The Community Foundation’s Impact Story of the Month
Bill and Nancy Gray – A Commitment to Life-Long Giving
For decades, Bill and Nancy Gray have built a legacy of compassion and commitment to positive change that resonates far beyond their local community in Kingston, Ontario. Their story, one of profound dedication to both immediate support and long-term sustainability, is a journey intertwined with a loyal commitment to philanthropy.
Nancy, raised in the small town of Alexandria, grew up amidst the nurturing embrace of a community where her mother served in the Women’s League of the United Church. It was through her mother that Nancy first learned the value of community engagement and support. After pursuing her studies at Queens University, and life in Toronto where she worked with Ontario Hydro, the family moved to Kingston in September 1990.
She reflects, “As you grow older, you grow closer to the community, and your desire to give back becomes stronger.”
This sentiment has guided her path alongside Bill’s in their shared commitment to making a lasting impact. Nancy spends many volunteer hours working with Sheba’s Haven, providing palliative care for dogs.
Bill’s upbringing in Toronto was marked by early loss and a determination to plan for the future. His experiences shaped his belief in preparedness and accountability, principles he carried into his professional career in financial advisement. It was during a journey to West Africa with Crossroads in 1968 that Bill’s perspective expanded beyond borders. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of humanitarian efforts, Bill returned home with a renewed dedication to service.
Bill’s membership in the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston, one of 46,000 local Rotary Clubs in Rotary International, became a base for his service work. Bill’s international experiences have underscored the importance of cultural understanding and community resilience. His belief in the power of personal connections transcends borders, fostering mutual understanding and empathy.
Bill reflects, “Visiting different countries and engaging in humanitarian work opened my eyes to the grace and generosity of people everywhere.”
Bill and Nancy’s contributions to the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area exemplify their meaningful approach to philanthropy. In 2001, Bill and Nancy made a visionary investment in H’art Centre, establishing the H’art Centre Disability Arts Fund at the Community Foundation. This Fund has allowed for the provision of ongoing support to adults with disabilities channeling their artistic talents through various programs and services offered by H’art Centre. Bill and Nancy’s connection to H’art Centre dates back 23 years, during which time they served on the board. They continue to make financial contributions, attend art shows, sponsor events, and purchase artwork. As Katherine Porter, Director of H’art Centre and a longtime friend of Bill and Nancy, would attest, “They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the talk.”
Bill and Nancy further demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy by holding three additional funds at the Community Foundation: the Bill Gray Flow-Through Fund, the Bill & Nancy Gray Fund, and the Gray Environment Fund. These funds support a diverse array of charitable organizations in Kingston & Area, such as Lion Hearts Inc., numerous food banks, the Rotary Foundation, Lunch by George, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Salvation Army, Pathways to Education, and many more. Their forthcoming Gray Environment Fund will contribute to various environmental initiatives, highlighting their dedication to a wide range of causes. As a result of their dedication to community well-being, Bill and Nancy were awarded the AFP Southeastern Ontario Outstanding Philanthropist Award in 2023.
What truly sets Bill and Nancy apart as philanthropists is their approach to adversity. They face challenges with confidence and positivity, leveraging their own life experiences and the wisdom of those they have been fortunate to build relationships with around the world, to encourage community building and fostering connections among people. This unique perspective ensures that community challenges are addressed through diverse perspectives and innovative solutions, reflecting a blend of immediate community impact and sustainable support for future generations. This is evident through Bill and Nancy’s investment in the Community Foundation to facilitate their long-term giving, while also leveraging the Foundation’s services of being a conduit that provides financial support to address urgent community needs in the short term.
As Bill often shares with loved ones and strangers alike, their journey is a testament to the transformative power of giving. Whether through urgent relief efforts or enduring endowments, Bill and Nancy embody a philosophy of thoughtful, impactful philanthropy. Their story challenges us to embrace opportunities to create positive change, locally and globally.
Bill says: ‘Keep Smiling’.