This toolkit, developed by Community Foundations of Canada, provides a full range of information and tools to help you in your work with clients, and to learn more about community foundations.
This booklet is a guide for those considering establishing a private foundation. Read it here.
Donors/Advisors
Types of Funds
The Hamilton Community Foundation manages close to 200 different funds, providing tremendous flexibility and options tailored to a donor's charitable interests and goals. Click on the links to see a list of HCF funds in each category.
Community Fund/Unrestricted Funds
These funds are not tied to any specific charity or area of interest by the donor; instead, donors enable the Board of Directors to determine, through research and consultation, where grants should be directed to meet the community’s more pressing needs. Gifts of any amount are welcome. Donors whose accumulated endowed gifts total $5,000 may choose to have a named fund within the Community Fund.
Read more about Unrestricted Funds
View the fund listing
Field of Interest Funds
These funds allow donors to designate a specific interest area (e.g. the environment, children's need, the arts, etc.) to which grants will be made. The Board of Directors selects the most appropriate recipients year by year. The required minimum gift is $25,000, which may be accumulated over time.
Read more about Field of Interest Funds
View the fund listing
Donor-Advised Funds
These funds enable donors to be active in recommending the charitable organizations or programs to receive grants. The required minimum gift is $25,000, which may be accumulated over time.
Read more about Donor Advised Funds
View the fund listing
Designated Funds
These funds have been established to benefit specific charitable organizations named by the donor. The required minimum gift is $10,000 for each named charitable beneficiary, which may be accumulated over time.
Read more about Designated Funds
View the fund listing
Agency Endowment Funds
Charitable organizations may establish funds at HCF to provide a source of income to carry out their work.
Read more about Agency Endowment Funds
View the fund listing
Scholarships and Bursary Funds
These funds assist and encourage promising students, including those challeneged by education costs. The required minimum gift varies depending on the complexity of the program and the administration involved.
Read more about Scholarships and Bursary Funds
View the fund listing
Adminstration Funds
These funds have been established to support the administration of HCF’s community leadership, development, grantmaking and communication programs. Gifts of any amount are welcome.
View the fund listing