMUNITY GRANTS
45
ACTIVE AGENCY FUNDS
50
46
HELP SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE THROUGH VITAL SIGNS®
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THREE MINUTES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH FAST PITCH
STRETCH YOUR IMPACT TODAY! Until September 2017, for every $5 you give to a Community Building Fund, we’ll stretch it with an additional $1 (for a maximum stretch of $2,000 per fund per year). Your gift will help address our city’s most pressing needs and emerging opportunities.
Good.
Better!
wpgfdn.org/give | 204.944.9474 5
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
LANDMARK START TO 2017
T
he Winnipeg Foundation kicked off 2017 with an exciting announcement: we surpassed $400 million in cumulative grants to the community. This support is changing lives across our city, and is only possible thanks to our generous donors. We recently celebrated another milestone: the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Moffat Family Fund at The Foundation. In 2001, the Moffats’ unprecedented gift of $100 million nearly doubled the size of The Foundation’s endowments back then – and hugely increased our capacity for support. Since that time, more than 2,200 grants totaling $50 million have been distributed from the Moffat Family Fund throughout our community (and in several other communities across Canada where Moffat Communications did business). The Winnipeg Foundation was established in 1921. It took us 80 years to reach $100 million in cumulative grants to our community. In the last 15 years, we have granted an additional $300 million. By the time we reach our centennial in 2021, our cumulative grants will exceed $500 million in community support. Thanks to The Foundation’s prudent financial management, we did not have to reduce granting following the 2008 financial crisis. Thanks to the power of endowment, The Foundation’s support for our community will remain stable and will continue For Good. Forever. The beginning of 2017 also saw changes to our Board of Directors, with four long-time members retiring, and four new members joining.
We also changed the way we report back to the community. Instead of our traditional, long version, printed annual report, we now produce an 8-page summary document outlining highlights from our year; you can find it included in the middle of this issue of Working Together. Some of the information traditionally contained in the longer printed annual report is now found on our website. To better serve you, our supporters, we’ve expanded and updated our Working Together magazine! As you can see, it now includes more feature stories and photos, bringing you an ‘up close and personal’ community experience. Plus, we’ve increased the number of issues to a total of three each year. We hope you’ll enjoy our new look and watch for your next issue in June. As always, we welcome your feedback on any of the stories you read, and on our new look for Working Together. Justice Deborah McCawley
Look for
THE LAST WORD WITH CEO RICK FROST on the inside back cover. 6
MILESTONES
FOUNDATION’S GRANTS TO COMMUNITY REACH $400 MILLION
PLENTY OF REASONS TO SMILE AT THE FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION
In front of a sold-out crowd on Jan. 5 at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC), The Foundation revealed an exciting granting milestone: $400 million in cumulative grants to the community. The announcement came in conjunction with a $600,000 grant to the Aviation Museum in support of its new aviation and aerospace centre. The grant brings the Aviation halfway to its capital campaign goal of $40 million. “This Community Grant from The Winnipeg Foundation will help
us build a new, world-class facility on Winnipeg’s international airport campus. Our vision is to ‘celebrate the Legends of Canadian Aviation’ – a remarkable story of adventure and innovation that has led Manitoba to have the largest aerospace industry in Western Canada,” says RAMWC’s CEO Helen Halliday. The Foundation also shared results of its record-breaking 2016 year – with more grants distributed and more gifts received than ever before. Read more starting on page 23.
Clockwise from left: Attendees don retro aviation garb at the photo booth; Foundation Board Chair Justice Deborah McCawley (left) and CEO Rick Frost (right) present a grant cheque to Aviation Museum Capital and Endowment Campaign Co-Chair Ross Robinson (centre left) and Board Chair Bruce Emberley; attendees during a tour; guests Tanya Misseghers and Donna Wills of the Arthritis Society.
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INCREDIBLE IMPACT
THE POWER OF MUSIC
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Women of Note choir member Carole Bhakar.
Classical or country. Choral or jazz. Reggae or rock. No matter your tastes, odds are music moves you. In the next pages, we bring you two stories about how music is changing lives in our community. The genres, venues and audiences may be very different, but the impacts are far-reaching and affirm music’s incredible power to make a difference.
Musician Robb Nash.
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INCREDIBLE IMPACT
CONQUERING MENTAL HEALTH
THE ROBB NASH PROJECT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE REALIZE IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP
“ WHEN I WAS 15, I FELT VERY ALONE. WHEN [THE ROBB NASH PROJECT] CAME TO MY SCHOOL AND PLAYED A SHOW, THAT’S WHEN I REALIZED I [WASN’T] ALONE.” – Taylor Bowman 10
R
obb Nash has made many breakthroughs with his music – touring with some of the biggest names in the Canadian rock music scene and releasing top 10 singles – but the most important ones came after he tore up his record deal. “[There’s a] difference between playing in front of massive crowds every day and looking into the eyes of a young student that’s handing you their suicide note and having a breakthrough right in front of you,” Mr. Nash says. Taylor Bowman is one of those students who handed Mr. Nash her suicide note. She had been going through difficult times when The Robb Nash Project performed at her school, Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, five years ago. “When I was 15, I felt very alone, and then when the guys came to my school and played a show, that’s when I realized I [wasn’t] alone,” says Ms. Bowman. “I’m much more open and able to talk about what I went through.” Through The Robb Nash Project, Mr. Nash and his band tour schools, First Nations communities, detention centres, and other venues, sharing positive messages and hope through music and storytelling. “Kids walk up and they say ‘Wow, this guy’s been through something tough. So have I. He’s talking about it. Maybe so should I. He got help. Maybe so should I,’” Robb says. “And I think that’s why people are responding, because we’re willing to get up on stage, be vulnerable, tell our stories, let people know that it’s OK to feel weak sometimes and let other people in.”
R ecipient: The Robb Nash Project Program: Concerts for youth in Winnipeg Grant: $15,000 drawn from the Moffat Family Fund, and from the hundreds of Community Building Funds held at The Foundation, including the Alan E. Tarr Fund, the Renault Family Fund, and the A Critical Cause Fund
At 17, after a serious car crash, Mr. Nash was pronounced dead at the scene. He came back to life, but suffered from memory loss, had his skull and chest rebuilt with metal, and struggled with anger and depression for a year and a half following the accident. “I don’t think bad things happen for a reason, but I do think they happen with potential,” he says. “I wanted to tell my story so other people wouldn’t have to die like I did before they started to live.” He formed a band, Live on Arrival, that started to make a name for itself in the Canadian music scene. But in 2007, Mr. Nash tore up his record deal so he could bring his music and message to young people. He’s reached more than 985,000 students to date. “I’m massively in debt, and we don’t charge for this tour,” says Robb, whose presentations rely on sponsors and other sources of funding. “Everyone thought we were crazy, but I’ll tell you what: this transition has been beautiful. I wouldn’t go back for a second.” To date, 611 students have handed him their suicide notes. Countless others have handed him razor blades they used to cut with or bottles of prescription drugs. Many students have even tattooed lyrics from Robb’s songs on their arms, which inspired him to tattoo the signatures from the first 120 suicide notes he received on his right arm. “I wanted to show students after our shows: look at these signatures on my arm. You think you’re alone, but these are all people that once had the same thoughts that you’re having right now and they’re still here – and they’re conquering the world around them.” Ralph Wagner, Principal of Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, says that Robb’s positive message plays an important role in promoting dialogue with students. “Every school will have students that are going to be struggling, either with self-image, or in terms of selfharm,” says Mr. Wagner. “You want to be proactive, and Robb is one of those people that is able to reach kids across the spectrum.” The Robb Nash Project works closely with schools prior to the presentations. Occasionally, schools will bring in additional counsellors or social workers to follow up with students. If the band receives a suicide note, they notify staff to ensure the student can get further help. The band also hands out cards that include the Kids Help Phone number and a link to download their music for free. “We let people know, ‘Just because we’re singing for you today, doesn’t mean your life is going to be fluffy. You’re going to have more bad days,’” Robb says. “If you look for pain when you wake up in the morning, that’s all you’re going to find. But if you wake up in the morning looking for strength, looking for hope, looking for help – that’s what you’ll find. It’s all about focus and what you want to see.” HEAD TO RC360.ORG TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE ROBB NASH PROJECT Facing page: After seeing him perform at her school, Taylor Bowman handed Robb Nash her suicide note. Left: Taylor points to her signature tattooed on Robb’s arm.
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INCREDIBLE IMPACT WOMEN OF NOTE CHOIR BRIGHTENS THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO CAN’T LEAVE HOME
SINGING AWAY THE BLUES
T
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hrough a series of mini concerts, the Women of Note choir is singing for seniors and those in palliative care facilities, and bringing joy to everyone involved. “Part of what makes me happy about music is how it makes other people feel,” says choir member Tracey Silagy. “We can bring that [joy] to people, particularly those who are getting to that point in their lives when they don’t have a lot of opportunity to get out to hear concerts. Music does something special to us: it soothes us, it revitalizes us and invigorates us.” Women of Note is a 70-member choir that performs a number of shows throughout the year. Last December, it offered Christmas Express concerts at Riverview Health Centre and Jocelyn House. In February, it organized a one-day Express tour with stops at Lion’s Place, Lion’s Manor and St. James Kiwanis Village, and has additional concerts scheduled in March. “One of the important things to the members of the choir is to give back to the community, so over the past five or six years we have started what has become the Express program, where we go out into the community and perform small portions of our concerts,” explains Artistic Director Patricia Rabson. “The looks on people’s faces, they just love it. They don’t know what to expect. We come in here, we’re a serious looking choir, and I know that my choir is very dynamic and they’re all women, and they’re all nurturing,” Ms. Rabson says. Chris Edwards is a Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit Recreation Facilitator at Riverview Health Centre. He booked Women of Note’s December Express performance and knows the power music has on patients and the Riverview Health Centre community. “I think one of the first things people think of when they think of Christmas is getting together as a group and food and music. I think that’s a wonderful Saturday afternoon program, getting us out of our rooms, being a bit of a community ourselves,” he says. According to Mr. Edwards, music can transform patients. “I’ll come to their room and I’ll say, ‘There’s a choir downstairs,’ and you’ll see them immediately perk up. You bring them down, you watch their head lift, there’s eye contact, and there’s foot tapping and there’s hand tapping. There’re singing along, and they know the words, they all flood back. You see the emotions seeping out of them. It’s wonderful for me to see and it’s nice for the choir to be able to bring that out of them.” Women of Note was formed in 1994 by Ms. Rabson, who was looking for new challenges. “Before I even really formalized my plan people were already calling me about it… and by that first rehearsal I had 63 people and I didn’t do any advertising, it was just word of mouth.”
Women of Note is an auditioned choir with three ensembles: the Choral, which consists of about 50 women with varying skill levels; the Chamber Singers, consisting of 24 experienced singers with more time to dedicate to rehearsal; and the Massed Choir, which is all the voices together. “I joined women of note about six years ago, and I was looking for a place to sing because singing makes my heart happy,” Ms. Silagy says. “I found a really lovely and comfortable place to be in Women of Note. I find the repertoire to be a good mix between challenging and super enjoyable, and the ladies are a lot of fun. We really, really enjoy spending time together.” At the Riverview performance, the audience was invited to join in and sing carols. Emily Yurchi is a patient in Riverview’s Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit. “I’ve really enjoyed this program,” she says. “There are some carols I heard long, long ago but I haven’t heard them recently; it was a thrill to listen to.” Following each performance, Women of Note spends time talking to attendees. “We go out into the audience, and chat with people, and perform for them, and sing for them and you can see the joy on their faces. And the comments they make afterwards are just, it can make you cry, absolutely make you cry. And many of these people were in our shoes 30 years ago, doing this themselves and they deserve to have this kind of opportunity,” Ms. Rabson says. HEAD TO RC360.ORG TO HEAR MORE FROM WOMEN OF NOTE’S CONCERT AT RIVERVIEW HEALTH CENTRE
R ecipient: Women of Note Program: Express concert series Grant: $2,500 grant drawn from the hundreds of Community Building Funds held at The Foundation, including the Joseph A. Cherniack Q.C. Fund, the Mary Theresa Fabris Fund, and the In Memory of Thelma Chapnick Fund
Riverview patient Sydney Betteridge meets Women of Note choir member Elizabeth Nicholson.
“ WE GO OUT INTO THE AUDIENCE AND CHAT WITH PEOPLE… AND THE COMMENTS THEY MAKE, IT CAN MAKE YOU CRY, ABSOLUTELY MAKE YOU CRY.” –P atricia Rabson, Women of Note’s Artistic Director
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INCREDIBLE IMPACT
THE STRENGTH OF A MOTHER’S LOVE
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R ecipient: Mount Carmel Clinic Program: The Mothering Project, also known as Manito Ikwe Kagiikwe Grants: $150,000 (total) drawn from the Moffat Family Fund and the Mauro Family Fund, which are Donor-Advised Funds
THE MOTHERING PROJECT HELPS STRUGGLING MOMS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET
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ella is a busy, bright and confident toddler – she enjoys making art, reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, and playing mom to a baby doll with dark brown hair, just like her own. Bella and her mom Angie Fleury have a strong bond, but their relationship was almost very different. Angie was addicted to crack cocaine when she found out she was pregnant. She didn’t know if she wanted to keep the baby or what she wanted to do with her life, when she heard about The Mothering Project. “I think it was because of all the supports I had in my life [through The Mothering Project],” Angie says of staying sober. “[Before] all I knew were my dealers, the other working girls and drugs and alcohol… I just couldn’t do it. I just didn’t have enough courage or strength. Whatever I was supposed to have, I didn’t have enough of it.” Angie and Bella, who was born July 2015, are just one success story of The Mothering Project, also known as Manito Ikwe Kagiikwe. The Mothering Project offers support to women who are pregnant, or have children under the age of one, and are trying to stay clean from drugs and alcohol. It’s a program of Mount Carmel Clinic, located in the North End. “Women should be parenting their babies and babies should be with their moms. Sometimes moms need a little bit of help to get there,” explains Program Manager Tammy Rowan. The Mothering Project is grounded in traditional Indigenous teachings and offers participants a variety of help including obstetric support with nurse-guided care, labour and delivery support, a food security program, counselling and addiction support, parenting and child development information, housing, financial assistance and education and employment services, and more. The program first launched in 2013 and re-opened in June following a $2.2 million renovation. The bright and welcoming new space now features a commercial kitchen for hot lunch preparation and cooking workshops, a sleeping area, laundry facilities, a round room, breastfeeding area, and counselling spaces. There is also an on-site daycare for infants, which can offer moms some much needed reprieve, even if it’s just to take a nap. Angie Fleury holds daughter Bella in the daycare at The Mothering Project, which she credits for helping her get and stay sober.
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INCREDIBLE IMPACT
“ WOMEN SHOULD BE PARENTING THEIR BABIES AND BABIES SHOULD BE WITH THEIR MOMS. SOMETIMES MOMS NEED A LITTLE BIT OF HELP TO GET THERE.” – Tammy Rowan, The Mothering Project Program Manager
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“Sometimes as a mom you need a second to breathe, and a lot of us have that. The moms in our program often don’t, and then we blame them for not being successful,” says Ms. Rowan. “[The daycare is] probably one of the significant additions to our program that is helping women to take their babies home from the hospital and to keep their babies home.” The program is driven by a women’s advisory committee that is reflective of the community it serves. It operates using a trauma-informed perspective. “People that come into our program most likely have a history of trauma and abuse and have experienced violence and neglect to degrees that sometimes we can’t even imagine. [This knowledge] guides my practice, so it reminds me to be gentle, to talk to women in a way that always encourages them, reminds them that they have choice and control over their own life and decisions.” Despite the brand-new space, The Mothering Project still operates on an annual budget of $30,000 and with only a handful of staff. Since the program’s 2013 launch it has received almost 500 referrals, but for much of that time it was operating at maximum capacity.
“We weren’t even taking referrals during that time because it didn’t seem responsible to have a woman’s name on a list for a year,” Ms. Rowan says. Right now, the program is working with about 70 families, and it hopes to get that number up to 100. For many women, just getting up the courage to ask for help is difficult, so imagine making the call only to hear there is no support available. “It’s hard to ask for help, especially if your pregnant and using drugs and alcohol. You don’t know how that’s going to be received and women are used to being treated badly, especially if you’re Indigenous. Women face a lot of judgement and racism and shame,” Ms. Rowan says. Ms. Fleury, 33, has struggled with crack cocaine since she was 21, and getting sober was tough. But today she has full custody of her daughter Bella. She is a committed, caring mother and is going to school and running a sobriety support group at Sage House with the friend that got her into The Mothering Project. “I want to help other people that are in my situation. People look up to me because of how far I came… lots of people look up to people who are sober to show them, ‘You can do this,’” Ms. Fleury says. Angie has found strength in traditional Indigenous teachings, and Bella seems to love them, too. “She’s heard the drum since I had her inside me. It’s a drum of a heartbeat, of a mother’s heartbeat. I remember that teaching.”
HEAD TO RC360.ORG TO HEAR MORE FROM ANGIE FLEURY AND TAMMY ROWAN
GRANTS
The Winnipeg Foundation is happy to announce charities can now apply for up to three years of funding. On a pilot basis in 2017 and 2018, we’re offering Multi-Year Grants in two categories: • Multi-Year Program Grants, for programs or projects that have already received two or more consecutive Community Grants from The Foundation • Multi-Year Capacity Building Grants, to strengthen an organization’s administrative capacity
EXCITING CHANGES TO COMMUNITY GRANTS ONE-TIME GRANTS
FULL APPLICATION due by SEPTEMBER 30
FULL APPLICATION A due by JANUARY 30
GRANTS COMMITTEE DECISION DELIVERED IN JANUARY
GRANTS COMMITTEE DECISION DELIVERED IN MAY
OR
MULTI-YEAR GRANTS
PROGRAM GRANTS
OR
CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS
STAGE 1 application due by APRIL 30 STAGE 2 application due by JUNE 30 GRANTS COMMITTEE DECISION DELIVERED IN SEPTEMBER
OR
Benefits of multi-year funding are two-fold. For community organizations, it will provide financial security and the opportunity to do longer-term planning. For The Foundation, it will mean less time spent reviewing new applications and more time assessing impact of our grantmaking and reporting back to donors. Our One-Time Community Grants and Major Capital Grants will still be available. The infographic below outlines the three types of Community Grants available, as well the timeline and application process for each. Organizations may apply for one Community Grant per calendar year.
MAJOR CAPITAL GRANTS ($100K+)
STAGE 1 application due by MARCH 30 STAGE 2 application due by JUNE 15 BOARD DECISION DELIVERED IN NOVEMBER
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY GRANTS, GO TO WPGFDN.ORG 17
INCREDIBLE IMPACT
BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE BOOK AT A TIME LITTLE FREE LIBRARY BUILD DAYS HELP BRING BOOKS TO THE STREETS
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IT MAY ONLY TAKE AN HOUR AND A HALF TO BUILD A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY, BUT THE COMMUNITY THAT BUILDS AROUND IT LASTS FOR YEARS TO COME.
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“
lot of individuals may not have known who lived in the house three doors down, but now they’re seeing them come out to check out their Little Free Library and exchange books,” says Kathleen Williams, Winnipeg Public Library’s Administrative Coordinator of Community Outreach and Marketing. “[Community building] is a big goal of the Little Free Library organization – getting to know your neighbour and having those conversations with each other.” Little Free Libraries are book exchanges set up throughout cities that anyone can borrow a book from or add a book to. The idea started in Wisconsin in 2009 and has spread all around the world. The first Little Free Libraries in Winnipeg appeared around 2011. The Winnipeg Public Library held two Build Days at the Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex last October. Build Days help Little Free Libraries get in neighbourhoods that are underserved and don’t necessarily have access to a local public library. With the help of library staff and volunteers, 11 soon-to-be stewards assembled their very own Little Free Libraries in approximately an hour and a half. Lovemore Malounga, a Build Day participant living in Winnipeg’s West End, was inspired to become a steward after he saw a Little Free Library while walking in Wolseley. “We realized that in our area, where we live, we don’t have a library like that one,” says Mr. Malounga. “We thought it would be a great idea for the community.” The selection of books circulating at a Little Free Library is often influenced by the community it serves. Each of the Build Day participants received a starter bag
of books, including all eight selections from the On the Same Page book club. Ms. Williams also noted some Build Day stewards were planning to add books in Filipino and Indigenous languages. Little Free Libraries can take on different shapes and sizes, and anyone can build one on their own if they so choose. “Some of them are repurposed cabinets for instance that people have weatherproofed and put outside,” Ms. Williams says. “Some people have [reused] old newspaper boxes which are designed to be weatherproof.” Winnipeg is now home to more than 70 Little Free Libraries, including one in West Broadway that is inside of a cored-out elm tree, another in North Kildonan that has a built-in bench, and a couple that are inspired by science-fiction franchises like Star Wars and Doctor Who. To locate a Little Free Library in your neighbourhood, check out the map on the Winnipeg Public Library’s website at wpl.winnipeg.ca. You can also find out more about the Little Free Library initiative at littlefreelibrary.org. HEAD TO RC360.ORG TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE LITTLE FREE LIBRARY BUILD
Facing page: Lovemore Malounga with his Little Free Library and some of the books he received during the Build Day. Below: Build Day participant (left) with the Winnipeg Public Library’s Kathleen Williams.
R ecipient: Winnipeg Public Library Program: Little Free Library Build Days Grant: $5,000 from the Literacy for Life Fund
“ WE REALIZED THAT IN OUR AREA, WHERE WE LIVE, WE DON’T HAVE A [LITTLE FREE] LIBRARY LIKE THAT ONE. WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA FOR THE COMMUNITY.” – Lovemore Malounga 19
INCREDIBLE IMPACT
Donors’ generosity makes it possible for The Foundation to fund a variety of organizations and projects in our community. In September 2016, The Foundation’s Grants Committee approved $1.75 million to support 102 projects. Here’s a sampling of recent grants.
Manitoba Families for Effective Autism Treatment (MFEAT)
Autism early screening tool and parent intervention training
$30,000 drawn from Community Building Funds MFEAT works with families and government to support effective autism treatment. This project is a screening tool to help recognize autism markers for kids as young as nine months, and to help parents with intervention.
ANA HRYNYK, COMMUNITY GRANTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT “ The current waitlist [for formal autism treatment] is about two years. If we can get parents doing intervention with kids as young as nine months, it’s going to help the kids thrive. I have a child with autism; if my son had been screened at nine months, I would have started intervention way earlier. He was diagnosed at three years old, and even over that 18-month span I feel like I could have done something. Early intervention is always the best treatment for kids with autism.”
The Winnipeg Foundation’s Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship
Spirit of the Game, implemented through Newcomers Employment Education Development Services (NEEDS)
$9,500 drawn from Community Building Funds The Winnipeg Foundation’s Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship provides funding so young people can implement projects that work with local charitable organizations to help build our community. The Spirit of the Game project aims to help newcomers develop language and social skill through ultimate Frisbee.
