The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area was established in 1995 with $65,000 in endowment funds. Since then, we have grown to over $39 million in assets under management and have granted more than $15 million to over 360 charities.
A Legacy of Local Giving, Rooted in Community
In 1985, a small group of inspired citizens gathered with the courage to dream—to pool their donations into an endowment fund to enhance the quality of life of Kingston & Area. What began as a grassroots initiative grew into an incorporated foundation, guided by a commitment to strengthen the Kingston region through ongoing grants to charitable organizations funded by community-led philanthropy.
We maximize our impact by channeling our energy toward priority issues identified through robust community discussions, partner agency insights, and active participation in issues-based roundtables. This collaborative approach ensures we tackle our region’s most pressing needs as well as embrace emerging opportunities.
We are proud to be an active member of Community Foundations of Canada, the national leadership organization for Canada’s over 200 local community foundations. Together with community foundations across the country, we help drive local solutions for national change on the issues that matter most to communities. We’re building a movement that connects community foundations, people and partners to create a just, sustainable future. Learn more: https://communityfoundations.ca/ Ranked as one of Canada’s Top 50 Equitable Funders in 2024. See https://topfunders.ca/
Our History: A Legacy of Community and Giving
1985
1985
The Courage to Dream
The Foundation’s roots began with the 1985 “Courage to Dream” conference, where Michael Davies (1936-2022), Eveline Flint (1938-2022), Reg Shadbolt (1933-2025), and Wally Viner proposed that community members pool resources to create an endowment to enhance Greater Kingston’s quality of life.
1986
1986
Martello Tower Society: Building Pride
To carry the vision forward, a group of 15 donors formed the Martello Tower Society. Arnold Maizen (1947-2003) joined as one of the original founding committee members. With $100 membership donations and $1,000 pledges, the Martello Tower Society raised funds through creative initiatives like the “Doors of Kingston” poster, led by Elaine Viner. By the late 1980s, the endowment had grown to $65,000, with $35,000 already granted to the community.
1995
1995
Incorporation of a Community Foundation
A decade later, the group formally incorporated as The Community Foundation of Greater Kingston. This marked a major step in bringing the North American community foundation model to our region—supporting local needs through long-term, sustainable giving.
1996
1996
Building a Lasting Institution
Passionate community advocate and philanthropist Regina “Gini” Rosen (1939-2018) succeeded Michael Davies as Foundation President. Katherine Manley, the Community Foundation’s inaugural executive director, was hired in 1996. The Community Foundation’s official launch party took place in late 1996 at City Hall, with actor Dan Aykroyd riding a motorcyle into Memorial Hall with then-Mayor Gary Bennett as passenger. By 1999, the Community Foundation raised $2 million through the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth program. Monica Stewart took over as executive director from 2000. A $1.2 million gift from the Stark family in 2001 established a fund for Prince Edward County. By 2003, assets reached $10 million and Glenn Stressman was hired as the Community Foundation’s third executive director.
2004
2004
Icons Support the Cause
With Dan Aykroyd as emcee, legendary rock band The Tragically Hip headlined a benefit concert at Fort Henry, with special appearances by hokey legends Kirk Muller and Doug Gilmour, raising $200,000 to create the Tragically Hip Community Fund.
2008
2008
A New Name, A Broader Vision
Judith Mackenzie has taken over as President in 2004, To reflect our growing regional reach, we became the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. While the name changed, the Martello Tower remained in our logo—a proud symbol of our roots and the solid foundation upon which we continue to grow.
2015
2015
Expanding Impact
Tina Bailey had become the new executive director in 2014. By its 20th anniversary in 2015, the Community Foundation managed $23 million in assets, over 220 endowment funds, and had granted $8 million to the community.
2020
2020
25th Anniversary
The 25th anniversary in 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic; the Community Foundation surpassed $12.5 million in lifetime grants. In 2021, The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul made a transformational gift of $5M. By 2023, assets reached $33.4 million, with over $15 million granted.
2025
2025
Lasting Impact, Growing Legacy
In 2024, the Foundation had granted a total of $1,831,981 and its investments neared $40,000,000. The Community Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, and reimagined its granting priorities, fueling our legacy of giving and a stronger, more connected community.
Want to learn more? Check out our 30 Year Timeline Publication
