While a fairly recent concept for the communities of York Region, community foundations have decades of experience and a proven track record of helping Canadians make a lasting difference in their communities — now and for future generations.

Winnipeg established Canada’s first community foundation in 1921. It now has over 1,700 endorsed funds that in 2006 distributed 416.7 millions to 650 charities in the Winnipeg area. Today, community foundations are one of the country’s fastest growing charitable movements. In 2006, donors gave $245 million  to 155 community foundations across the country, marking a second consecutive year of record-breaking donations and bringing to $2.7 billion the total asset base of the country’s community foundations. That same year, more than $137 million was granted to thousands of community organizations, the beneficiaries of countless individuals, families, businesses and other groups.

York Region Community Foundation is well poised to connect donors with the community issues and organizations that matter most to them. A donation to the YRCF opens the doors to many charitable opportunities: