Driving positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas and resources.

Driving positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas and resources.

A Foundation for the Future: 2024 Annual Report

We’re excited to launch our latest annual report: A Foundation for the Future. Read some inspiring grant and donor stories, our financial highlights and meet HCF staff members along the way! View the full report here.

Creating a vibrant, diverse and inclusive Hamilton

SCAFFOLD is a $50 million commitment to affordable housing that brings together resources based on research, consultation and the advice of policy experts.

Hamilton’s Vital Signs is a resource to help us understand our city over time; the more we understand, the better our effort to help it thrive.

ABACUS focuses on the transitions to and through the middle-school years to increase the likelihood that young Hamiltonians graduate high school and access post-secondary opportunities.

News & events

Granting decisions shift to local charities through HCF program

Granting decisions shift to local charities through HCF program

Michael ParenteSep 26, 20243 min read

Hamilton Community Foundation launches $500,000 participatory granting pilot A pilot program that shares decision-making power with local charities is one way that Hamilton Community Foundation is addressing historical underfunding for marginalized communities. The pilot employs “participatory granting” — a trust-based, community-engaged approach to granting that shifts decision-making power to those most impacted by the funding. It was launched late last year with the goal of enhancing equitable resource distribution and…

Hamilton Community Foundation grants almost $1.3 million to student programs

Hamilton Community Foundation grants almost $1.3 million to student programs

Michael ParenteSep 16, 20242 min read

Hamilton Community Foundation recently announced almost $1.3 million in grants to programs that support students with an eye to increasing the likelihood they will continue their education beyond high school. Twenty-eight grants were distributed to 25 organizations for programs that…

New President & CEO named for Hamilton Community Foundation

New President & CEO named for Hamilton Community Foundation

Michael ParenteSep 16, 20242 min read

Hamilton – Hamilton Community Foundation today announced the appointment of Rudi Wallace as its new President & CEO, the fifth in its 70-year history.  “Rudi is no stranger to the Foundation, having served as its Vice-President of Grants & Community…


Hamilton Community Foundation land acknowledgement

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

Actions

HCF has approved a draft Declaration of Action to contribute and implement its response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, as well as to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We are also undertaking board and staff education to deepen our knowledge and understanding of colonialism’s history and ongoing impact. 

Read about our Impact

Building for community

Trinity Lutheran Church’s gift helps address affordable housing in Hamilton This is a story about honouring the past. And buildi…

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Home for good

Program helps urban Indigenous tenants maintain their housing for the long term It’s one thing to have housing. It’s another t…

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Step by step

Tutoring program helps newcomer families find a path to a brighter future The room is remarkably quiet, considering its four walls…

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The gift that keeps on giving

Sisters continue their parents’ legacy of philanthropy The late Mark Nimigan never lost his commitment to Hamilton’s north end…

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Good vibrations

McMaster studies show music therapy improves student mental health It’s been said that music is medicine — and now there’s p…

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Honoring a legacy of belonging

New fund supports families of people living with disabilities Marcia Marcaccio believed in the power of community. In a long life,…

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Heeding the call of community

Dr. Juliet Daniel’s giving enables flexibility to address changing needs Dr. Juliet Daniel is a world-renowned cancer biologist …

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Trusting in our community

Sometimes trying something different can reveal new possibilities and strengthen relationships. A participatory granting pilot at …

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