Since we began …


When York Region Community Foundation was established, it operated (then as now) under a volunteer Board governance structure. A three year initial strategic plan was approved with the overall goal of having the capacity to award $1 million in grants to registered charities serving residents of York Region.BMO Harris Investment Management Inc. with its impressive 10-year rolling average return on investment was retained as our investment counsel for all gifts received.
We have secured endorsement from the York Regional government, support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the York Region Media Group has assisted with our marketing efforts.
Several companies and individuals, who believe as we do in the future of York Region, have lent their support as Funding Benefactors.
We have received Benjamin Moore community heritage grants to award, and have involved youth agencies across York Region in the development of funded youth-led philanthropic projects. Of particular note, YRCF has already begun creating endowment and scholarship funds for a number of local donors.

Historical Milestones

1998 Markham community members form committee to investigate a Community Foundation for Markham. Gina Rosen, Pres. & CEO Markham-Stouffville Hospital Foundation on committee.
1999 Aurora Family Connections’ founding objects include start-up of a Community Foundation for Aurora. Rosemary Park and Linda Kenny on first AFC Board.
2001 First meeting of community members interested in a Newmarket-Aurora Community Foundation. Carol Oliver, Pres. & CEO Toronto Community Foundation and Rosemary Park make presentation to Aurora and Newmarket Town Councils which give letters of support.
2004 Robert Parypa BMO Nesbitt-Burns signals opportunity for local Community Foundation to become linked with Community Foundations of Canada Alliance with BMO Financial Group “Supporting Your Community” program.
2004 Lisa Gleva YR United Way explores endowment funds for local charities including United Way. Steering Committee formed to incorporate a Community Foundation for all of York Region. York Community Resources Group (formerly AFC) secures Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) funding to incorporate YRCF. York Region Dept of Community Services and Housing contract report on Community Foundation concept and utility for York Region.
2005 Martha Hall-Findlay drafts incorporation documents. Rosemary Park, Robert Parypa, Cathy Wellesley serve as first Founding Directors of YRCF. The Small Business Advertising Company (SBAC Limited) donates marketing expertise, prepares first communication materials and agrees to provide support through marketing products and services moving forward. YRCF officially incorporated as a federal public foundation, with charitable registered status – est. May 27, 2005
First two gifts received. Board Directors attend CFC regional meeting and newly incorporated CF workshop. OTF organizing grant awarded. York Regional government Chair and York Region Media Group agree to be founding supporters.
2006 Strategic plan created outlining organizational start-up by Steering Committee and Board. Gina Rosen becomes first YRCF Executive Director. Three Funds established, and Case for Support developed. Enbridge Gas becomes first Founding Corporate Benefactor. Meetings held with MP’s, MPP’s, Mayors and Councilors, local charities to raise awareness of YRCF. Three-year OTF grant awarded. Regional funding secured. Second Planning Retreat held in December. New By-Laws adapted, seven new Board members elected, and fund targets set.
2007 Miller Thomson LLP and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti become founding corporate benefactors. Miller Thomson donates office space for YRCF. Three more endowment funds created, and one operating gift donated. June AGM votes in 16-member Board.