Once again, this year, community foundations in Canada have been a force for good.

This past year was full of beauty, perseverance and connection. As communities, we witnessed the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation and Hurricane Fiona. As well as an apology from Pope Francis II for the residential school system, a ban on single-use plastics, and communities stepping up to welcome Ukrainian immigrants and refugees.  Through these experiences and the many others that shaped our days, weeks and months, community foundations were the bedrock of community. 

Every day, I am inspired by the imagination, innovation and impact that community foundations are having coast to coast to coast.  To be in a community of like-minded colleagues who are listening, learning, then finding ways to better the country and strengthen the world. This grounds me and gives me a sense of belonging.

This spring, CFC is pleased to welcome three new board members whose insights, ideas and experiences will strengthen our purpose and serve the network greatly. Together, alongside the 200 strong community foundations, we will continue to relentlessly pursue a future that is bright, just and sustainable—one where everyone belongs. 

Through this report, our Annual General Meeting and the RECONNECT conference, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the past year. We have spent time deep in conversations about who we are and where we are going together, and a theme that shows up in each dialogue is that of gratitude. We are grateful to the community foundation network, its board members, staff and volunteers who make our communities, country and CFC stronger through all that they do. We extend our appreciation to the many partners who support and complement the work of CFC and the network. I am thankful that you are part of our work, and I look forward to the path ahead—together. 

Warmly,

Lisa Kolody