ABOUT US

Connecting partnerships of purpose

A strong network

In commemoration of Canada 150, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes was established to help our community grow and prosper in the next 150 years. The Foundation works to strengthen the local philanthropic network, linking people who care, with gaps in local human services, public infrastructure and community economic development, by guiding the creation of lasting legacy funds.

  • A prosperous, innovative, caring and progressive Kawartha Lakes enriching the lives of all.

  • To champion inclusion, innovation and prosperity locally by connecting people, partnership, projects and philanthropy.

  • Here to create meaningful and lasting change in the community, working as a resource to bring together and connect with the knowledge, opportunities and partners needed to make a difference in Kawartha Lakes.

Building Community

As one of the few, possibly the only, multipurpose public foundations in Kawartha Lakes, we can pursue charitable activities or grant across major areas that contribute to the vitality of a community including:

Meet the team

Team members have expertise in business, financial services, project management, community engagement, municipal government, and not-for-profit, corporate governance. All members have extensive knowledge of our communities through long-time volunteering.

Laurie Dillon-Schalk

Executive Director
Kawartha Community Foundation

Carissa Ferguson

Operations & Engagement Manager
Kawartha Community Foundation

Board of Directors

  • Mark Knoester

    BOARD CHAIR

    Retired, Previous Owner Operator, Sobeys Fenelon Falls

  • Nancy Stinson

    BOARD MEMBER

    CFP, RRC Financial Advisor, IG Wealth Management

  • Corey Norman

    BOARD MEMBER

    Executive Director, Launch Kawartha, KLCFDC

  • Andrew Davidson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Senior Relationship Manager, TD Commercial Banking

  • Glen Wright

    Chair, Council for Clean and Reliable Energy

  • Mike Bellamy

    Past President & Owner, Webrelay

  • Tina VanderHeyden

    Movangher Productions

  • Justin Broomfield

    Lawyer, Wards Lawyers

  • Mike Puffer

    Retired, GM Remedy Rx, Comms Officer, Community Care, ED United Way for CKL

  • Bob Armstrong

    Chair, International Plow Match, Lindsay, Ontario

  • Brandon Hammell, CPA

    Partner, Turner Moore - Chartered Professional Accountants

  • Cathy Gibbs

    Adult Education Minister at Christ Church Deer Park. Former Teacher & Head of Special Needs Department

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations help guide volunteer efforts and financial support to where it will have the greatest impact. They work to make a difference, finding the best way to contribute to make the community a better place.

There are more than 205 community foundations in 90% of communities across Canada with some $5 billion currently under management invested to help people and build stronger communities.

Community Foundations play a crucial role in how people give back where communities need it most:

Connecting people, families and companies with causes that inspire them

Pooling resources, knowledge and expertise

Working with local charities for even greater impact

Assisting donors realize their philanthropic goals by matching interests with community needs

Exploring innovative ways to make every donation count

We respectfully acknowledge that Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaty First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoliel and Georgina Island First Nations.

Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.