Barrie to launch Canada’s 150^th community foundation

Foundation a model for innovative partnership between communities

(BARRIE, Ont.) July 4, 2005 – The newly formed Barrie Community Foundation, Canada’s 150^th community foundation, is an inspiring model of what community organizations can achieve when they work together, says Monica Patten, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.

“We’re proud to welcome the Barrie Community Foundation to Canada’s growing network of 150 community foundations,” says Patten. “The unique alliance they’ve developed with a neighbouring community foundation embodies the essence of our movement – bringing a broad cross-section of individuals and organizations to the table for the betterment of our communities.”

Community Foundations of Canada is the national membership organization for one of the country’s fastest growing charitable movements. The number of Canadian community foundations has skyrocketed in the past decade, climbing from 28 foundations in 1992 with $500 million in assets, to 150 foundations managing more than $2 billion.

The Barrie Community Foundation was established by a group of dedicated local volunteers who pioneered an innovative working relationship with the nearby Huronia Communities Foundation, which serves several communities in the Midland and Penetanguishene areas.

Together, the two independent foundations created an administration hub so they can share process and administration expenses. Each foundation will have its own local Board of Directors, but will share the services of Huronia’s current Executive Director, Garry Morehouse.

As a gift to the community of Barrie, the Huronia Communities Foundation is funding the first 40 days of Morehouse’s work with the foundation. The Midland Rotary Club has also donated $1,000 for the foundation’s official launch this fall and has issued a challenge to Barrie’s three Rotary Clubs to contribute as well.

“We’ve wanted to bring a community foundation to Barrie for years,” says Alan Atkins, President of the Barrie Community Foundation. “This agreement not only allows us to share expertise and administration costs – it shows our donors that we’re focused on helping them make the most of their charitable gift.”

The new foundation will serve Barrie, a city of 125,000 people located north of Toronto on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Its three founding directors are: Alan Atkins, President; Jim Harmsworth, Secretary and Pat McGrail, Treasurer.

About Community Foundations

Community foundations are locally-run foundations that build and manage permanent income-earning endowment funds to support charitable activities in their area. They are one of Canada’s largest grantmakers, contributing more than $95 million last year to thousands of charities across the country.

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Garry Morehouse
Executive Director
Barrie Community Foundation/
Huronia Communities Foundation
705.527.5554
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Alan Atkins,
President,
Barrie Community foundation
707.726.7526
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Anne-Marie McElrone
Communications Consultant
Community Foundations of Canada
902.461.8284
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