Leadership

We create lasting change in Hamilton.

Our Vision

A vibrant, diverse and inclusive Hamilton

Our Mission

To drive positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas and resources

ABACUS: Advancing Post-secondary Access

ABACUS is an initiative whose goal is to increase the likelihood that young people facing multiple barriers graduate high school and access postsecondary, by focusing on the pivotal middle-school years.

Formal evaluation at the 10-year mark showed ABACUS’ positive impact, and with a commitment to another 10 years of support, HCF will be reaching a cohort of Hamilton students who were in kindergarten when the COVID pandemic began and seeing them through to graduation.

Education systems change

The Foundation has an objective to support systems changes that remove barriers and advance outcomes for students. It does this by working with education and community partners to influence policy, attitudes and culture to strengthen equity, wellness and academic achievement in the universal public education system. Read more.

Impact investing

HCF is a national leader in impact investing – an investment strategy that targets both financial returns and social impact – which allows us to align more of our assets with our mission. While most of our endowment remains invested in traditional markets, we’re actively engaged in direct impact investments and an ESG (environmental, social, governance) public market portfolio.  Read more.

Vital Signs

Vital Signs is an HCF program that highlights a range of issues affecting Hamiltonians through a variety of means: a Cable 14 tv show hosted by our President & CEO Rudi Wallace, Vital Signs “chats” — in-person panel discussions with local experts held in local coffee shops, and formal reports highlighting highlights the latest research, trends, progress and challenges. HCF and community foundations across Canada are using Vital Signs to help identify strategic priorities in their respective communities. See more, including past reports here.