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ABOUT US

Statement of Principles

The following three Principles will be used to screen our major activities to ensure that we remain true to our Mission.

1. The Muskoka Community Foundation’s goal is to increase the number of Endowment funds within the Charitable sector in Muskoka.
2. The Muskoka Community Foundation will work to increase the donations to Endowment funds held by all Muskoka Charities.
3. The Muskoka Community Foundation will avoid active fundraising excepting fundraising directed to the Muskoka Community Foundation’s Administration Fund and the “Muskoka Fund”.

These principles are in keeping with the Community Foundations of Canada theme of “All for Community” and will enable us to emerge as champions both for Donors and Muskoka Charities.

About the Foundation

Community means so many things to so many people, and the world to us. In all we do and all we say, we are all for community.

We are the Muskoka Community Foundation and community vitality has been our purpose, promise and passion since 2007 when we started connecting donors to community needs and opportunities. Together, we help build strong and resilient places to live, work and play.

Inclusive. Innovative. Forward-looking. Vital. This is our vision for our community.

In our vision, our community is able to include, and offer opportunities to, everyone. It has the knowledge and ability needed to help shape its own future. We are ready to address pressing problems like hunger, unemployment and housing. And all our citizens are able to benefit from the best our community can offer: the arts, recreation, health care, education, safe and inclusive neighbourhoods and a healthy environment.

Our community foundation does three key things to build community vitality:

• Vitality takes long-term resources for long-term solutions—so we work with donors to build endowment and other funds that ensure vital futures for communities.
• Vitality comes from all corners of a community, so we grant funds to the widest possible range of organizations and initiatives.
• Vitality needs leadership, so we bring people together from all parts of our communities to stimulate new ideas, build participation and strengthen community philanthropy.
  

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	Facts about Muskoka Community Foundation
	The Muskoka Community Foundation was inspired by a group of volunteers in Muskoka, both cottagers and permanent residents who were aware of the important philanthropic benefits of some 160 community foundations across Canada. These foundations hold Community assets of about 3 Billion dollars generating more than 175 million dollars in annual grants to local community charities. The time was right for Muskoka to benefit in the future from it's own community foundation. In 2007 these founding directors applied for Incorporation and then applied for and received Charitable status late in 2007. In 2008 the Muskoka Community Foundation received the endorsement of all area Municipal Councils and the District Municipality of Muskoka. The goal of the Muskoka Community Foundation is to encourage Individual donors and their families to create permanent endowment funds to benefit Muskoka's charities and their important work forever.

Our approach Many organizations are working for better communities, but a few important factors make our approach stand out: We bring donors to the table as community builders We help them formulate and realize their philanthropic goals, matching their interests and concerns with community needs and organizations. We help them find innovative and responsible ways to give their investments lasting impact. We take the broadest view of what a community is and what it needs to succeed That’s why our grants support everything from shelter, sustenance and care for those most in need, to recreation, the arts, and the environment. We take the long-term view for our communities We identify long-term needs and opportunities and invest in sustainable solutions, helping our communities become resilient, resourceful, and ready for the future they want.
Ten reasons people choose community foundations.
one We are a local organization with deep roots in the community, and part of a nationwide movement whose support we build and share. two We bring donors to the table as community builders, working closely with them to align their philanthropic vision with the community’s needs. three We identify long-term needs and opportunities and invest in solutions that let our communities guide their own future. four We take a broad and inclusive view of what a community is, and provide grants to the widest possible range of organizations and initiatives. five We provide highly personal and flexible service, accepting a wide variety of assets and offering donors maximum tax advantage.   six We build permanent funds and those that can respond to immediate needs, helping our communities ensure vital futures. seven We multiply the impact of gift dollars by pooling them with other gifts. eight We believe that diversity is strength, so we bring the entire community together to stimulate new ideas, build participation and strengthen community philanthropy. nine We are transparent and reputable stewards of community resources, committed to being accountable, accessible and responsive. ten We build community vitality – the unique and essential spirit that flourishes when people believe their community holds possibilities for everyone.