History

The first community foundation originated in 1914. It was the brainchild of a Cleveland, Ohio lawyer, Frederick Harris Goff, who was concerned about philanthropic gifts which had outlived their original purposes, e.g. individuals who had left money in wills for diseases which had been cured. His idea was to develop charitable endowments that would be flexible enough to respond to changing community needs.

The first Canadian community foundation was established in Winnipeg in 1921. It has accumulated an endowment fund worth more than $100 million and has to date, distributed more than $100 million in grants to the Winnipeg area. More than 50 years ago, a secretary in Vancouver wanted to do something for her community. When she gave $1,000 to start an endowment fund, her employer was so impressed that he donated $10,000 and was able to attract additional matching grants. With over $610 million, the Vancouver Foundation awards grants totaling more than $30 million yearly.

In 1985, citizens representing the Kingston area gathered at a community visioning session entitled "The Courage to Dream." A dedicated group of volunteers then formed the Martello Tower Society of Kingston, designed to sponsor and encourage projects which fostered pride in our community.

In 1995, The Community Foundation of Greater Kingston was incorporated, bringing the community foundation concept, currently flourishing throughout North America, to our area. Our official launch took place at City Hall in November 1996. Presently there are more than 140 community foundations across the country, holding a combined asset base of over $1.6 billion and able to reinvest more than $50 million annually through grants to local charitable and voluntary organizations.