TOLU ILELABOYE, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR “ This project was taken on by Amy Lam who is a Youth in Philanthropy alumni. It helps young newcomers develop their English skills through ultimate Frisbee. Amy herself played on the Provincial and local ultimate Frisbee teams, and she was really interested in using the spirit of ultimate Frisbee (where there are no referees) to learn more about sportsmanship, and how to work with your teammates and others on the field.”
Manitoba Eco-Network
Manitoba Environmental Youth Network
$30,000 drawn from Community Building Funds The Manitoba Eco-Network is an organization of about 50 member agencies interested in improving the environment in Manitoba, and the world.
RICK LUSSIER, SENIOR GRANTS ASSOCIATE “ The project is trying to build capacity among youth organizations interested in making a positive change in the environment. The program is building and celebrating current and future leaders. It develops a sense of commitment in the participants, and encourages community discussions on decisions that could affect public policy. Those are skills that affect more than the environmental sector; they really affect Winnipeg overall in a very positive way.”
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West Broadway Community Services Home and Community Art Project
$10,000 drawn from the Moffat Family Fund and Community Building Funds West Broadway Community Services provides programs that respond to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people of the community.
JOANNA TURNER, COMMUNITY GRANTS ASSOCIATE “ This project provides [neghbourhood] residents with the opportunity to express their stories through art, and some of them are difficult stories to tell. There will be Project Facilitators trained in digital storytelling who work with residents to tell their stories through photography, video, or soundscape production. It’s a therapeutic medium for people to express themselves through art.”
Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute Halal food bank
Megan Tate, Director of Community Grants
$100 drawn from the Welcome to Winnipeg Fund The Canadian Muslim Women’s institute works to promote and empower refugee and newcomer women and their families socially, economically and spiritually. It is one of the frontline organizations providing services to Syrian families.
MEGAN TATE, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY GRANTS “ Back when many of the Syrian refugees started arriving in Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Foundation established the Welcome to Winnipeg Fund. It was an opportunity for everyday Winnipeggers to support some of the needs of new Syrian families. We always say it’s not the size of the gift that’s important but the giving that matters, and in this case, the $100 will go a long way in providing Halal food items.”
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, in collaboration with Le Cercle Molière Nanabozho et le tambour / Nanabush and the drum
Marie Bouchard, Community Grants Associate
Donna Edmundson, Community Grants Specialist
Ana Hrynyk, Community Grants Administrative Assistant
Tolu Ilelaboye, Youth Engagement Coordinator
Rick Lussier, Senior Grants Associate
$10,000 drawn from Community Building Funds This collaborative performance between Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and French theatre company Le Circle Molière is an artistic experience that combines music, dance, and theatre.
Jan McLellan, Community Grants Administration Coordinator
MARIE BOUCHARD, COMMUNITY GRANTS ASSOCIATE “ This collaboration is very exciting because it combines music (which is traditionally offered by Manitoba Chamber Orchestra) and theatre (which is traditionally offered by Le Cercle Molière). It’s a very innovative way to present a traditional Indigenous story and I think the audience will learn about the legacy of the Métis people and the founding of Manitoba.”
Kerry Ryan, Community Grants Associate
Joanna Turner, Community Grants Associate 21
INCREDIBLE IMPACT SAM’S PLACE VOLUNTEERS GAIN MORE THAN WORK EXPERIENCE
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE REACH THEIR POTENTIAL
W
hen Daniela Santos arrived in Winnipeg just over a year ago, the only person she knew in the city was her husband and she could speak very little English. Motivated to meet people and learn about her new Elmwood community, she replied to a ‘Volunteers wanted’ sign in the window of Sam’s Place. “It was my first contact with Canadians and Canadian life,” Ms. Santos, 28, says of volunteering at the café and bookstore. “Here you can meet people from other worlds, you can see different points of view, and when I left Brazil I was looking for this.” Alex Jestin was 14-years-old and looking for work experience when a friend told her about Sam’s Place. “In the amount of time I’ve been volunteering here, I’ve found it a lot easier to talk to people,” says Ms. Jestin, who is now 17 and recently got her first job. “If I had gone straight into that job I’d have struggled so much with that customer service aspect of it.” Daniela and Alex are just two of the many young people getting real life experience through the Youth Engagement and Skills Development program at Sam’s Place.
R ecipient: Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba Program: Youth Engagement and Skills Development program at Sam’s Place Grant: $65,000 (total) drawn from Donor-Advised Funds, and from the hundreds of Community Building Funds held at The Foundation, including the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Winnipeg Fund, the Leonard and Herta Tibelius Fund, and the Bob Harwood Memorial Fund
Located on Henderson Hwy. close to the Disraeli Freeway, Sam’s Place is a social enterprise operated by Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba. Not only is it a spot to grab a good book and a bite to eat, it’s also a community gathering space and performance venue. The location was chosen because there aren’t many resources available in the area. “We try to provide options for the community to get informed and learn several things, but also to gather and have fun,” says Youth Engagement, Skills Development and Volunteer Coordinator Alex Strange. The Youth Engagement program has been around since 2012 and last year alone it worked with 149 volunteers. Many participants are from Indigenous and newcomer communities, have a mental or physical disability, or come from families struggling to get ahead. While some volunteers walk in through the front door, others are referred by schools or community agencies. “We have gained a good reputation among high schools in the area,” Mr. Strange says. “[Students] can get a school credit from us for volunteering instead of being in the classroom.” The program is helping young people reach their potential. “We know there are capable young people here that are going to make a difference in the world in the future, and it’s up to us to give them the chance to begin with that journey,” Mr. Strange says. HEAD TO RC360.ORG TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AT SAM’S PLACE
“IT WAS MY FIRST CONTACT WITH CANADIANS AND CANADIAN LIFE. HERE YOU CAN MEET PEOPLE FROM OTHER WORLDS, YOU CAN SEE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW, AND WHEN I LEFT BRAZIL I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS.” – Daniela Santos, Sam’s Place volunteer
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Sam’s Place volunteers Daniela Santos and Alex Jestin.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION’S 2016 YEAR
“ We know there are capable young people here that are going to make a difference in the world in the future, and it’s up to us to give them the chance to begin that journey.” - Alex Strange, Sam’s Place Youth Engagement, Skills Development and Volunteer Coordinator
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2016 HIGHLIGHTS
THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION’S VISION IS
“ A WINNIPEG WHERE COMMUNITY LIFE FLOURISHES FOR ALL.”
T
he words “for all” are a fairly recent amendment. The Foundation has always aimed to strengthen community well-being by working with generous donors and supporting diverse charitable organizations; the addition of “for all” highlights the importance we place on leveling the playing field and engaging everyone. We work with donors from all walks of life to fulfill their philanthropic goals, whether that is making a one-time gift to an already-established fund, establishing a Memorial Fund to honour a loved one, starting a Field of Interest Fund to support causes they care about, or opening a Donor-Advised Fund to help decide which charitable organizations receive grants.
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR AND CEO JUSTICE DEBORAH MCCAWLEY, BOARD CHAIR We’re honoured donors believe in our vision and choose to support our community with a gift through The Winnipeg Foundation. This year, we received a record-breaking 5,726 gifts totaling $37.3 million. Our grants carry out the wishes of donors, past and present, and they support a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across our community. This year, we supported more than 900 charities with more than $31.6 million in grants – an increase of $3.9 million over last year. These grants are only possible because of donors’ generous support, and since most gifts to The Foundation are endowed, this support will continue For Good. Forever. Thank you for your support.
About this publication
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2007
2008
2009
2010
RICK FROST, CEO
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
$900 $800 $700 $600
CUMULATIVE MARKET VALUE
$500
CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS
$400 $300 $200
CUMULATIVE GRANTS
STEADILY GROWING IMPACT
$100 MILLIONS
We’ve updated how we report back to our community. In this eight-page summary Annual Report, you’ll find our 2016 financial highlights, along with quotes from donors about why they work with The Foundation and from grantees about the incredible impact grants have in our community. Some information traditionally contained in the longer printed Annual Report is now available online, so please visit our website for details, wpgfdn.org. We’ve also expanded our Working Together magazine. Not only is it now published three times a year, but it’s also longer and includes more photos and feature stories. We hope you enjoy! On the cover: Alex Jestin, Sam’s Place volunteer
2016 WAS A BIG YEAR FOR THE FOUNDATION!
$31.6 million 11.25% , 5 726 distributed to the community That’s the most in our 95 year history and $3.9 million more than last year!
return on investments
Prudent financial stewardship of these gifts ensures The Foundation is For Good. Forever.
gifts received totaling $37.3 million. That’s a lot of generosity!
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2016 HIGHLIGHTS
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
Fund: Brooke Family Fund Type: Field of Interest Fund Supports: Youth, education and church activities
Without our donors, The Winnipeg Foundation couldn’t do the work we do. Although the reason each donor gives is unique, all our donors share something in common – our vision of making “a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.” Thank you!
“ Philanthropy sometimes seems like such a big thing, but really it’s something everyone can do. My parents were regular, working-class people. They worked hard, supported their family and lived [by their values]. And they wanted to leave something that reflected how they lived their life.” - Glenda Dean, daughter of Bob and Betty Brooke and contributor to the Brooke Family Fund
“ The Donor-Advised Fund was important to me because things are always changing and it is important to be able to look at projects happening each year… The endowment fund, the permanence, appealed to me because I am going to believe 100 per cent that polar bears will be around for a long time.”
Fund: Stephen Leitch Music Award Type: Scholarship Fund in memory of 17-yearold Stephen Leitch Supports: A Grade 12 student at Miles MacDonell Collegiate who shows enthusiasm, commitment, energy, spontaneity and pure joy in the field of music
- Kal Barteski
Fund: Polar Bear Fund Type: Donor-Advised Fund, started by Kal Barteski Supports: Creative and innovative polar bear research
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GENEROUS DONORS WHOSE SUPPORT MAKES OUR WORK POSSIBLE, GO TO WPGFDN.ORG.
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“ In some small way this is his contribution back to the music program that gave him joy. It’s given us satisfaction, it’s given us some peace, and it’s a happy moment when we’re able to attend [the graduation ceremony] and give out the award in Stephen’s name.” - Don Leitch, Stephen’s father
From drop-in shelters to sports camps, The Winnipeg Foundation makes grants of all sizes to projects in our community. In each case, charitable organizations are working hard to make our city the best it can be. Thank you!
FROM THE FRONTLINES
Recipient: Art City Program: Indigenous Art Program Grant: $10,000 from the Youth Vital Signs Response Grant program
“ We began learning the Wolf Song. We sang and drummed other songs too and the kids, when asked if they wanted to sing more, screamed ‘MORE! MORE! MORE!” - Art City program staff
Recipient: Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative, in partnership with Food Matters Manitoba Program: South Osborne Permaculture Commons Grant: $20,000 from Community Building Funds
Photo courtesy of Art City
“ [It’s] a very pragmatic kind of goal, to teach people to grow food. But I want people to know each other. I want them to share their knowledge, share their tools. Make decisions and solve our problems. Really, we’re trying to build strong, local communities. And I think we’re having increasing success at that.” Recipient: Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub, aka The WRENCH Program: Newcomer Bike Initiative Grant: $24,500 from a Donor-Advised Fund
“For a lot of kids having a bike is a way to have some freedom to explore their new homes, to hang out with their new friends, to be able to get out into the community and do things with their family.” - Benita Kliewer, The WRENCH Program Coordinator
- Rod Kueneman, SSOCC Vice-President
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRING WORK OF THE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT, GO TO WPGFDN.ORG.
