The Stratford Perth Community Foundation’s establishment as a registered charitable organization in 2004 resulted from the perseverance of visionary community leaders from businesses, local government, and groups of impact. Learning about community foundations in other communities, these individuals wanted locals to benefit from having this vehicle for building community investment and 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 foundation 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, Bo Sibold (Stratford business-person), 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 very first gift to the Community Foundation, initiating the Community Fund. Also, in 2004, the McTavish Family of Perth East wanted to honor the memory of their 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 Perth Community Foundation has grown into a thriving organization with three staff members and many community-minded volunteers who give their time, talent, and treasure by serving on the Board of Directors, on specialized committees, and lending valued support in the office.
Granted 440,000, 10.5M, 90 Funds
Granted 702,000 – including 395,000 from Funds held and 307,000 from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund
Over 85 Named and Regional Funds. Distributed $525,000 in grants and 2.5M since inception.
Endowed assets reach 8.8M. Distributed $336,000 in grants; Mayor’s Gala canceled during the pandemic and focus shifts to operating sustainability to minimize dependency on events.
Endowed assets reach 5.5M. Distributed $265,000 in grants; plus $283,000 for the Emergency Community Support Fund. 11th Annual Mayors Gala raises $110,000 and over 1M historically
Endowed assets reach 5M. Distributed $200,000 in grants; and 1.1M in grants since inception
Endowed assets reach 1M. Distributed $100,000 in grants.
Inaugural Mayors Gala “Perth County’s most fabulous cocktail party” raises $20,000.
Stratford Perth Community Foundation launches on November 21, 2004. Endowed assets reach $250,000. $20,000 granted to local community service organizations.
Steering Committee establishes a local community foundation; City of Stratford, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Ideal Supply provide seed capital. 2003 - B. Julian (Bo) Sibold leaves an extraordinary bequest to initiate the first endowed fund for the Community Foundation - The Community Fund.
City of Stratford Strategic Plan identifies a community foundation as vital to a strong community.
The City of Stratford | B. Julian (Bo) Sibold | Ideal Supply | Ontario Trillium Foundation
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