State of the foundation

Andrew Chunilall met with the County Community Foundation’s board along with mayor-elect Robert Quaiff in Wellington on Monday.

National head of Community Foundations offers support and partnership

It has been nearly five years since the County Community Foundation (CCF) was formed. It has generated impressive achievements—producing a landmark report on the health of the County that pointed to weaknesses in the safety net for those most vulnerable in our community. The CCF has also facilitated fundraising for a handful of community organizations and initiatives. Yet it has struggled, so far, to put deep roots into the generous and giving soil of this community.

Currently, the CCF manages more than a dozen funds providing support to students, youth and arts groups, heritage efforts and accessible transit. But the CCF continues to strive for financial sustainability— lacking the major gifts, contributions and bequeaths that underpin the work of other charitable foundations. It has funded more than $270,000 of activities and work in this community, but has yet to take its place alongside other foundations in the conciousness of many in the County.

Andrew Chunilall assures the CCF board it is on the right track—that they ought not be discouraged by the Foundation’s pace of growth, but to focus instead on the important role it is playing in serving this community.

“Your community needs a champion in a number of areas,” said Chunilall. “You know that by the findings from your Vital Signs report. Investing in leadership in your community comes first. Good things will follow.”

Chunilall is chief operating officer at Community Foundations of Canada—an umbrella organization representing 191 Community Foundations across the country. He was in the County this week, offering encouragment and strategic direction.

He observed that other Community Foundations began their service with a large donation or bequest. That gave these foundations the financial bedrock from which to build. But many have begun just as the CCF has—as a collective of residents seeking to collaborate to improve their community.

“It takes time,” said Chunilall. “But it will come.”

CCF chair Joan Pennefather acknowledged that part of the challenge is in broadening awareness CCF chair Joan Pennefather acknowledged that part of the challenge is in broadening awareness

“It is a less tangible idea than other foundations,” said Pennefather. “But increasingly, people are asking me how they can become involved: ‘How can we become part of this?’”

The CCF board was joined by mayor-elect Robert Quaiff in the working lunch with Chunilall. Quaiff said the municipality has a key role to play in working with the CCF to ensuure it achieves its goals.

“It is an important way for us to work together to solve issues in our community,” said Quaiff. “The Vital Signs report was a real eye-opener for many in this community. I would like to see it as part of council’s orientation sessions next week.”

Chunilall said this was an essential ingredient for success.

“In most communities, the foundation has a healthy relationship with council,” said Chunilall. “They must be part of the picture. We need this conversation.”

Pennefather pointed to the contribution of muncipal staff as part of the transportation working group—an initiative borne of the Vital Signs report.

“They have been there from the get-go,” said Pennefather. “Let’s keep talking.”