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2016 HIGHLIGHTS
2016 Financial Highlights Thanks to the generosity of generations of donors, The Winnipeg Foundation has been able to respond to changing community needs for 95 years. Home to more than 3,200 funds established by people of all walks of life, The Foundation is committed to responsible stewardship of all gifts entrusted to us. To view our complete audited financial statements, including auditor’s unmodified audit opinion, visit wpgfdn.org or call 204.944.9474 or 1.888.974.3631.
Report of the Independent Auditor on the Summary Financial Statements To the Board of Directors, The Winnipeg Foundation The accompanying summary financial statements, which comprise the summarized balance sheet as at September 30, 2016 and summarized statement of operations and changes in net assets for the year then ended, are derived from the audited financial statements of The Winnipeg Foundation (the “Foundation”) for the year ended September 30, 2016. We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those financial statements in our report dated December 13, 2016. Those financial statements, and the summary financial statements, do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on those financial statements. The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting standards for not-for- profit organizations. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of the Foundation. Management’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial statements. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. Opinion In our opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial statements of the Foundation for the year ended September 30, 2016 are a fair summary of those financial statements, in accordance with the Canadian Auditing Standard 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.
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Chartered Professional Accountants Winnipeg, Manitoba December 13, 2016
Summarized Balance Sheet As at September 30 (in thousands of dollars)
2016
2015
Cash, short term investments and receivables $ 16,143 $ 17,714 Investments 739,635 667,065 Other assets 9,048 8,488 764,826 693,267 Accounts payable 643 681 Grant commitments 21,066 21,556 Managed funds 116,750 102,720 138,459 124,957 Consolidated Trust Fund 621,207 564,513 Invested in capital assets 1,143 781 Administration Reserve Funds 1,999 2,170 Unrestricted 2,018 846 626,367 568,310 $ 764,826 $ 693,267
Summarized Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets For the year ended September 30 (in thousands of dollars)
2016
2015
Income Investment income $ 34,083 $ 29,726 Gifts received for immediate granting 6,112 4,495 Other income 398 348 40,593 34,569 Expenses Grants 31,605 27,730 Administration and other expenses 5,227 4,832 Investment manager and custodian fees 2,228 2,217 39,060 34,779 Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets for the year 1,533 (210) Net assets, beginning of year 568,310 543,554 New gifts to endowment funds 22,878 15,699 Total returns allocated to net assets 34,019 9,570 Other (373) (303) Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets for the year 1,533 (210) Net assets, end of year $626,367 $568,310 The Foundation fosters the growth and development of Manitoba’s community foundations by providing support for their activities. As part of these arrangements, some of these foundations place their endowment capital with The Foundation to be managed as part of its investment portfolio. Consequently, at year end, The Foundation’s assets include: 2016 2015 Manitoba community foundations’ investment capital placed with The Winnipeg Foundation 43,166 31,557
Total Contributions (in millions)
Grants distribution
Donors from all walks of life give to funds at The Winnipeg Foundation to support: our general community grant-making, particular charities, or scholarships. In the current year, gifts for immediate granting and to endowed funds, and contributions to Managed Funds, remained very strong, totaling more than 5,700 gifts.
Grants were distributed to projects in the following areas: 15% ARTS & CULTURE
21% HEALTH
4% HERITAGE 4% RECREATION 3% ENVIRONMENT 3% SPECIAL PROJECTS 3% FAITH BASED DESIGNATIONS 32% COMMUNITY SERVICE
15% EDUCATION
Total Assets (in millions) Positive financial markets combined with generous gifts contributed to the significant increase to total assets for a fifth consecutive year.
Total Grants (in millions) In 2016, our grants supported more than 900 different charitable organizations working throughout our community. Our spending formula is based on average market value over the previous 12 quarters. This policy helps mitigate the impact of market fluctuations on our granting, providing steady and reliable funding to organizations.
Investment Returns The Foundation’s financial stewardship strategy takes a long-term approach to achieve maximum returns consistent with prudent investment practices, ensuring legacies created by donors are respected and grant making will continue in perpetuity. 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
20% 15% 10%
12.2% . . 7.1%
6.5% .
14.2%
In 2016, The Foundation received gifts to establish 186 new funds. The threshold for establishing a named fund begins at $2,500 and varies with fund type. Figures include Scholarship, Field of Interest, Donor-Advised, Designated, Community Building, Agency and Managed Funds.
16.2% .
2016 Simple Average: 5 year: 11.86% 10 year: 7.04% 11.3% 11..
5.4% 5.4%
0% -5% -10%
2015
7.2% .
5%
Total Funds
2014
-1.8% . -7.8% -7 8%
Finance & Audit Committee Carolyn Duhamel,* Chair Tom Bryk, FCPA, FCA, IDC.D,* Vice-Chair Justice Deborah McCawley,* Ex Officio Austin Abas, FCPA, FCA Richard Bracken* Tracy Graham,* CPA, CA Raymond Lafond, FCPA, FCA David Loewen, FCPA, FCA Susan Millican*
Investment Committee Robert G. Puchniak, CFA,* Chair Gerry Labossière, CPA, CA,* Vice-Chair Justice Deborah McCawley,* Ex Officio Richard Bracken* David Cohen* Jon Holeman Peter Munro, CFA Scott Penman, CFA Maureen Prendiville* *Board member
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2016 HIGHLIGHTS
The Winnipeg Foundation 2016 Board of Directors Justice Deborah McCawley, Chair
Mayor Brian Bowman, ex officio Richard Bracken
Doneta Brotchie
Tom Bryk, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D
David Cohen
Dr. Catherine Cook, MD
Carolyn Duhamel
Spencer Duncanson
Albert El Tassi, C.M., O.M.
Tracy Graham, CPA, CA
Deborah Gray
Gerry Labossière, CPA, CA
Susan Millican
Maureen Prendiville
Robert G. Puchniak, CFA
Sr. Lesley Sacouman, SNJM
1350-One Lombard Place | Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0X3 204.944.9474 | 1.877.974.3631 | wpgfdn.org
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BOARD SPOTLIGHT
PARTING THOUGHTS FOUR OF OUR LONGTIME BOARD MEMBERS RETIRED AT THE END OF 2016. THEY SERVED A COMBINED 41 YEARS AND LEAVE A LASTING MARK ON OUR FOUNDATION AND THE COMMUNITY. WE ASKED EACH A QUESTION BASED ON THEIR VARIOUS ROLES ON THE BOARD AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE.
SISTER LESLEY SACOUMAN Appointed to the Board in 2002. Chaired the Grants Committee from 2009 to 2014. Q – In your long service as a Board Member, how have you seen the Board grow and change to continually reflect the community and its needs? A – In terms of commitment, respect, broad vision and love of people, the Board of Directors I left is exactly the same as the Board I joined in 2002. What has grown is the number of members, in particular, the number of women. The Board reflects a far greater diversity of culture and experience than ever before. These changes corresponded to the outstanding growth in funds, an increase in grantmaking and the steadfast desire to create ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’ Today, The Winnipeg Foundation remains an organic, trustworthy, philanthropic movement For good. Forever.
DR. CATHERINE COOK Appointed to the Board in 2005. Chair of the Strategic Initiatives Committee from 2009 to 2014. Q – The Strategic Initiatives Committee began under your leadership. Is there one project or initiative the committee took on that you’re particularly proud of? A –All the projects this committee was part of were important to the lives of the average Winnipegger (and Manitoban, in many cases). The work with Lake Winnipeg, all the literacy and reading projects such as On the Same Page and our Youth in Philanthropy program, had significant, meaningful messages and actions that promoted the well-being and confidence of our youth,
and encouraged their engagement in issues that matter to them and to others. The projects provided opportunities for building self-confidence and self-esteem through teamwork. The one project that particularly stands out for me was Nourishing Potential – it really focused on providing tools for preparation of, and equitable access to, healthy food for children and youth, regardless of age or income status. The language utilized in all the programs is positive, strengths-based language that encourages participation and promotes success. It was a privilege for me to participate in so many community-focused initiatives and to support Foundation staff in their efforts.
RICHARD BRACKEN Appointed to the Board in 2007. Chair of the Board from 2010 to 2012, which included Chairing the Board Governance and Personnel Committee; Chaired the Investment Committee in 2009. Q – After the financial crisis of 2008, how did The Foundation react in terms of investment strategy and protecting grants distribution? A –The Board of The Winnipeg Foundation did not panic or make any precipitous decisions. We were satisfied with the Consolidated Trust Fund (CTF) investment asset mix, comfortable with our investment managers, and believed market values would gradually improve over time. Furthermore, our spending policy rate of 5% for grantmaking purposes was based on the average market value of CTF investments during the previous 12 quarters. This three-year average cushioned the negative impact of 2008 results.
However, we recognized we would also have to lower our spending rate and our inflation protection target for the CTF in order to re-establish the market value of the CTF. These combined adjustments, together with annual contributions to The Foundation, restored the market value of the CTF. This has funded the following annual grants during the last 5 years: 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
$21.2 mm $21.3 mm $22.9 mm $27.7 mm $31.6 mm
DEBORAH GRAY Served as a public member of the Board’s Grants Committee from 2009 to 2011. Appointed to the Board in 2012. Chaired the Grants Committee from 2014 to 2016. Q – What’s been the most notable change you’ve seen in Community Grant applications? A – The increase in requests for what would be considered core operational funding from agencies and organizations, such as schools and health care facilities, that used to get (more) support from one or more levels of government. The private philanthropic sector is being asked to shoulder more of the financial responsibility for what are really publicsector needs. The wonderful thing about The Winnipeg Foundation is the Grants Team and Grants Committee members have the desire and the tendency to respond as human beings – rather than as a government bureaucracy does – to others in need, and supports these requests as far as possible. But it does present a challenge.
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BOARD SPOTLIGHT
MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS GEORGE BASS, Q.C., ICD.D George Bass recently retired from his position as Vice President, General Counsel
THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING NEW APPOINTMENTS TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2017.
and Secretary of Wawanesa Insurance group of companies, where he worked for more than 16 years. Prior to that, he spent more than 18 years in general legal practice. His focus was in the areas of real estate, Wills, estates, litigation and corporate law. Currently, he is a volunteer Director with Literary Review of Canada and is a Life
EVER WONDER HOW WINNIPEGGERS ARE APPOINTED TO THE FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Bencher with the Law Society of Manitoba.
The process is as old as the provincial Act that created The Winnipeg Foundation, back in 1921. Board terms are typically four years with potential to renew for up to three terms (a total of 12 years).
DANIEL FREIDMAN Daniel Freidman is President and COO of Pavilion Financial Corporation. His career in the financial services industry spans more than 15 years. As President, he is
Selecting appointees is always a challenge as The Foundation attempts to include a diversity of skills, longterm stability, experience and perspectives amongst Foundation Directors. It looks at a broad range of skillsets amongst potential appointees, from community involvement to background diversity and other areas of specialty and expertise.
responsible for the overall management of Pavilion Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries and leading its growth strategy. He is a Director on the Boards of the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
The Board Governance Committee identifies three potential nominees for each vacancy, and then these names are sent to the Appointing Board for consideration. The Appointing Board includes the following:
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PATRICIA MAINVILLE
ANITA SOUTHALL
• Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba
Pat Mainville is Vice-Principal of David
Anita Southall is a partner with Fillmore
Livingstone School. Formerly she worked
Riley LLP and practices in the area of
• Chief Justice of Manitoba
as an inner-city school Guidance Counsellor
estates and trusts management, including
at Children of the Earth High School. She is
estate administration and litigation
familiar with the work of The Foundation
and administrative and regulatory law.
• Mayor of the City of Winnipeg
and has served both on the Strategic
She has been with Filmore Riley since
• Registrar-General of Manitoba
Initiatives Committee (January 2011 to
1987. Ms. Southall is former Co-Chair of
September 2012) and Grants Committee
The Foundation’s Nourishing Potential
(September 2012 to present).
