After being inspired by our Governor General David Johnston’s challenge to join him in “imagining our country as it could be…a smart and caring nation, where all Canadians can succeed, contribute, and develop their talents to their fullest potential,” Doug MacDougald and Barbara Green are stepping up to help.“The Community Foundation shared with us how effective tax planning rules are available to Canadians and can help people like us maximize our gifts to registered charities and in our estate planning.” Doug and Barbara note, “We are very supportive of the creation of Smart and Caring Community Funds for all of our local municipalities because the Funds stay in the community and are unrestricted. Thus they can be used in areas of the greatest need to meet the vision of a better community, now and in the future. ”In 2016 the Governor General published The Idea of Canada - Letters to a Nation. He asks in his letter to the citizens of Canada, “What will your gift be for our nation’s 150th birthday?” Doug’s response? “This is one of our gifts, because we believe in a strong local Community Foundation that can support our community, today, 10 years from now and forever.”

In 2016, John McNeil's family and friends established the John McNeil Fund under the unrestricted Stratford Smart & Caring Community Fund in memory of a well loved man. This fund annually supports important projects and initiatives around Stratford - a place John loved very much.

Long-time residents Peter and Dianne Hiller recently made a significant contribution to the Stratford Smart & Caring Community Fund. “Stratford has been so good to our family,” shares Peter Hiller. “Dianne and I feel that supporting the Smart & Caring initiative is an excellent way of giving back to our community and also expressing our thanks.” “We like that the donations stay local and as the fund grows, so does the Community Foundation’s ability to invest in important causes – causes that will change over the years,” adds Peter. “The health of our community is dependent on our ability to respond to its needs and this fund has been set up to be here for all future generations.”

In 2015 Carolyn and Steve Rae created the Rae Family Fund under the unrestricted Stratford Smart & Caring Community Fund and challenged the Stratford community to match their $25,000 donation. Annually this Fund supports important projects and initiatives around Stratford.

In 2015 Chip and Barb Vallis established their family Fund under the Stratford Smart & Caring Community Fund. Annual this Fund helps support important projects and initiatives happening around Stratford.