Two photos in a graphic, one of a formal group portrait and the other is a candid of networking moments of people talking. Text reads: Annual General Meeting Social. May 21, 2026 Guelph Civic Museum.

Volunteer & Fundholder Appreciation and Social 2026

Celebrating the People Who Make Our Impact Possible

Following our 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 21, we invited all of GCF’s volunteers and fundholders for a social. Held at the Guelph Civic Museum, the Volunteer & Fundholder Appreciation Social was a fantastic event. It was an energizing experience meeting with so much of our network all in one place, bringing together the people who help drive our work forward.

Guests enjoyed appetizers provided by FEWD while connecting with fellow philanthropically minded community members. Many took advantage of the behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Guelph Civic Museum, which included touring the galleries and their basement archives. We thank the Museum staff for being incredible hosts and for providing these opportunities.

Our Executive Director, Sarah Haanstra, and our former Board of Directors Chair, Carly O’Brien, shared brief remarks highlighting different elements of the Foundation’s work. Their comments reinforced what the AGM summaries made clear: our collective impact is only possible because of the amazing people who support us. Those who choose to invest their time, resources, and expertise in the community.

During the presentation we reviewed the milestones and impact achieved throughout 2025. From new community partnerships to expanded granting activity, the year reflected steady progress and philanthropic impact across Guelph and Wellington County. The social that followed the remarks offered a chance to continue those conversations in a more relaxed setting. Overall, the event offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past year, acknowledge the contributions of our supporters, and look ahead to all the opportunities that 2026 will provide.

We want to share a heartfelt thank you to the Guelph Civic Museum for hosting us in their programing room, we’re grateful for the warm welcome and beautiful space. We extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who helped make not only the AGM but all the successes and growth of the last year possible: our dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, our investment advisors, our auditors, our staff, and all the volunteers and Foundation supporters who we work with throughout the year. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping strengthen our community every step of the way. 2025 was an outstanding year for the Foundation, filled with meaningful impact, growth, and community-driven success.Thank you to everyone who was able to attend, and we look forward to the next time we can all meet together!

Group of adults engaged in casual conversation during a social gathering in a well-lit room with chairs along the wall.
A man in a blue blazer gestures while speaking to a group of people standing attentively
Woman in a gray blazer giving a presentation with a projection screen
Group of twelve professionals posing together in a modern conference room with wooden floors and track lighting overhead.
Group of people standing in a circle in a bright room, listening to a woman speaking and gesturing with her hand.
A diverse group of adults standing attentively in a bright, spacious room with wooden floors and large windows.
Two people examining archival shelves filled with various pottery and ceramic items in a basement storage room
A man in a blue blazer gestures while speaking to a group of people standing attentively
A woman addressing a diverse group of adults gathered in a bright, modern room with wooden floors and ceiling lights.
Two people posing together at a social gathering in a bright room with wooden floors and white walls.
Group of seven professionally dressed individuals standing in a row against a plain wall in a well-lit room.
A diverse group of adults engaged in conversation during a networking event in a bright conference room with a projector screen.
Group of adults engaged in casual conversation during a social gathering in a well-lit room with chairs along the wall.
A man in a blue blazer gestures while speaking to a group of people standing attentively
Woman in a gray blazer giving a presentation with a projection screen
Group of twelve professionals posing together in a modern conference room with wooden floors and track lighting overhead.
Group of people standing in a circle in a bright room, listening to a woman speaking and gesturing with her hand.
A diverse group of adults standing attentively in a bright, spacious room with wooden floors and large windows.
Two people examining archival shelves filled with various pottery and ceramic items in a basement storage room
A man in a blue blazer gestures while speaking to a group of people standing attentively
A woman addressing a diverse group of adults gathered in a bright, modern room with wooden floors and ceiling lights.
Two people posing together at a social gathering in a bright room with wooden floors and white walls.
Group of seven professionally dressed individuals standing in a row against a plain wall in a well-lit room.
A diverse group of adults engaged in conversation during a networking event in a bright conference room with a projector screen.

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