Advisory Committee and also served on the Professional Advisors Steering Committee.
• Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench
FUND HIGHLIGHT
NEW FUNDS AT THE FOUNDATION Donors from all walks of life establish funds at The Foundation. While each fund expresses a donor’s unique philanthropic goals and wishes for our community, all share The Foundation’s vision of making ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’
A pillar of our community, Graham C.
Thank you to all our generous donors!
Adventurous, curious, and generous,
Lount was proud of Winnipeg, and considered the city his home base.
he was an accomplished architect, Here is a list of the endowment funds created between Oct. 1, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2016. During the same period, one local charitable organization started a new Agency Fund at The Foundation, and our colleagues at a rural Manitoba Community Foundation started one new fund.
Individual and Family Funds Anonymous Fund Glenna Erickson and Chuck Hasselfield Fund Gerald and Debbie Labossiere Family Fund Ozechowsky Family Fund Pelletier Flaten Family Fund Sparrow Fund Raymond M. (Roman) Strokon Fund Memorial and Tribute Funds Rosemary Armstrong Memorial Bursary Fund In Memory of Graham C. Lount Michael Murdock Memorial Fund Moe Kowalson Optimist Club of Assiniboia Volunteer Award Maria Rogers Fund Elizabeth Scaife Nursing Education Fund Jill Tardiff Memorial Scholarship Fund
craftsman and developer. His philanthropy continues to make our city a better place. When Graham passed away in October 2016 family and friends chose to honour his memory by creating a fund in his name.
Photo courtesy of The Graham C. Lount Family Foundation
Bequests The John McMurdo Family Trust Fund Sally Scott Memorial Fund Shirley Edith Sherwood Fund Group Legacy Funds Cosmopolitan Club of Winnipeg Fund Scottish Gentlemen’s Club Endowment Fund
WANT TO START YOUR OWN FUND? THE FOUNDATION OFFERS MANY TYPES OF FUNDS DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU WANT TO SUPPORT, HOW MUCH YOU CAN GIVE AND HOW INVOLVED YOU WANT TO BE. CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE.
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OUR GENEROUS DONORS
SPEECH PATHOLOGY PIONEER THE LEGACY OF MARGARET MORSE
S
he pioneered speech pathology in our province. She’s volunteered at numerous organizations, lobbied for causes she’s passionate about, and recently established a fund at The Foundation. And thanks to her curiosity and perseverance, at 91-years-young Margaret Morse is still making connections and leading change. “It’s all because I talk to everybody,” she says. “I’m just so gregarious. My mother was a very gregarious lady. She’d have tea parties and I’d watch her do all this stuff, so it just kind of comes naturally. And I get so excited when exciting things happen!” Born in 1925 in her family’s home at the corner of Broadway and Spence St. (which today houses the Wasabi on Broadway Restaurant), Margaret is the youngest of four children born to Dr. Gordon Chown and Penelope Mellin. Amongst his many accomplishments, Dr. Chown was
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FUND In Memory of Gordon Chown M.D., O.B.E Professor of Pediatrics Fund TYPE Scholarship Fund SUPPORTS Medical students at the University of Manitoba
Chief of Pediatrics at Winnipeg General Hospital and founder of the University of Manitoba’s Department of Pediatrics. Prior to starting her family, Mrs. Chown was a nurse. Their family home doubled as Dr. Chown’s medical office. Mrs. Morse fondly remembers the old-fashioned décor and overstuffed furniture juxtaposed by her father’s rather modern medical views; he had a semi-private room with a half-wall where mothers could nurse their babies without feeling hidden away or embarrassed. “That really impressed me because breastfeeding in those days was very private thing.” Margaret was close with both parents. “I have a great deal of respect for my mother… She inspired me a lot,” she says. “And my father and I were very close pals. He took me to the hockey games when I was a little girl. We always used to buy popcorn – Mr. Kelekis had an orange truck, [with a] bunsen burner he would use to melt the butter. I would watch this as a 10-year-old and it smelled delicious.” As a teenager, Margaret and sister Patricia were excellent figure skaters and would perform at winter carnivals including those held in the Winnipeg Amphitheatre, which stood in the space now occupied by Great-West Life’s parking lot. After completing her BA in 1946, Margaret followed in her sister’s footsteps and became a skating instructor. While teaching in Cleveland, OH she demonstrated the perseverance that would be key to her future as an innovator. While already employed as an instructor, she was told she must obtain additional skating credentials to keep her job. So, she found an intensive skating program in Minnesota. When she was unfairly treated there, she found yet another instructor and eventually received the accreditation necessary. Margaret returned to Winnipeg following her father’s death in 1949. While attending a play, she ran into a psychiatrist who had recently opened a cerebral palsy clinic at Children’s Hospital. The doctor offered her a position at the clinic as a nursery school assistant. “I had these adorable [four-year-old] twins, Don and John. They even had the same tooth missing.” The boys had ataxia and walked with canes. The clinic had been opened with support from the Kinsmen, and when a representative from the hospital was invited to attend a celebratory luncheon, Margaret took Don and John. “They both wore red blazers and grey flannel shorts and knee shocks. I trained them to say, ‘Thank you for the money. And thank you for the lunch’.” Impressed with her work, the hospital’s Chairman offered Mrs. Morse a scholarship to complete postgraduate training in speech therapy at Kent State University. “My courses were everything from phonetics to lip reading to adult stuttering or disfluent speech (I don’t like the word stuttering), to cerebral palsy. I did my Thesis on the need for speech therapy following cleft pallet surgery.” Upon her return to Winnipeg, Mrs. Morse established the first speech and hearing clinic at Children’s Hospital in 1952. “It was in a five-foot square Left: Dr. Gordon Chown. Facing page: Margaret Morse established the first speech and hearing clinic in Winnipeg in 1952.
IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE HOW MANY LIVES MARGARET MORSE HAS CHANGED.
35
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
room, it was very small,” she says. “The referrals coming in were very slow, I was waiting for patients. And now there are waiting lists everywhere.” Over the next four decades, Mrs. Morse set up speech clinics at many hospitals throughout the city. “I was so upset there were no Speech Therapists in this city so I thought my job was to spread the word.” Amongst her many other career accomplishments, she helped develop the Manitoba Stroke Recovery Association. Despite her busy work schedule, Margaret also found time for full private life, raising three sons (Brian, Douglas and Peter McDonald) and marrying Justice Peter Morse. She also contributed countless hours to the community through her work as volunteer and fundraiser for Winnipeg Art Gallery, All Saints’ Church, Manitoba Historical Society, Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg, and many others. Mrs. Morse recently established a fund at The Foundation in honour of her father. In Memory of Gordon Chown M.D., O.B.E Professor of Pediatrics Fund is a Scholarship Fund that will support medical students at the University of Manitoba. “It’s very rewarding, it kind of completes the cycle,” she says of establishing the fund. From 1993 to 1996, Mrs. Morse worked with a team to establish a Masters of Speech Pathology program at the University of Manitoba. Despite raising $100,000 in support of the project, it was declined. It seems her perseverance might again pay off, as a recent chance meeting during a Chamber Orchestra concert reinvigorated the goal. Mrs. Morse has been meeting with people from the University of Manitoba in hopes of establishing a Masters in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. “As my son says, ‘Mother you never give up’.”
Margaret Morse at The Foundation’s 2016 Legacy Circle Celebration.
“ I WAS SO UPSET THERE WERE NO SPEECH THERAPISTS IN THIS CITY SO I THOUGHT MY JOB WAS TO SPREAD THE WORD.” – Margaret Morse
A 1910 postcard of the Winnipeg Amphitheatre, in which Margaret and her sister Patricia would skate and perform. Photo courtesy of Gordon Goldsborough.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
36
This type of fund will help generations of students pursue their dreams. Winnipeg Foundation staff work with you to develop selection criteria. Recipients are decided by school administration.
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
FOUNDER OF COGHLAN’S CAMPING ACCESSORIES A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF OUR CITY
A TOAST TO WINNIPEG
FUND Eleanor Coghlan and Norman Coghlan Memorial Fund TYPE Community Building Fund SUPPORTS Winnipeg’s changing needs and emerging opportunities 37
Norman and Eleanor Coghlan.
“ [DAD] KNEW THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION DEALT WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF WINNIPEG AND THAT’S WHERE HE WANTED THE MONEY TO BE TARGETED.”
Rob and Gail Coghlan
– Rob Coghlan, Eleanor and Norman Coghlan’s son
F
rom humble beginnings, Norm Coghlan built one of the most recognizable and successful camping accessory businesses in the world. He did it from Winnipeg, all the while supported by his loving wife Eleanor. A Community Building Fund in the couple’s name ensures their support for the city will continue forever. “They did a heck of a lot together. They were a real team, they really complemented each other,” says the couple’s daughter Gail Coghlan. Norman Louis Coghlan was born in Winnipeg in 1927. He was an only child and grew up in the West End. Eleanor Elizabeth Davidson, born in 1926, was one of five girls and grew up on a family farm south of Boissevain, MB. The couple met at the Clear Lake dance hall and were married in 1951. “We used to tease my mom that dad picked her up at a dance, and she would say, ‘No, we were properly introduced through mutual friends!’” Gail says with a laugh. The couple moved to Fort Garry where they raised their three children: Gail, Barbara and Robert. When Gail was young, her dad worked as a traveling salesman for Coleman. But with a growing family he wanted
COMMUNITY BUILDING FUNDS
38
This type of fund provides the flexibility to respond to new opportunities and address the changing needs in our community.
to stay close to home, so in 1959 he bought a small service depot in Winnipeg. That store, called Coghlan’s Gas Appliances, was located at 235½ Fort Street and was just 16 feet wide by 60 feet deep. It sold, installed and maintained Coleman heating systems and water heaters, as well as camp stoves. It was in this store that Mr. Coghlan sold his first product under the Coghlan’s Ltd. name. “My dad was a real entrepreneur, he worked hard and he came up with one item, the camp stove toaster, which he could sell to campers,” says Rob Coghlan, who today is President of Coghlan’s Ltd. The camp stove toaster sold well out of the little shop, and soon Mr. Coghlan was approaching other retailers to sell the product. At first it was a small operation, and Rob and Gail remember packing products at home. “Dad had me and my mom and my sisters down in the basement packaging them, we had a little assembly line,” Rob recalled. When it became too much work for the family assembly line to handle, Coghlan’s chose to employ intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals through what today is known as Imagine Ability. Mr. Coghlan was always proud of that mutually-beneficial relationship. Throughout his life, Mr. Coghlan was known as an excellent businessperson and an overall nice guy. “He believed in long-standing relationships,” says Rob. “People just got along with him. Even our competitors used to come up to me and say, ‘What a great company you have, and what a nice man your dad is.’ He was respected.” Mr. Coghlan was also a dedicated community leader, serving as the President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and as Chair of the Rotary Club’s Permanent Endowment Fund and of the Fort Garry Independent Citizens Election Committee. He was also a member of CAFE (Canadian Association of Family Enterprise), The Associates Asper School of Business, the St. Charles Country Club, and the Manitoba Club. And he helped set up The Thomas Sill Foundation. “He was involved in everything in the community. If someone asked him to be involved he jumped in,” Rob says. “I think he realized that you had to look after the place that you live in, and if you didn’t do it who would?” It was originally Mrs. Coghlan who was the avid camper, and Gail and Rob fondly remember family camping trips across the country. As business took off, the trips got more extravagant – to Jamaica, Hawaii and Europe. Travelling together was something Mr. and Mrs. Coghlan enjoyed, especially in their later years. When Eleanor Coghlan died of cancer in 1993, Norm created a fund in her memory. He chose to start a Community Building Fund, which allows The Foundation to support Winnipeg’s changing needs and emerging opportunities. “He wanted to leave something in remembrance of my mother for the community and he knew The Winnipeg Foundation dealt with the people of the City of Winnipeg and that’s where he wanted the money to be targeted,” Rob says. Norm would be the first to say he was lucky in life, lucky in business and lucky in love; he spent his latter years with second wife Pearl McGonigal. When he passed away in 2013, an estate gift further supported the Eleanor Coghlan and Norman Coghlan Memorial Fund. Many family members have contributed to the fund, both as a way to remember Norm and Eleanor, and to give back to the community where the business thrived. Coghlan’s Ltd. is still family owned and operated. Since the mid-1960s, the company has assembled and packaged over seven million camp stove toasters, and they’re still made in Winnipeg.
