The Winnipeg Foundation

The Winnipeg Foundation is a registered charity and community foundation based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Established in 1921, it is Canada's first community foundation and has played a pivotal role in the social improvement of Winnipeg throughout its history.

History

The Winnipeg Foundation was founded with an initial gift of $100,000 from local businessman and banker, William Forbes Alloway. The founding board members included notable figures such as Justice Robert Maxwell Dennistoun, Chief Justice Thomas Graham Mathers, Archdeacon R.B. McElheran, and Hugh John MacDonald. Over the years, the foundation has experienced significant growth and generous donations, including a landmark $100 million donation in 2001 from Randall Moffat and his family, which was the largest gift to a Canadian community foundation at the time.

Operations and Impact

The Foundation operates by pooling and permanently investing gifts from donors to support a wide range of charitable causes in Winnipeg. These include community service, education and employment, health, environment, heritage, arts and culture, and recreation sectors. In 2021, the foundation distributed $84.9 million to charitable organizations, while in 2020, it received over $187 million in gifts and distributed $73 million to approximately 1,000 charitable organizations. In 2024, it distributed a record $91.6 million to more than 1,100 organizations.

Grants and Endowments

The Winnipeg Foundation is home to more than 3,700 endowment funds, established by donors to ensure ongoing support for various causes. It has also made significant grants, with its largest being $6 million to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2003. The foundation's approach emphasizes retaining capital to ensure long-term sustainability, distinguishing it from other models that focus more on immediate disbursements.

Key Activities

• Community Engagement: The foundation engages in various community activities, including supporting initiatives for mental health, arts, and environmental conservation.
• Donor Support: It connects donors with causes they care about, facilitating charitable giving.
• Grant Administration: The foundation provides grants to organizations based on specific criteria and priorities.

In summary, The Winnipeg Foundation has been a cornerstone of charitable giving in Winnipeg for over a century, fostering community development through strategic philanthropy and community engagement.