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 | info@burlingtonfoundation.org

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