FUND HIGHLIGHT
COMMUNITY BUILDING FUNDS
We can only imagine what our community will be like in 50 or 100 years. When you give to Community Building Funds, you ensure The Foundation can meet Winnipeg’s changing needs and emerging opportunities For Good. Forever.
HOW DOES IT WORK? TAKE THE DR. SPURGEON CAMPBELL MEMORIAL FUND, ONE OF 100s OF COMMUNITY BUILDING FUNDS AT THE FOUNDATION.
Started in 1932 with a gift of
7,000
$
• The gift is endowed. The original amount is never spent. • The annual earnings are granted out to the community.
Today’s fund value*
Approximate total granted to the community*
19,100
$
47,000
$
THAT’S MORE THAN SIX TIMES ITS ORIGINAL VALUE!
WHAT DOES IT SUPPORT? The needs of the day! Here are some of the projects the Dr. Spurgeon Campbell Memorial Fund has supported since its creation.
1999 Opening of Manitoba Theatre for Young People at The Forks.
2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission releases 94 Calls to Action. Grants work towards a shared goal of reconciliation.
Grants create innovative programming.
2008 Ground breaking of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Grants support construction.
1988 Sod turning at The Forks.
1967 5th Pam Am Games held in Winnipeg. Grants
Grants help develop the site and create programming.
prepare the city, train volunteers, and more.
1950 The Red River Flood.
1940s Polio epidemic.
Grants support the 70,000 evacuees, city clean up, and more.
Grants help treat victims.
1930s The Great Depression. Grants combat homelessness and food insecurity.
*Value as of December 31, 2016.
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OUR GENEROUS DONORS
A FAMILY TRADITION OF CHARITABLE SUPPORT ROSS ROBINSON AND FAMILY SHINE A LIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK
“ WE LIKE THE DONOR-ADVISED FUND… BECAUSE THE FUNDS WE’VE COMMITTED ARE FIXED AND GROWING AND HAVE A PROJECTED ANNUAL RETURN RATE [FOR GRANTING]. WE LIKE THAT THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION IS MANAGING IT AND WE GET TO HAVE THE FUN OF A DONOR-DIRECTED PROGRAM.” – Ross Robinson, fund holder
FUND Ross Robinson Family Foundation Fund TYPE Donor-Advised Fund SUPPORTS Charitable organizations and projects the family is passionate about, including MacKinnon’s Y-Not? Anti-Poverty Program
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Ross Robinson (centre) with sons Matt (left) and Shea.
C
haritable giving is ingrained in the Robinson family – just ask Ross Robinson. “My father said to me, ‘If I get my way, when you receive your inheritance cheque I’m going to make sure it bounces, because I’m going to give everything to my favourite charities.’ He was writing cheques like a madman in his 99th year,” Ross says. Burton A. Robinson wasn’t able to give it all away before his passing in 2008 at the age of 100. Nonetheless, BA (as he was affectionately known) would have been happy with the end result: the small inheritance went to support his favourite charities, Ross says. BA Robinson founded lighting supply company B. A. Robinson Co. Ltd. in 1936. He was the third generation to work in the lighting industry, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Thomas Robinson, who started as a candle maker in Montreal around 1850, and of his father William Wadby Robinson, who in 1919 opened a Winnipeg store which was the first in Western Canada to sell prewired lighting fixtures. As a boy, Ross fondly remembers his father coming home every day for lunch. Over a meal in their River Heights house, BA would often teach his four children about the importance of giving back, and about the family business. As the business grew, so too did BA’s capacity for community support. He was extremely generous with his time and money, serving on numerous volunteer boards such as Camp Manitou and the Salvation Army, and supporting a variety of charitable causes. And he always reinforced the importance of supporting local business and being a Winnipeg booster. During his lifetime, BA Robinson established 10 funds at The Winnipeg Foundation. “I know he was always impressed with [Foundation founder William Forbes] Alloway’s first gift. He wanted to do his own little contribution following in Alloway’s footsteps. So, he started a fund in his name, and in our company name, and then [one in] my mother’s name, Geraldine Robinson,” Ross says. These funds support a variety of causes including: specific charities such as the Salvation Army, University of Manitoba, and Providence College; certain fields of interest like food and shelter; as well as Winnipeg’s most pressing needs and emerging opportunities through Community Building Funds. “He started those funds when we were young kids in school, so he had lots of family expenses and [yet] he was contributing as much as he could to each of those funds.” Under BA’s direction, B. A. Robinson Co. prospered over 37 years. In 1973, Ross and brother Bruce acquired the company and began a period of further growth and expansion. Today, B. A. Robinson Co. supplies lighting, plumbing and heating products throughout Western Canada and to export markets around the world. It operates more than 25 branches and employs more than 500 people. It is a Platinum member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. “We’re very proud of being from Winnipeg. In the industry we’re in, we’re surrounded by foreign-owned global companies. We’re adamant that we’re going to keep this company going for as long as we can,” Mr. Robinson says. A fifth generation of Robinsons are now at the helm: Ross’ sons Shea and Matt are President and Vice President Sales, respectively, and daughter Kaley is a shareholder and Board member. Ross is now Chairman and CEO. “It’s every father’s dream come true, if you own your own business, to see succession work in a way that you can work with your family for a number of years and see them make the business flourish. So I’m very proud of Shea and Matt and Kaley.” Like his father before him, Ross has instilled a strong sense of community
spirit in his children; all make charitable gifts, and Kaley helps manage B. A. Robinson Co.’s charitable giving. “I think all of us understand the importance of giving back to the communities that have helped us, and our whole family of employees.” Ross is also highly involved in the community and has chaired many fundraising campaigns, including the Neeginan Foundation capital campaign, the Health Sciences Centre Research Foundation capital campaign, and the current capital campaign for the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Amongst his other achievements, he was named Honorary Colonel RCAF 17 Wing in 2012. Today, the Robinsons have a family fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. The Donor-Advised Fund allows them to work with Foundation staff to determine which charities will receive grants. “We like the Donor-Advised fund… because the funds we’ve committed are fixed and growing and have a projected annual return rate [for granting]. We like that The Winnipeg Foundation is managing it and we get to have the fun of a donor-directed program.”
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
This type of fund supports whatever projects you want! You work with Foundation staff to choose which charitable programs and projects receive support.
41
OUR GENEROUS DONORS
BARBARA PEARCE’S LEGACY GIFT HELPS PEOPLE REACH NEW HEIGHTS
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE THROUGH MUSIC
A
gifted singer with a larger than life personality, Barbara Pearce loved helping others realize their full potential. Her legacy gift through The Winnipeg Foundation ensures her passions will continue to be supported forever. “Even if [a person] didn’t believe in themselves, Barb always made sure she believed in them first, and that always brought them a lot of confidence and empowerment,” says Ms. Pearce’s good friend Christy Kim. Throughout her 36-year teaching career, Barb taught music at more than a dozen schools across the province, most recently at Prairie Rose and Kent Road schools. “She brought out greatness in everyone which showed in her many school choir awards and achievements. Her goal
FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS
42
This type of fund will make a lasting difference in an area you’re passionate about. You can choose one or more areas of focus that are meaningful to you.
in life was to help make people aware of the power of music and to awaken their souls to its beauty and in turn bring out excellence in all she inspired,” Ms. Kim says. She would regularly go above the call of duty to help a student. “She always strived to make sure her students had advantages maybe they couldn’t have on their own. She made sure if someone couldn’t afford something they would somehow get a scholarship or some kind of monetary help. She cared a lot; she cared more than they did sometimes,” Ms. Kim says. Ms. Pearce was a talented performer. She won a number of singing awards including the Winnipeg Music Festival’s Tudor Bowl and Gordon Hignell Memorial Trophy. She had lead roles in many Rainbow Stage performances. She was a member of many choirs, and regularly sang at weddings, funerals and other functions. Ms. Kim fondly remembers attending events with Ms. Pearce, who would instantly form a bond with almost every new person she met by finding something in common they shared. “Barb brightened every room she walked into and was loved by everyone. She had the quickest wit around and had the amazing ability to bring a smile everywhere she went.” She was also often the loudest and funniest person in the room. “She didn’t need a microphone, she always bragged about that,” Ms. Kim says with a smile. When she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in May 2015, Ms. Pearce had no estate plan in place; she asked Ms. Kim to be her Executor and named Ms. Kim’s partner, Tony Wytinck, her Power of Attorney. Ms. Pearce was unsure what she wanted do with her assets. Knowing Ms. Pearce’s commitment to helping others and her passion for music and the arts, Mr. Wytinck suggested creating a legacy through The Foundation. “Until we presented The Winnipeg Foundation idea, up to that point [it] was very difficult. [That changed] once we presented her with the idea of a [creating a] legacy. That’s when she opened up,” Mr. Wytinck says. True to her character of putting others’ needs ahead of her own, in her illness Ms. Pearce, along with Ms. Kim and Mr. Wytnick, planned a Celebration of Life event for her friends, family and former students. Ms. Pearce handpicked the menu, flowers and centrepieces, and the event featured some of her favourite performers, including children’s entertainer Al Simmons, African drummer Coffieman, and juggler Robin Chestnut. Unfortunately, Ms. Pearce passed away in July 2015, just four days before the event. But she had been so involved in the planning, Ms. Kim says, “It was like she was there.” Ms. Pearce’s legacy is the Barbara Pearce Arts and Culture Community Fund, a Field of Interest Fund that supports organizations and causes she was passionate about. Through her fund, Ms. Pearce will continue to help others realize their full potential. “Knowing Barb was a privilege and honour, and to see her legacy continue on, helping those in need, is truly fulfilling her own dreams for years to come. She wanted to be remembered as someone who helped those around her soar as high as they could with pride in their own talents,” Ms. Kim says.
LEAVE A LEGACY! YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR MARK ON OUR COMMUNITY AND ACHIEVE YOUR PHILANTHROPIC GOALS WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. GIFTS CAN INCLUDE BEQUESTS, INSURANCE POLICIES, OR RETIREMENT ASSETS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF YOUR GIVING OPTIONS.
“KNOWING BARB WAS A PRIVILEGE AND HONOUR. SHE WANTED TO BE REMEMBERED AS SOMEONE WHO HELPED THOSE AROUND HER SOAR AS HIGH AS THEY COULD.” – Christy Kim, Barbara Pearce’s friend
FUND Barbara Pearce Arts and Culture Community Fund TYPE Field of Interest Fund SUPPORTS Arts and culture community organizations
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PERFORM A NOT-SO-RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS!
