15 Years of Making Every Moment Count.
Annual Report 2013-2014
Tim Dobbie | Chair, Board of Directors
After losing his musically talented 18-year-old son, Brian Hansell was inspired to create a foundation fund
with BCF that promotes programs aimed at the mental and emotional wellbeing of youth. Brian shares,
“The spirit of Paul lives on through the Paul Hansell Foundation. At its core, it aims to provide youth with
the necessary tools for mental wellness, continuing on Paul’s passion for helping others.”
The foundation financially supports the Paul Hansell School Life Award at Burlington’s Assumption High
School as well as two Brock University programs, the Paul Hansell Student Competition Award and the
Students’ Union Students for Students Campaign.
Launched in 2013, the Paul Hansell Hand Up for Kids Fund supports programming at Reach Out Centre
for Kids. Across Burlington, six young people attended the Youth Aiding Youth Social Skills Camp. Also,
through the Hugs for the Holidays Program, a local family of four received gifts and a family dinner.
Along with important financial support, the Paul Hansell Foundation shines a spotlight on the mental
health concerns that our youth face and the inclusion of mental wellness as a cornerstone to the overall
wellbeing of youth.
Marking fifteen years of strengthening Burlington in 2014, we’re bringing people together to celebrate BCF, our community’s centre for philanthropy.
Over the past year, we focused on community convening, leadership and unearthing the meaning of philanthropy. You’ll also note – in the new size of this publication – our focus on reducing our environmental footprint with a streamlined paper-based report and increased focus on online communications. Throughout this publication and at burlingtonfoundation.org, you can read about some of our key accomplishments.
We’re following a deliberate course that is focused on grantmaking and addressing the most vital needs of our community. In 2013-14, 49 charities and non-profit organizations received $505,755 in grants.
We presently manage more than $8.4 million in assets and steward 71 funds that respond to priority needs and strengthen our city’s vitality. We’re working to enhance the quality of life for all Burlington residents.
As we look to the future, we’re continuing the tradition of focusing on people first and foremost. We recognize that each one of our grants truly makes a difference to people who live in our community. By grantmaking, and addressing the most vital community needs, the Foundation is making Burlington a more vital place to live, work and play – for today’s and tomorrow’s residents.
April 1999 Burlington Mayor Rob MacIsaac & Bishop John Bothwell appoint Doug Leggat as BCF’s first Advisory Board chair.
Colleen Mulholland President & CEO
A Message from our Leadership
Driven to Influence. The Paul Hansell Foundation.
April 1999 BCF’s first grant of $5,000 helps refurbish a lounge in the Burlington Seniors’ Centre where more than 1,500 members gather.
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Adults with special needs meet each week for an hour of stories and activities as part of a new book
discussion group at Brant Hills Branch Library that launched in the fall of 2013.
Members are encouraged to read aloud to the group, take part in the discussion and make a craft.
Read Free respects the abilities and limitations of all members within a safe and supportive group
environment. The program is free and open to adults with special needs who are able to participate
without the help of a caregiver.
Rosemary Minnella, library supervisor, explains, “We heard about a U.S. discussion group that is set
up like a book club and we wanted to create something similar here in Burlington. We made it our
own by joining with Community Living Burlington and their dedicated staff. As a result, the Read Free discussion group is the first of its kind in Ontario.”
Read Free is a great example of how community partnerships can make a real difference to people. As
well as linking the Burlington Public Library and Community Living, area students from Ryerson University,
Sheridan College and Mohawk College conduct the sessions as valuable, meaningful work placements.
Karen Lade, director of program supports at Community Living Burlington, enthusiastically endorses
the program. “Read Free promotes adult literacy, inclusivity, partnerships and volunteerism,” Lade
says. “Stereotyping and assumptions about the capacity of people with disabilities to learn and work
are harsh social barriers. Read Free is breaking down these barriers in our community.”
October 2000 Murray Hogarth’s $100,000 gift to fund BCF operations sparks “a coming of age for Burlington philanthropy”.
Grants that Boosted Community Vitality
Across Burlington, local charities put grant dollars to work on projects that strengthen our city.
Be inspired by the stories of our fundholders - visit burlingtonfoundation.org/our-stories.
A Community Partnership Launches First Book Club for Special Needs Adults
October 2000 The first-ever Mayor’s Gala ensures a solid financial base for the fledgling Burlington Community Foundation.
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March 2005 $10,000 grant to purchase a sailboat equipped for use by people living with disabilities.
March 2007 McDonald’s Restaurants of Burlington & Waterdown Fund created to support children’s charities and Ronald McDonald House.
Our 2013-14 community grants focused on BCF’s Vital Signs® report, released on October 1, 2013. This report shares many of Burlington’s successes and highlights the sometimes-unseen concerns, including residents living in poverty and challenges facing both youth and seniors, especially regarding mental health.
Download a copy of the complete Vital Signs® 2013 report by visiting burlingtonfoundation.org/vital-signs.
