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Why give through us
Turning your passion into lasting impact.
If you’re ready to be more strategic with your philanthropy, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. As a community foundation, our sole purpose is to improve quality of life—here in our city and beyond. We partner with donors who share that commitment.
Why do philanthropists establish their funds here?
Turning your vision into reality
Our mandate is to make a difference—now and for the long term. Through a diverse and nimble investment approach, the power of investment pooling, and a range of fund options, we help fundholders grow their giving and sustain impact over time.
Spotlight on Endowments:
Endowed funds provide sustained, long-term growth that makes your principal investment go farther. The Ashbridge Fund (see chart) demonstrates how endowed funds support long-term growth and lasting impact.
Fund Profile
Fund: Ashbridge Fund
Designation: Ontario Heritage Trust
Established: 1997
Versatile and experienced
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a flexible and effective way to give. Many well-known foundations—including those established by public figures, athletes and other leaders—are structured as DAFs, and we steward many of them across our over 950 funds. Our fundholders use their DAFs in a range of ways, from creating scholarships to running customized granting programs and more complex initiatives. We bring experience working with government as fiduciary for more than $300 million in public funds.
Competitive fees that support community
Our fees are modest and graduated based on fund balance. Because they’re reinvested in community-building initiatives, many fundholders consider them an extension of their giving—unlike fees at financial institutions, which typically support shareholders.
Our fees, along with our investment pooling approach, unlock access to high-caliber investment management and returns usually out of reach for smaller funds.
And with us, fundholders can tap into our philanthropy expertise, and on-the-ground community insights that the banks can’t match.
Working seamlessly with your advisors
We collaborate with your trusted professional advisors to seamlessly integrate your philanthropic goals into your broader financial and estate plans.
That ease of integration, combined with our philanthropy expertise and long-term stewardship approach, is why leading accountants and lawyers regularly refer clients to us—and why many advisors choose to establish their own donor-advised funds here.
Building a city of neighbours
We have a plan to create a more community-centered future and it involves you.
Here, you’re not another client. You’re adding your voice and resources to a growing movement of city builders shaping a city we’re proud to call home.
Shaping a More Community-Centre Future
From tracking the city’s wellbeing to funding ideas led by community to investing with purpose, we’re accelerating meaningful change for all.