WILL WEEK 2017 Make sure your wishes for the future of your family are met. Attend a free estate planning seminar delivered by a local lawyer and learn about how to create a Will, update your existing Will, and how you can easily make a charitable gift in your Will. Health Care Directives and Power of Attorney will also be covered. Seminars are free on a first come first served basis. Seating is limited. Please register in advance by calling 204-948-3394 in Winnipeg or email pgt@gov.mb.ca
Mon., Apr. 24 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm 7pm – 9pm Tues., Apr. 25 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm 7pm – 9pm 7pm – 9pm 19 h – 21 h Wed., Apr. 26 1pm – 3pm 7pm – 9pm 6:30pm – 8:30pm Thurs., Apr. 27 1pm – 3pm 1pm – 3pm 7pm – 9pm Fri. , Apr. 28 Noon – 2pm Noon – 2pm
ACCESS Fort Garry 135 Plaza Drive Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre 26 Molgat Avenue Seven Oaks General Hospital, Wellness Institute Room 4, 1075 Leila Avenue (limited seating) ACCESS Transcona 845 Regent Avenue West (very limited seating) Millennium Library – Buchwald Theatre 251 Donald Street Lindenwoods Community Centre 414 Lindenwood Drive Gwen Secter 1588 Main Street Bronx Park Community Centre – Creative Art Room 720 Henderson Highway Centre de services bilingues 100 – 170 Goulet Street (places très limitées) *Ce séminaire est en français seulement Sturgeon Heights Community Centre 210 Rita Street First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg 603 Wellington Crescent ACCESS Transcona 845 Regent Avenue West (very limited seating) Reh-Fit Fitness Centre – Seminar Room D 1390 Taylor Avenue (very limited seating) Seven Oaks General Hospital, Wellness Institute Room 4, 1075 Leila Avenue (limited seating) Corydon Community Centre – River Heights Site 1370 Grosvenor Avenue Dependents with disabilities* *for family with loved ones with disabilities BDC Building 155 Carlton Street, Lower Level, Meeting Room B Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre 174 Market Avenue
For more info visit winnipegwill.com
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FUND HIGHLIGHT
ACTIVE AGENCY FUNDS WHAT’S AN AGENCY FUND?
Established by local charitable agencies, Agency Funds are permanent endowment funds held at The Foundation. The annual income generated is used at the charitable agency’s discretion. An agency endowment is typically part of a longer-term strategy aimed at providing sustainable core funding. There are almost 200 agencies with funds at The Foundation. Learn more at wpgfdn.org/agencyfunds
MOST ACTIVE AGENCY FUNDS IN 2016 These funds received the greatest number of gifts in 2016.
Number of gifts
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Endowment Fund, honouring Artistic Director Steven Schipper Specialized Services for Children and Youth Endowment Fund Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation Fund Esther House Endowment Fund Winnipeg Police Service Endowment Fund Manitoba Choral Association Endowment Fund Curling for Life Endowment Fund Pulford Community Living Services Endowment Fund Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre Endowment Fund Seven Oaks Education Funds ACL Winnipeg Endowment Fund Friends of Badminton Manitoba Fund LEAF Manitoba WISE: Working in Support of Equality Fund SCE Lifeworks Fund Luther Village Fund
100 85 56 55 49 37 33 32 31 29 29 26 24 20 17
value of gifts
$121,236 74,782 7,494 16,490 92,236 27,050 5,781 50,680 8,874 66,920 675 9,525 8,010 26,176 37,725
AGENCY FUNDS WITH THE MOST REVENUE GENERATED FOR 2017 The most revenue generated is determined by the fund’s average market value.
Royal Winnipeg Ballet Endowment Funds Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Endowment Fund, honouring Artistic Director Steven Schipper Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Fund Fort Whyte Foundation Trust Funds Continuity Care Endowment Fund Pine Ridge Wildlife Funds The DuVal Foundation Funds Forks Foundation Endowment Funds Balmoral Hall School Endowment Funds Manitoba Chamber Orchestra Endowment Fund Manitoba Paraplegia Foundation Inc. Fund Manitoba Museum Foundation Funds Winnipeg Folk Festival Funds Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art Endowment Fund
Amount to spend
$1,104,540 786,290 305,476 181,259 167,951 115,895 104,619 91,938 78,279 74,225 74,101 64,240 62,248 54,158 52,851
45
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Clockwise from top: Traditional Knowledge Keeper Dr. Myra Laramee, who offered a prayer to begin the evening, speaks while (left to right) emcee Eva Kovacs, panelists Dr. Lisa Monkman, Sean Miller and Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, and keynote Robb Nash look on; a round table discussion; emcee Eva Kovacs facilitates the group discussion.
HELP SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE VITAL SIGNS® REPORT WILL INFLUENCE THE FOUNDATION’S STRATEGIC PLAN
V
ital Signs® is a check up on the vitality of our community that identifies significant needs and trends. All Winnipeggers are invited to participate. The findings from the year-long initiative will help shape The Foundation’s strategic plan as we head toward our centennial in 2021. Vital Signs® combines research with the results of a survey. As part of the information gathering process, The Foundation is also holding three Vital Conversations. The first, held Jan. 23 at the University of Winnipeg’s Richardson College of the Environment and Science Complex, focused on mental health, addictions and healing. It was presented in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). “One in five Canadian will be faced with mental health challenges and all of us are impacted by them, so we thought this was a good topic to kick off our Vital Conservations series,” says Carolina Stecher, Vital Signs® Project Convener. “This Vital Conversation focused on how mental health and addictions challenges are being addressed in our community, and the potential paths to healing and well-being.”
The sold-out crowd of 100 included those who work in the mental health and addictions fields, those who are impacted by the issues, and general public interested in the topic. The event was also live-streamed on The Foundation’s Facebook page. The evening began with keynote speaker Robb Nash, who shared has story of overcoming depression and using music to inspire strength and possibility in young people. Read more about Robb’s work starting on page 8. Next was a panel discussion featuring Anishinaabe Family Physician Dr. Lisa Monkman; mental health promoter, 1JustCity Fun(d) Developer and University of Winnipeg lecturer Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud; and CMHA Partnership for Recovery Coordinator and mental illness survivor Sean Miller. Finally, round table discussions were held to bring insight to this multi-faceted topic. The Vital Signs® report will be issued in October 2017. Vital Signs® is a national program led by individual community foundations and coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada. Cumulatively, the initiative works to leverage local knowledge, measure community well-being and support action toward improving our collective quality of life as Canadians. More than 65 communities in Canada and around the world are using Vital Signs® to mobilize the power of community knowledge for greater local impact.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? 46
Vital Signs® is deeply enriched by community input. There will be many opportunities to get involved. To find out more, go to wpgfdn.org/vitalsigns
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
THREE MINUTES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FAST PITCH COACHING PROGRAM RETURNS TO BUILDS CAPACITY AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY
A
new round of charitable organizations is learning how to make a difference in three minutes or less as The Foundation’s Fast Pitch coaching program returns for a second year! Fast Pitch helps build the capacity of, and create visibility for, Winnipeg’s charitable sector by pairing leaders from charitable organizations with coaches from the business sector. Through Fast Pitch, leaders from local charities learn to create powerful, high-energy cases for support, delivered in three minutes or less. It all culminates in a Showcase where finalists compete for up to $20,000 in prizes. Audience members will help determine one of the winners! “We see Fast Pitch as a new way of building our philanthropic community,” says Strategic Projects Associate Jennifer Partridge. “The goal is to help Winnipeg’s charities tell compelling stories that will attract support from donors and funders, build capacity, and advance important local causes. In turn, this will help build their financial independence (less reliance on unpredictable government funding) to help them do their good work in our community.” This year, 15 charitable organizations and 30 coaches are participating. During the 10-week program, Fast Pitch participants engage in a variety of activities including a Power of Story workshop with Cate Friesen and David McLeod, and one-onone and group coaching sessions. Tickets for the Showcase will be on sale soon. Go to wpgfdn.org/fastpitch to learn more.
Fast Pitch 2016 photos, clockwise from left: Foundation CEO Rick Frost addresses the crowd; Fillmore Riley LLP attendees Tracey and Bob Peters, Anita and Randy Southall; The Foundation’s Strategic Projects Associate Jennifer Partridge (second from left) with MLT Aikins attendees Bradley Zander, Florence Carey and Baillie Chisick.
CHARITIES PARTICIPATING IN FAST PITCH 2017: A & O: Support Services for Older Adults Amanda McRae, Chief Executive Officer Agape Table Dave Fenuik, General Manager Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba Jeff Powell, General Manager CanU Roger Berrington, Executive Director Friends of Upper Fort Garry Penny McMillan, Director International Institute for Sustainable Development – Experimental Lakes Area Inc. (IISD – ELA) Matthew McCandless, Executive Director Project Neechewam Cory Campbell, Executive Director S S C O P E Inc. (Self-Starting Creative Opportunities for People in Employment) Angela McCaughan, Executive Director
Sunshine House Chelsea Jalloh, Co-Chair West Central Women’s Resource Centre (WCWRC) Lorie English, Executive Director West End Cultural Centre (WECC) Jack Jonasson, General Manager Winnipeg Children’s Access Agency (WCAA) Mary Lobson, Executive Director The Wrench Benita Kliewer, Co-Director Willow Place Lesley Lindberg, Executive Director Youth Agencies Alliance Karen Ferris, Executive Director
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF THE COACHES, HEAD TO wpgfdn.org/fastpitch 47
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
LISTEN UP AND BE INSPIRED BY WINNIPEG’S CHARITABLE SECTOR The Foundation’s radio show River City 360 presents ‘news and views from around Winnipeg’ with a focus on the charitable sector and philanthropy. Each week, hosts Nolan Bicknell and Robert Zirk bring you interesting interviews and engaging discussion, plus great nostalgic tunes.
HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM RECENT SHOWS:
rivercity360.org 24-hours
Clockwise from left: Canadian CED Network’s The Gathering conference, photo credit: CCEDNet; early learning providers with books from the Dollywood Foundation, photo credit: Dollywood Foundation; Camerata Nova, photo credit: Chris Black.
DOLLY BRINGS BOOKS TO MANITOBA KIDS
COMMUNING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEADERS
COLLABORATION IS KEY FOR CAMERATA NOVA
Dolly Parton’s foundation is helping ensure kids are entering school properly prepared. The Dollywood Foundation mails age-appropriate books to children under five years and has recently expanded into Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba.
Each year, the Canadian CED Network in Manitoba hosts The Gathering, a socially-conscious, community-minded event bringing together people who are on the leading edge of community development.
Camerata Nova is described as a “vocal group without fear.” Since 1996 the group has performed Renaissance, Indigenous-infused, and contemporary music and encouraged collaboration and community wherever they perform.
“Out of 60 First Nations in Manitoba, only one has a library,” says Karen Davis, Dollywood Foundation’s Manitoba Director. “We all want our children to graduate and go on to post-secondary, and graduation begins at home; parents are the very first teachers.” “We believe that by getting the books in the hands of these children we can help to change generations of communities” adds Angie Harris, Director of International Programs. To hear our full interview with Karen Davis and Angie Harris, tune in to episode 37 of RC360’s 2nd season.
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CJNU 93.7 FM Sun. 8-9 am.
The Foundation supported the Dollywood Foundation with a $10,000 grant drawn from Community Building Funds.
“It’s leaders learning from each other, focusing on practices and ideas that are emerging around them,” says Sarah Leeson-Klym, Manitoba Regional Director of the Canadian CED Network. This year’s theme, “Include. Act. Transform,” focused on ensuring people from diverse backgrounds who face barriers or marginalization are empowered and have opportunities to lead. The keynote speakers were activist and journalist Harsha Walia and Karen Joseph, CEO of Reconciliation Canada. To hear interviews with both, tune in to episodes 44 and 45 of RC360’s 2nd season. The Foundation supported the Canadian CED Network’s 2016 Conference with an $8,000 grant drawn from Community Building Funds.
