Our History

The Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation was established as a registered public charitable foundation in 2004, the result of the perseverance of a group of visionary community leaders including representatives from local government, business and groups. They had heard of other community foundations and wanted the local community to benefit from having this vehicle for building community investment and community philanthropy.

This spark of an idea began in Stratford but soon spread to St. Marys and the rest of Perth County when the benefits of a more regionally based community foundations were recognized. Founding board members from around the county signed on to be part of this exciting new venture. Founding board members included Tim MacDonald, Listowel (Chair); Mary McTavish, Perth East (Secretary); Peter Van Drunen, West Perth (Vice-Chair); Bill Somerville, Stratford (Treasurer); Jeff Carruthers, Stratford; Tom Clifford, Stratford; Brenda Mitchell, St. Marys; Berny Nymeyer, Stratford; Richard Smelski, Perth East, Anne Marie Tymec, Stratford, Anne Walsh, Stratford.

One of these leaders, local Stratford businessman Bo Sibold, unfortunately did not live to see the dream realized. But in typical fashion he gave back to the community through a gift from his estate which was the first gift to the Community Foundation and initiated the Community Fund.

Also in 2004, the McTavish Family of Perth East wanted to honour the memory of father and grandfather, Donald McTavish, a local environmentalist. Grandson Alec and wife Sam (Mary) McTavish created the Donald McTavish Conservation Fund which has grown through the generosity of family members and friends.

Today the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation is staffed by an Executive Director, occasional part-time staff and contract staff, many community minded volunteers that serve on the board, on committees and in the office. All are committed to the values and principles of community foundations.