Our annual call for grants yielded 52 applications from local charities. The Grants Council confirmed 25 projects with great potential to address priority needs identified in our Vital Signs® 2013 report. From ArtHouse’s weekly after-school art programs for children in at-risk neighbourhoods to Acclaim Health’s music care program for seniors with dementia, BCF grants are contributing to our community’s vitality.
Visit burlingtonfoundation.org/grant-awards more information.
One highlight of our 2013-14 grants is our ongoing commitment to mental health. Announced in March 2014, BCF launched a Mental Health Roundtable series with the inaugural session held on May 1, we are bringing together local leadership to address mental health issues affecting our community.
Visit burlingtonfoundation.org/mental-health-roundtable-series for updates on work to support mental wellness in our community.
Burlington Community Fund Grants Respond to Vital Signs® Findings
Preserving our Land with the Bruce Trail Conservancy
For two consecutive years, we’ve given grants to Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC). With funding from BCF, donors and organizations, BTC purchased a 10-acre wedge of the Niagara Escarpment known as Cedar Springs Woods, located near Kerncliffe Park in north Burlington. Now under the permanent care of the BTC, this land is held in trust and will be preserved for future generations.
Additional BCF funding secured a Land Management Plan for this same tract — a way for scientists to map the tract’s attributes, record and ensure proper long-term care activities. This sustainable form of funding is a great demonstration of how funds can be nurtured during a fundholders lifetime as well as through future bequests. More practically, this investment through our environmental field of interest funds supports sustainable care for this land tract.
Grants Support Arts and Culture, Seniors and Mental Health
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The Dan Lawrie Family Foundation.Dan Lawrie, CEO of Dan Lawrie
Insurance Brokers Ltd., a local
insurance brokerage and long-time
Burlington resident launched a
new fund in September 2013. This
fund was created to educate and
increase the publics understanding,
appreciation and accessibility of
visual and sculptural arts. The
Dan Lawrie Family Foundation is
establishing and providing support
for a public sculpture garden in
Hendrie Park at the Royal Botanical
Gardens that will display and
feature an international sculpture
collection and other works of art. The garden’s first sculpture is the
Rejoicing Family by Zimbabwean artist Taurai Mutigwa.
Dan shares how his decision to fund public art came about, “Through my
personal interest in art and sculpture and through my travels to various
places in the world where I have been inspired by public sculpture, I
decided to create a sculpture garden closer to home for the enjoyment
and benefit of my own community. I believe investing in public art can
enrich lives, enhance communities and inspire innovation, learning and
creativity.” He hopes this fund will help enhance the cultural vibrancy
of the cities of Burlington and Hamilton as well as surrounding areas by
engaging the imagination of residents and visitors.
October 2007 World-renowned David Suzuki speaks at a BCF event.
July 2008 $1 million in grants since inception to Burlington charities and non-profits.
For 15 years, we’ve provided flexible ways to create an endowment fund and build a legacy. We help you set
up your personal foundation and steer your ongoing community gifts.
We currently manage 71 funds that support arts and culture, education and scholarships, the environment,
health, social services and recreation. Funds are pooled together and invested to generate income on an
annual basis. Income is distributed in the form of community building grants.
An initial donation establishes your fund. You can also contribute to an established fund, or to the Foundation’s
Impact Fund that helps sustain BCF operations. As a fundholder, you can get involved in grantmaking or rely
on us to steer distributions to local charities that match your philanthropic wishes.
Questions about becoming a
fundholder? Find answers at
burlingtonfoundation.org
under Donors & Fundholders.
Creating a Gift that Will Give Forever
Public Art Funded by Private Citizens
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Diamond Proud SupportersCrosswinds Golf & Country ClubGreat-West Life, London Life and Canada LifePioneer EnergySmartMeds Pharmacy
Platinum Proud SupportersCogeco/TVCOGECO Effort TrustLeggat Auto GroupTD Wealth Private Client GroupTim L. Dobbie Consulting
Vital Signs Proud Supporter Paletta International
Mental Health Roundtable Series Proud Supporter RBC Royal Bank
Gold Proud Supporters BDOBellBoehringer Ingelheim DeloitteBrady BenefitsBranthaven Homes Burlington HydroBurlington TaxiCarriage Gate HomesCynthia Zahoruk Architect IncDan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd
Discovery FordFirstbrook Insurance Group Greenpark GroupKing Paving & Materials Company L-3 WESCAMMercedes-Benz Burlington MHPM Project Managers Inc.Mohawk CollegeMTE Consultants Inc.NewaltaPlay AdvertisingSB PartnersSmith’s Funeral HomesSTANMECH Technologies Inc. Taylor Leibow LLPTurkstra Mazza Associates
March 2009Burlington BlueCreeks Project is created to make improvements in the Grindstone Creek watershed.
June 2011 Nelson Allan Project Video and Toolkit is launched to propel seniors from isolation to activation.
We’re committed to engaging and collaborating with Burlington
residents. A few examples over the past year include:
• Our community impact video featured each of our lead corporate
Proud Supporters speaking about a charity and the community
impact it makes across Burlington.
