Donor Stories

(2004 Sanctuary Woods Fund) – In 2004, The Guelph Community Foundation’s Sanctuary Woods Fund granted $1,350 to Fred A. Hamilton Public School and $1,350 to Jean Little Public School for the purchase of trees. Many schools, particularly in new subdivisions have very little [if any] trees on the property and sun exposure during two 15 minute recess breaks and…

Next up in our #GCFGrantStories series is Community Grant recipient Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County (FCSGW), which received funding for its Responsive Fund for Families Program. This program provides immediate material support for low-income families who struggle to access the things they need to safely care for their young children, such…

Today in our #GCFGrantStories series, we spotlight Community Grant recipient Royal City Mission (RCM) which received funding for its Community Drop-In Meal Program. RCM is a food security and relief agency in Guelph that ensures that everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, has access to the nutrition they need to survive by serving lunch five days…

Next up in our #GCFGrantStories series, we spotlight Community Grant recipient Seed, Soil and Spirit School, which received funding for its Herbal Immersion Program. Seed, Soil and Spirit School is a plant medicine school for Black, Indigenous, racialized, and allied people who love plants and healing justice. “Community-led” and a “labour of love,” the school…

The Shelldale Family Gateway’s Youth Mentoring Program has been highly successful in their community, providing youth with opportunities to build leadership skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships. The program currently engages 25 mentors aged 12 and older each week, with more than 175 youth participating to date! Through guidance, recreation, and life skills activities, menstorship participants…

Next up in our #GCFGrantStories series is Community Grant recipient Shelldale Family Gateway, which received funding for its youth Volleyball Program. Shelldale Family Gateway is a non-profit, charitable organization that aims to enrich the quality of life for everyone it serves. Its respectful and multicultural approach strives to meet the needs of its diverse community,…

Silence Guelph received a 2024 Musagetes Fund to support its year round programs and day to day operations. This funding helped the organization continue offering inclusive and accessible arts experiences, and to flourish as a creative gathering space in downtown Guelph! Silence is known for its focus on experimental sound, music, and art. It acts…

Accepting Applications: Monday September 9, 2024 – October 4, 2024 On behalf of Sleeman Breweries, the Guelph Community Foundation is proud to be able to administer this grant application process for and distributes funds from the Sleeman Better Water Fund. Sleeman Breweries selects successful applicants and awards funds to those selected. The Sleeman Better Water Fund supports…

We are thrilled to have been able to help distribute the $40,000 from The Sleeman Better Water Fund: an annual grant to support Canadian water conservation and clean water accessibility. To celebrate World Water Day we’re joining with our partners at Sleeman Breweries in announcing the 2025 recipients of the Sleeman Better Water Fund! We’re…

Accepting Applications: Monday September 29 – November 3, 2025 On behalf of Sleeman Breweries, the Guelph Community Foundation is proud to be able to administer this grant application process for and distributes funds from the Sleeman Better Water Fund. Sleeman Breweries selects successful applicants and awards funds to those selected. The Sleeman Better Water Fund supports non-profit…

Small Change Fund, in partnership with The Guelph Outdoor School, received a 2024 Community Grant to support their project Next Child in the Woods, an initiative focused on expanding access to green spaces and inclusive outdoor mentorship programs for children and youth in Guelph. This grant helped the program grow to meet the community’s need…