Fort Edmonton Foundation

The Fort Edmonton Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization located in Edmonton, Alberta. It was founded in 1969 by a group of community leaders, including Rotarians, with the mission of preserving Edmonton's history and developing a living history museum. The Foundation is registered under the Business Registration Number 107394058RR0001.

Purpose and Activities

The primary purpose of the Fort Edmonton Foundation is to raise funds for capital projects and initiatives at Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum. Over the years, the Foundation has supported the development and expansion of various historical areas within the park, including the fur-trade era, 1885 Street, 1905 Street, and 1920 Street. More recently, the Foundation contributed to the establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Experience.

A significant achievement of the Foundation was its role in supporting a $165 million enhancement project for Fort Edmonton Park. This project involved significant contributions from all levels of government, as well as the Foundation itself. The enhancements included the Indigenous Peoples Experience, a 1920’s-style Midway expansion, a new front entry plaza, and guest services area.

Governance and Operations

The Fort Edmonton Foundation operates with a small staff, dedicated board members, passionate committees, and a strong contingent of volunteers. Key committees include:

• Governance Committee: Focused on promoting strong board leadership and effective governance practices.
• Finance Committee: Responsible for overseeing financial management and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Community and Government Relations Committee: Engages in building and maintaining relationships with community and government leaders to advance the Foundation's strategic goals.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the Foundation's activities, contributing to various projects and enhancing the visitor experience at Fort Edmonton Park.

Awards and Recognition

The Fort Edmonton Foundation presents the Samuel A. Dickson Award annually to recognize outstanding supporters of the Foundation. Nominations are typically solicited from the community and within the Foundation itself.

Community Impact

The Foundation's efforts have expanded the accessibility of Fort Edmonton Park to children and youth facing social or economic challenges. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the organization's broader mission to engage and educate a diverse range of visitors about Edmonton's rich history.