• Our community grant application encourages organizations
to show evidence of partnership — from sponsors and donors
through to shared spaces and resources to applications between
two organizations.
• Our new Mental Health Roundtable Series, has led to a cross-
section of leaders and individuals in our community coming
forward to partner with us on a healthier community.
• With United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton, we’ve launched
the Community Partners Collective, an information sharing and
advocacy group among non-profit leadership organizations.
• With Halton Region, we hosted two free grant-writing workshops.
In 2013, 35 people and agencies took part.
Our Proud Supporters
Engaging Burlington Residents Through Community Leadership
Interested in getting
involved? Please Visit
burlingtonfoundation.org
under Volunteer Today.
We strive to foster strong partnerships with corporations that support community vitality, now and into the
future. Visit burlingtonfoundation.org/proudsupporter to learn more about our current sponsors and
Proud Supporter Program.5
November 2011 Food For Life acquires a new 800 square-foot walk-in chiller funded by a BCF community grant.
April 2012 A $250,000 stock donation is made to support performing arts programs for lower-income youth.
A few of our founders recall the moments that led to our Foundation’s origin and the start of our mission to strengthen Burlington with gifts that give forever.
Community minded people seize a timely opportunity. “In the early 1990’s there was a period of recession and
cutbacks in provincial expenditures, social contract programs as well as reduced revenues for the municipalities.”
shares Walter Mulkewich, Burlington Mayor 1991-1997. “While there was no community foundation in
Burlington, the Hamilton Community Foundation had a mandate that included serving Burlington.”
A neighbouring foundation lends critical support. Doug Leggat, the first BCF Chair recalls, “Creating a
foundation in Burlington was an opportunity to bring something closer to home.” In the April 15, 1999 press
release that announced our launch, Leggat shared, “Burlington Community Foundation (was) affiliated with
Hamilton Community Foundation in order to gain the advantage of cost and operational effectiveness based
on the experience and support built up during it’s 45 years of operation.” Colleen Mulholland, President and
CEO, BCF, shares, “How the two foundations came together in such a transparent and giving way was truly
unique…and I’m sure, inspirational for other community foundations across Canada.”
Burlington leadership comes together. Rob MacIsaac, Burlington Mayor 1997-2006 recalls, “The Foundation
introduced the concept of creating endowment funds as a very sustainable way to literally create a legacy
for the city.”
Philanthropic gifts plant seeds for future gifts. “The first Mayor’s Gala that Rob MacIsaac hosted was a big
infusion of financial support in 2000 – the proceeds from the gala along with Murray Hogarth’s $100,000 gift
were key to building a strong operations base,” recalls former Mayor Walter Mulkewich.
Former Mayor Rob MacIsaac notes, “The first gala in October 2000 was a very special night. In some
respects, it really sparked a coming of age for philanthropy in our city.”
15 years later, we currently manage more than $8.4 million in assets and steward 71 funds. Throughout
2014, we’re bringing together people from across the city and beyond – past and present board members,
volunteers, supporters, staff and most importantly, local residents – to celebrate our community’s centre
for philanthropy.
Back to the Future – 15 Years Later Fond Memories of our Founding
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Established in 1999 as a centre for philanthropy, 2014 marks a celebration of Burlington Community
Foundation’s 15 years of service to Burlington residents. A local knowledge broker and trusted partner in
the non-profit sector, we collaborate with donors to build endowments, give grants and connect leadership.
Responsive to our donors, our experts help people give grants, build legacies, address vital community
needs and support areas of personal interest.
The Foundation helps people, agencies and corporations improve our city’s vitality – today and tomorrow.
Our grantmaking supports donor wishes and addresses the highest priority needs in our community. Each
grant truly makes a difference to our neighbours, friends, colleagues and their families.
March 2014BCF launches Mental Health Roundtable Series to tackle mental health issues.
September 2012Vital Signs report sheds light on issues across Burlington.
2014 BCF celebrates 15 years of service.
Charting the Course – Our Team Recognized in the community for our
expertise in philanthropy, community
building, and grantmaking, we help
fundholders, donors, volunteers and
supporters address Burlington’s most
pressing needs.
Want to get involved? Visit
burlingtonfoundation.org, follow
@BurlingtonFDN or connect on
Facebook to discover the many
ways you can help strengthen our
great city.
2013-2014 Board of Directors
Tim Dobbie, Chair
Philip Reddon, Vice Chair
John Rockx, Treasurer
Michael Banks
Leighan Basadur
Danny Chou
Lysa Fitzgerald
Kristina Hyland
Darren McMullin
Keith Strong
Jim Sweetlove
Strengthening Burlington with Gifts that Give Forever
3380 South Service Road, Unit 107 | Burlington, ON L7N 3J5
905 639 0744 | [email protected]
BCF is a registered charity #857812739 RR0001
We are proud to be part of the following organizations:
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Foundation.
We sincerely thank our many volunteers for giving
generously of their passion, time and talents to help us
build a more vital Burlington.
FPO