Anne M. Biggar Fund

A lifelong resident of Hamilton, Anne Marion Biggar was a daughter of a former City Mayor, Sanford D. Biggar. Remaining alert and active until she died in her nineties at her Amelia Street residence in 1986, Miss Biggar was keenly interested in finance and the stock market.

Excerpt from 1988-1989 Annual Report

Gilbert P. V. Belton Fund

Gilbert Percival Vincent Belton came to Canada from England after World War I and worked in construction as a carpenter. His brother, Wilfred, recalled that they had worked together on building a bridge across Chippewa Creek on the Queen Elizabeth Highway many years ago – Wilfred pouring concrete in the water and Gil working on the structure above. Evidently, Mr. Belton was an excellent golfer and it was said that, had he been born later, he might have been a professional.

The Hamilton Community Foundation received a share of Gilbert’s estate, which is used for general charitable purposes.

Excerpt from 1994-1995 Annual Report

Marjorie L. Allan Fund

For about thirty years, Marjorie Lillian Allan was the friend of thousands of students and their teachers as secretary at Delta Collegiate, a position previously held by her sister, Dorothy (Broadbent). Active in volunteer work, she was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and, with her sister, devoted many hours to visiting patients at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Excerpt from 1986-1987 Annual Report

Donald J. Allan Fund

Donald Joseph Allan, a Burlington resident, was a long time employee of Howell Packaging Limited. Upon his death in 1993 at the age of 53, the Foundation was notified of its residual interest in the estate and received a bequest to be used by the Foundation for general charitable purposes.

Excerpt from 1994-1995 Annual Report

 

Terry Yates

Terry Yates is one of HCF’s longest-serving volunteers.  In this 2014 video he discusses the importance of community philanthropy and his view of HCF’s strengths.

A Boost for the Arts

A striking gallery at the corner of James St. North and Cannon Street West represents two landmarks:  a new home for Hamilton Artists Inc. supported by the first investment from HCF’s new community investment fund.

“It’s a stunning transformation at one of Hamilton’s most visible corners,” says Terry Cooke, HCF’s President & CEO.   “We are absolutely thrilled that the Foundation is able to use more of its assets in unique ways to support positive change like this.”

Canadian charities have historically had difficulty finding financing for expanding services and facilities. Lack of funding for core operations, growth and diversification inhibits what they can accomplish.

The Hamilton Community Investment Fund is a $5 million fund that invests in local charitable and non-profit projects – instead of the stock market. This amount includes $2 million available as loans to the sector, through a partnership with the Community Forward Fund, an innovative loan and investment organization that provides financing for financing charities and non-profits.

“We expect community investment to go beyond traditional granting and fill an important gap that will help to strengthen the charitable sector and the city,” says Terry.

“The Inc.” is a long-standing artist-run centre that supports and reflects the diverse environment of the community. A loan from HCF’s Community Investment Fund  allowed them to complete the building project on time while awaiting promised financing that had been delayed. Read more about community investing at www.hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca.