Who We Are

The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) helps make a lasting difference in our community.

KWCF is a charity for charities. Although we don't provide charitable services, we do help community organizations make a difference by providing them with funds for new programs, capital needs, student awards and much more.

When you make a donation or gift to KWCF, we invest that gift into a permanent endowment fund - reserved trusts. Your original gift is not spent. It generates income that is then distributed through grants to support a wide range of charitable causes within our community. It is through these grants that we help you make that lasting difference.

Community Fund
Many of our donors choose to support the unrestricted Community Fund, allowing grants to be given to a broad range of charitable groups and programs each year.

The unrestricted Community Fund allows us to create opportunities to improve K-W and area and forge partnerships to tackle our region's most pressing issues. The Waterloo Region's Vital Signs report provides us with a blueprint to invest - and take action.

Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund allows donors to recommend to The Foundation's Board of Directors specific organizations to receive grants from their fund.

Designated Funds
A designated fund allows donors to specify, at the time the fund is established, the charitable organizations they wish to support.

Field of Interest Funds
A field of interest fund enables the donor to focus charitable giving in a particular charitable area (arts, environment, education, children, etc.)

Student Award, Scholarship and Bursary Funds
A named scholarship or bursary fund can be established to support the continuing education or training of deserving students. Click HERE for more information on how to apply.

Charitable Organization Endowment Funds
A charitable organization may establish an endowment fund within the Foundation and invite additions to the fund by other donors. This allows the organization freedom from investment responsibility and gives donors the confidence of knowing that a permanent foundation is in place to professionally administer the agency's endowment.