About Us

map2

Area Served by CFKA’s Community Grants Program

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area (CFKA) strengthens our community by connecting the generosity of donors with the energy and ideas of people and charities addressing local community needs. Starting with endowment funds of $65,000 at our incorporation in 1995, CFKA now manages over $33.4 million (at December 31, 2023) in assets, which provides sustainable annual income for charitable grants. As of 2023, we have granted over $15-million to charities across KFL&A and beyond.

Land Acknowledgement

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area is situated on traditional Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat territory. We acknowledge the significance of this land and all that is within it for the Indigenous Peoples who lived and continue to live here and who are sustained by this land.

It is our understanding that this territory is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee to share and protect this land. In the spirit of peace, friendship and respect, all subsequent Indigenous Nations and newcomers were invited into this living treaty to care for this land and its resources.

We affirm our commitment to continuously listen, learn, and honour Indigenous histories and perspectives as we work towards building a more resilient and welcoming community. We affirm our commitment to be a space for reconciliation in action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Foundation do for our community?

Makes financial grants to a wide range of charities
Promotes philanthropy and builds connections between donors and good works
Acts as a catalyst amongst organizations to learn about and address community needs

How does it work?

Donations are held in endowment funds (permanent or ‘spend down’)
Income earned on funds is used to make grants to local projects and charities

Who gives to the Foundation & How?

Individuals, families, businesses and corporations are welcome to make contributions
Donations may be in cash, securities, bequests, gifts of life insurance or real property
Donors may contribute to an existing fund or set up their own fund to address issues that matter most to them

How are the Foundation’s endowment funds managed?

Funds are pooled, and invested in accordance with our approved Investment Policy
Our investment portfolio is overseen by the Board of Directors with guidance of our Investment Committee
The Investment Committee consists of dedicated professionals who work with our Investment Advisor to recommend policy, establish performance metrics and monitor the performance of the portfolio
Our portfolio is held locally with CIBC Wood Gundy (LeBlanc Investment Group)

What else does the Foundation do?

Actively leads and participates in discussions about community needs
Engages in special projects that enhance the work of the Foundation and the quality of life in our communities

How can I get involved?

Sign up to receive our e-newsletters to learn more and receive event invitations
Come to an event
Make a donation of any size, towards any of our funds or to our operations
Start your own fund
Get involved as a volunteer

Affiliations and Partnerships

The Community Foundation collaborates, both formally and informally, with many different organizations to improve the life in Kingston and Area.

We are proud to be active members of:

Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), the national membership organization for Canada’s vibrant and growing network of over 191 community foundations. CFC supports and promotes community foundations in their important work, is active in many national voluntary sector activities, and works internationally to promote and support the development of community foundations around the world.

Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) Council, a local group with more than 20 official community members working to provide leadership to the Kingston community in its efforts to attract, welcome, include and integrate immigrants.

Sustainable Kingston, an organization whose mission is enhance the livability and resiliency of Kingston by sharing knowledge and providing resources and programs that drive community action.

Adverse Childhood Experiences & Resilience Coalition (ARC) of KFL&A, a coalition of organizations across KFL&A whose mission is to help prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), mitigate the impacts of ACEs, and build resiliency generally in children, families, and our community at large.

❱ What Makes Us Unique

❱ Our History

❱ Our Impact

❱ Vision & Mission