Community Builder Award

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area established a Community Builder Award in 2018 to recognize individuals or groups making a difference in Kingston and area.

• Build resilience in individuals, families, and communities by supporting initiatives such as those that:
  • Promote strong early childhood development (prenatal to 6)
  • Support youth in achieving success in education, employment, and life pursuits
  • Address mental health and substance use
  • Increase food security
  • Assist local charities to adapt to and recover from the pandemic

• Increase belonging and wellbeing within our community by supporting initiatives such as those that:

  • Strengthen social connection and engagement to reduce loneliness and isolation
  • Foster community connection and cohesion by recognizing and celebrating diversity
  • Support the Truth and Reconciliation process
  • Connect and welcome newcomers to our community and help them access services to thrive in their new home
  • Amplify voices and participation of equity-deserving groups and commit to continuous learning and action surrounding anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion through policies and practices

Background

This award was established as a memorial to Geoff Sandiford. Geoff was President of the Foundation in 2014. He was passionate about our communities and lived this every day through his volunteer activities in Kingston and the surrounding area. Geoff led several community initiatives with the Foundation, served on the Frontenac County’s Sustainability Committee and advocated solutions to address food insecurity – to mention just a few areas that felt his impact.

Geoff embodied the spirit of a true Community Builder: he was always talking to people about community, making connections between people and ideas, and creating bold visions of what we could and should accomplish – together. His energy and passion enriched our communities and stimulated and inspired others.

In an increasingly complex society, the Foundation’s Community Builder Award is intended to recognize the efforts of those who have made Kingston and area a better place to live, work, and raise families. The Community Builder Award will recognize those who, like Geoff, are actively working to bring about significant positive change in their community.

Recipients will receive a plaque recognizing their achievements and a $1,000 donation will be made to a registered charity of the recipient’s choice, carrying out work in the Foundation’s priority areas.

Past Recipients

Click through to see our past award recipients:

❱ Community Reports

❱ Community Grants

❱ Speaker Series

❱ Small Business Loan Program

❱ Smart & Caring Community

❱ Community Builder Award