About Us
Building - Investing - Growing
Who We Are
The Family and Friends Community Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities (Langenburg, Churchbridge and Spy Hill). We believe in the power of giving and aim to increase community engagement through our initiatives. Our Board of Directors is committed to fostering a culture of philanthropy and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Learn more about our journey and what sets us apart from other foundations.
Genesis of the Foundation
The genesis of Family & Friends Community Foundation Inc. can be specifically traced to the generosity of Jean and Mary Welke, the Elliot sisters originating from the community of Ingleside, south of Marchwell. Jean and Mary married two Welke brothers, both of whom had predeceased them. Having a significant estate, but no children and few relatives, they wondered how to distribute their estate. When they learned that community foundations were a means to create endowments in perpetuity for the benefit of local charities, they found their answer. Their generosity ignited an interest that led to the creation of Family & Friends Community Foundation. With the involvement of community leaders, a Founders Program was initiated with recognition given to those who gifted either five thousand, one thousand or five hundred dollars. The success of this program was quickly augmented with a large transfer of funds held by the Sunrise Health Region, funds that had been raised by a levy in the hopes of building a new hospital in Langenburg. A Gala evening held February 28, 2004 brought together the three communities of Spy Hill, Churchbridge and Langenburg with the Vice Regal attendance of Lieutenant Governor Dr. Lynda Haberstock. The celebration was marked with the locally produced performance, We Are. Soon the Welke sisters spirit caught on. George Layh, a retired bachelor living in Langenburg, gifted $300,000.00 to the Foundation to be granted to the Langenburg Arts Council to refurbish the local theatre. Within a year of its inception Family & Friends Community Foundation had become a recognized and visionary charitable organization that would indefinitely serve the needs of three communities, granting gifts to further health care, education, arts, sports and culture.
What Do Community Foundations Do?
-
Endowment Building
Pool the charitable gifts of many donors to create permanent, income-earning endowment funds — a nest egg that will always be there to benefit communities.
-
Grant Making
Use the income earned by invested funds to give grants to a wide range of community groups; the original investment is left to grow over time.
-
Community Leadership
Work with the entire community and region, bringing people together from all sectors to identify and address local issues.
All kinds of people give many types of gifts — cash, real estate, stock, artwork, and insurance. Flexibility is key. Donors can choose to support their hometown broadly or designate a favourite cause or charity. View our Founders →
Our Mission
Family & Friends Community Foundation Inc. strives to assess community needs, provide leadership, build endowments and provide grants to promote a cooperative, vibrant community now and for the future.
Building Endowment Goals
A roadmap for growth — building a lasting financial foundation for our communities.
In one year
$100,000
In two years
$500,000
In ten years
$1,000,000
After twenty years
$2,500,000
Granting Goals
-
1
Make grants fairly to all communities involved.
-
2
Satisfy Foundation's mission statement
-
3
Make credible grants to show responsibility in the administration of funds.
-
4
Give grants to improve community life.
Community Goals
-
1
Assess present and future community needs.
-
2
Take initiative (i.e. – create funds).
-
3
Be involved, be visible, maintain a high profile in the community.
-
4
Mobilize and persuade others.