“Winnipeg is a great city to collaborate in, because people are so open here and willing to try new ideas, which I think is vital for an artistic community,” says Andrew Belfort, Artistic Director. Camerata Nova performs all over Canada and is planning a European tour later in 2017. To hear our full interview with Andrew Belfort, tune in to episode 45 of RC360’s 2nd season. The Foundation supported Camerata Nova with a $5,000 grant drawn from Community Building Funds.
HEAD TO RC360.ORG TO HEAR PAST EPISODES
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Students become agents of change in debate by Jennifer Pawluk
SHARING STORIES TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
When it comes to debate and public speaking, students at Balmoral Hall School approach their topics with a thorough understanding of the issues. This was evident at the DisruptED conference exploring ways science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classrooms can use new technologies. BH girls impressed those in attendance at “For the Sake of Argument” with their poise in presenting resolutions requiring high school students complete a coding course for credit, and that all parents be tech-savvy. “DisruptED gave my students the opportunity to act as agents of change through lively debate,” says Carissa Balcaen, Debate and Public Speaking Teacher at Balmoral Hall. Photo credit: Jennifer Pawluk.
The Foundation’s Community News Commons – cncwpg.org – is more than a platform for citizen journalists to share stores that matter to them; it’s also creating a more informed and engaged community and stronger, healthier neighbourhoods. To read the full versions of all these stories, go to communitynewscommons.org/working-together-winter-2017
Photo credit: Helle Wilson.
Photo credit: Rainbow Harmony Project.
New Year’s resolution – it’s all in your chosen word
Choir’s changing membership may reflect shift in society
by Helle Wilson
By Armande Martine
At the end of each year my friends and I choose a word to live by for the following year. We choose a word that has special meaning and a positive impact on our lives and others in our community.
True to its name, the Rainbow Harmony Project (RHP) has been an inclusive choir from its inception and has evolved into quite a harmonious group of singers where gay, straight, transgender and two-spirited folk make wonderful music.
Being shy, I chose ‘Openness’ for my 2016 word; wanting to challenge myself to become more outgoing ... and it has been an amazing experience.
Now in its 18th year, Winnipeg’s LGBT Choir was first publicized at the June 1999 Pride. During the first few years, there were no allies that signed up to be a part of the choir.
I am thinking my word for 2017 will be ‘Listen.’
That has changed over the last few years as an increasing number of straight members have joined, including the choir’s newest Co-Director, Justin Odwak.
Have you ever wanted to improve something in a positive way in your life? What is your chosen word for 2017?
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OUR FOUNDATION
Photo credit: Seven Oaks General Hospital.
Photo credit: Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
A PARK AND ZOO FOR EVERYONE
WARM WELCOME
Assiniboine Park Conservancy wants to ensure everyone can visit the park and zoo.
On a cold December day, our Director of Community Grants helped hand out Welcome Kits to Syrian families settling in Winnipeg.
The ParkShare Endowment Fund, held at The Winnipeg Foundation, will provide a sustainable source of support for initiatives designed to make programming, admissions and transportation more accessible for children, youth and seniors facing financial barriers. The Foundation’s Director of Community Grants Megan Tate hands out Welcome Kits to Syrian families at Accueil Francophone.
To help the ParkShare Endowment Fund grow, Shirley Richardson and family will generously match the first $400,000 in gifts to the Fund. To make a gift, go to wpgfdn.org/give and search ParkShare.
WORLD-CLASS INNOVATION Leading researchers in chronic disease will soon have a research and development hub at Seven Oaks General Hospital.
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Construction has begun on the new Chronic Disease Innovation Centre that will allow researchers and students with the chronic and kidney disease research program to work collaboratively on disease prevention and management, and new technology and advances. The Centre will also improve delivery of health services and treatment methods, and facilitate knowledge-sharing, placing Winnipeg at the forefront of chronic disease research both nationally and internationally. The Foundation provided a $100,000 grant in support of the Centre.
Accueil Francophone, with support from a Welcome to Winnipeg Fund grant, helped newcomers transition into their new homes by providing the kits, along with cultural programming. The Foundation’s Welcome to Winnipeg Fund was created early last year in response to the influx of Syrian refugees to our province. Gifts to the fund are not permanently endowed but flow directly to projects helping newcomers settle in Winnipeg. The Welcome Kits contain bedding, towels, and other essential household items and toiletries, including moisturizer – a must for Winnipeg winters!
COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING STUDENTS OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPISTS
In fall 2016, The Winnipeg Foundation hosted two scholarship award events supporting students.
November 15 is National Philanthropy Day and each year the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Manitoba Chapter celebrates by recognizing Manitobans and organizations that have made a tremendous impact on our province through acts of philanthropy.
The Scholars Awards reception presented 10 students considered for The Loran Scholarship each with a $3,000 award. Loran Scholars are young Canadians who demonstrate character, commitment to service, and leadership potential.
Congratulations to the 2016 award recipients! • The Mauro Family - Outstanding Philanthropist • Dr. Harvey Secter - Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser • TD Bank - Outstanding Large Philanthropic Organization • Rotary Club of Winnipeg West - Outstanding Service Organization • Jenna Sigurdson - Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Under 15 • Mary Beth Taylor, CFRE - Outstanding Professional Fundraiser The Foundation sponsored the award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Under 15, and also submitted the nomination in support of The Mauro Family, for Outstanding Philanthropist. In four short years and by the age of 14, Jenna Sigurdson raised more than $50,000 for Parkinson Canada. Jenna is an active ambassador for Parkinson Canada, spending countless hours designing and selling her signature bookmarks, and organizing and speaking at events to raise funds for, and awareness of, Parkinson’s disease. For decades, the Mauro Family has quietly supported hundreds of organizations, contributing close to $250,000 annually. The Mauros support programs for newcomers and those facing challenges, provide access to and inclusion in the arts, and are committed to engaging people in deep and open exploration of many diverse issues that affect world peace.
Attendees at two scholarship award events hosted by The Foundation.
FROM COOKIES TO KIDS
The Foundation also presented five graduate students with Friends of Our History Fund Awards. These awards each provide $2,000 for study of the life and times of Canadians who have contributed to our rich history.
The former Christie’s Biscuits building on Notre Dame Ave. has been transformed into a centre focused on services for Manitoba children and youth with disabilities and special needs. Specialized Services for Children and Youth (SSCY) opened in spring 2016, providing family-centred care and access to many service organizations under one roof. Through a Winnipeg Foundation Community Learning Session in 2016, a group of donors had the opportunity to tour the facility and see first-hand the services available through the centre.
Foundation donors during a Community Learning Session at SSCY.
‘LOOK OUT’ FOR A NEW TRAIL Soon you will be able have a unique half hour walking experience through two historic downtown areas. The St. Boniface River Trail will be a 2.5 km loop including a portion of The Forks Pathway system, and the Norwood and Esplanade Riel Pedestrian bridges linking St. Boniface to The Forks, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The trail will incorporate riverbank stabilization, enhancements to existing areas such as the Taché Promenade and La Verendrye Park, and a new elaborate “look out” feature in front of St. Boniface museum. Photo credit: Scatliff + Miller + Murray.
2016 Manitoba Philanthropy Award winners. Photo credit: April-Marie Imagery, Manitoba Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
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COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
OUR CULTURE OF GENEROSITY
FOUNDATION STAFF GIVE BACK
I
n December, Foundation staff spent a morning packing hampers at the Christmas Cheer Board – just one of the ways we give back to our community. From volunteering at local organizations to donating to causes they care about, each staff member has a unique way of supporting our community. The Foundation’s Employee Charitable Contribution Committee encourages a culture of generosity in our workplace by providing different ways to give back and get involved.
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Foundation staff at the Christmas Cheer Board.
TEAM ACTIVITIES The Committee organizes opportunities for Foundation staff to participate in activities or events presented or hosted by local charitable organizations. In 2016, staff volunteered for the Downtown BIZ’s Earth Day Clean Up Green UP, served breakfast at Agape Table on two mornings, and packed hampers at the Christmas Cheer Board.
EMPLOYER MATCHING PROGRAM All staff are encouraged to contribute to their own charitable fund, established at The Winnipeg Foundation. The Foundation ‘stretches’ contributions by 50%, up to $600 per year per employee. We are proud to report 100% of Foundation staff participate in the Employer Matching Program.
JEANS DAYS On the last Friday of every month (except July and August) staff can dress more casually in the office in exchange for a $5 contribution. Total dollars raised from participants are matched by The Winnipeg Foundation and then granted to a local charitable organization each month. In 2016 our Jeans Days supported: • L’Arche Winnipeg • Agape Table • Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre • The Movement Centre • Esther House • Winnipeg Inner City Missions • Children’s Hospital Foundation • Manitoba Printmakers Association - Martha Street Studio • Siloam Mission • D’Arcy’s A.R.C.
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS
THE LAST WORD WITH CEO RICK FROST
The Winnipeg Foundation celebrates our 2016 year and announces an exciting granting milestone at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Read more on page 7.
YOU MAY NOT HAVE NOTICED BUT THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION IS IN THE MIDST OF A TRANSITION. THIS WOULD BE COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDABLE BECAUSE OUR POLICIES ARE INTENDED TO PROMOTE STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY. A ‘STEADY AS SHE GOES’ ENVIRONMENT SEEMS VERY NATURAL TO AN ENDOWMENT-BASED ORGANIZATION THAT MUST ALWAYS COMPENSATE FOR THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE INVESTMENT MARKET. BUT NONETHELESS, CHANGE IS A REALITY FOR US ALL.
DETERMINING THE PATH AHEAD
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ur current strategic plan covers the years 2014 to 2017. Because our yearend is Sept. 30, we are now only months away from the end of this fouryear period. For example, the last three projects in our Downtown Green Spaces Strategy are identified and largely funded. Projects like Growing Active Kids, the You Can Do It Awards and Nourishing Potential which didn’t exist only a few years ago, are now positioned to provide sustained support long into the future. Our fall issue of Working Together magazine will review all The Foundation activities of the last four years. Looking ahead, we are now asking, ‘What are the priorities that should impact our community building work as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2021?’ The Winnipeg Foundation describes itself as a 360-degree grant-maker because we engage with charities of all types. This will not change. But we are likely to identify areas of focus. For example, working in the health sector will remain, but we may decide that mental health deserves special emphasis over the next few years. Our process for determining priorities is called Vital Signs®. Through a wide range of activities from community forums to public surveys, we will create a picture of what Winnipeg sees as its primary challenges. We have already engaged a number of research partners to help us with this work. Our intent is to reach out to donors, charitable agencies and the general public. We encourage everyone to participate. In October 2017, our Vital Signs® report will be released.
Another factor that will influence our thinking is the strength and capacity of charitable agencies. Are some parts of the voluntary sector faring better than others? Are smaller organizations less stable or more vulnerable than larger ones? Certainly, there is a general concern that we need to re-enforce our philanthropic traditions. For years, Manitoba has led the nation when it comes to giving, but like all of Canada, the number of people who donate is on the decline. These are factors that could influence how our Board defines our role in the next few years. There is always a sense of excitement as we move from one planning period to the next, in pursuit of our vision: ‘A Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’
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WORKING TOGETHER
A MAGAZINE OF THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION WINTER 2017
FOR HELPING MAKE ‘A WINNIPEG WHERE COMMUNITY LIFE FLOURISHES FOR ALL.’
WORKING TOGETHER | A MAGAZINE OF THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION | WINTER 2017
THANK YOU
HELPING YOUTH FIND HOPE
THE ROBB NASH PROJECT STRIKES A CHORD WITH YOUNG PEOPLE