Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation

Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation We fulfill philanthropic goals by providing grants for vital community services and we aspire to buil

The Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation is part of a world-wide network of foundations whose objective is to help build stronger and more vibrant communities. In Canada we are a member of Community Foundations of Canada, the umbrella organization to more than 191 community foundations from coast to coast.

Making outdoor experiences more accessible starts with community.The Yak Shack has returned to St. Marys, offering free ...
06/19/2026

Making outdoor experiences more accessible starts with community.

The Yak Shack has returned to St. Marys, offering free kayak borrowing for residents and visitors to enjoy local waterways, explore up to five kilometres of river routes, and take in views of historic downtown, the Sarnia Bridge, and the surrounding countryside.

This community-driven program helps remove barriers to recreation while encouraging shared care and respect for the equipment so it can remain available for everyone.

We are pleased to be recognized among the sponsors and founding partners who helped make the Yak Shack possible, alongside generous community supporters, local businesses, and service groups.

Kayaks must be pre-booked online through ActiveNet at discoverstmarys.ca.

Summer reminds us that growth takes many forms. Like gardens in bloom and thriving natural spaces, strong communities fl...
06/17/2026

Summer reminds us that growth takes many forms. Like gardens in bloom and thriving natural spaces, strong communities flourish when care, connection, and local support are nurtured over time.

Across Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County, local organizations are creating projects that strengthen environmental sustainability, community wellness, and opportunities for connection. These initiatives help build healthier communities today while investing in a stronger future for generations to come.

Recent projects helping our region grow include the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority’s Aquatic Health Assessment Project, supported by the Meulensteen Environment Fund, CMHA Huron Perth’s Peer Support Community Wellness Garden, supported by the Stratford Community Fund, and Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario’s Habitat Stratford Community Engagement & Salvage Program, supported by the Mansbridge Environment Fund.

When generosity is planted locally, communities continue to bloom. Learn more about the impact happening across our region through the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation at spccf.ca.

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth - CMHA
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario

A library is more than a place to borrow books. It is a place where people learn, connect, gather, and see themselves re...
06/16/2026

A library is more than a place to borrow books. It is a place where people learn, connect, gather, and see themselves reflected.

We were proud to see Stratford Public Library’s annual report highlight the growing role the library plays in our community, including the creation of The World of Words collection.

Supported by a grant from the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation, this dedicated children’s collection will feature books in a wide variety of languages, helping young readers borrow books, learn English, celebrate their own languages, and feel a greater sense of belonging.

This is the power of community giving in action: creating spaces, resources, and opportunities that reflect the people who call Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County home.

Stratford Public Library

We are proud to support community-led philanthropy that creates lasting impact close to home.Recently, John Wilkinson an...
06/15/2026

We are proud to support community-led philanthropy that creates lasting impact close to home.

Recently, John Wilkinson and Dan Mathieson brought people together through a special fundraising initiative in support of a scholarship for a student entering the University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business.

Behind the scenes, the Stratford & Perth County Community Foundation was pleased to provide administrative support to help bring this meaningful community initiative to life. We are honoured to play a role in supporting partnerships and philanthropy that invest in local students, education, and future community leaders.

Pictured alongside Rachel, John and Dan is Dr. Jessica Thompson, Director of the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business.

Together, this is community impact in action.

University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business

Did you know?A gift in your will can be one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting impact in Stratford, St. Marys...
06/12/2026

Did you know?

A gift in your will can be one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting impact in Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County while still taking care of the people you love first.

For many families, legacy giving is a way to support the causes, charities, and community organizations that have played an important role in their lives. Even a small percentage left through an estate can help create long-term support for future generations.

There are several ways to give through your estate plan, including:
• A specific dollar amount
• A percentage of the remainder of your estate
• Specific assets, such as publicly traded securities

Legacy gifts can help strengthen local programs, community initiatives, education, healthcare, arts, housing, and more for years to come.

Thoughtful giving today can help shape a stronger tomorrow. To learn more about legacy giving opportunities through the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation, visit spccf.ca or connect with our team.

Professional advisors help shape lasting community impact.Whether you’re a lawyer, accountant, financial planner, insura...
06/10/2026

Professional advisors help shape lasting community impact.

Whether you’re a lawyer, accountant, financial planner, insurance professional, or wealth advisor, the conversations you have with clients can help create meaningful and lasting change within our communities.

Charitable giving is often about more than financial planning. It is about helping people support the causes, organizations, and communities that matter most to them while creating a legacy that reflects their values and goals.

The Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation works alongside professional advisors to help clients explore giving strategies including legacy gifts, donor advised funds, gifts of securities, endowment funds, and more.

Together, we can help individuals and families make a lasting impact across Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County for generations to come.

The Rose McQueen Legacy Fund Committee has officially opened a new fund that will support Stratford Festival education a...
06/08/2026

The Rose McQueen Legacy Fund Committee has officially opened a new fund that will support Stratford Festival education and mentorship programs, helping inspire and nurture emerging artists, creators, and theatre leaders for years to come.

Rooted in the legacy of Rose McQueen, whose passion for education and the arts helped shape Stratford’s cultural identity, this fund reflects the lasting impact one person can have on a community. Through mentorship, learning opportunities, and artistic development, future generations will continue to benefit from the same spirit of creativity and encouragement that Rose championed throughout her life.

The arts have long been part of what makes Stratford special, bringing people together, inspiring new ideas, and creating opportunities for growth and connection. This fund helps ensure that legacy continues for years to come.

Learn more at rosemcqueen.ca.

Stratford Festival

June is Seniors Month in Ontario, a time to celebrate the people who helped build our communities, shared their wisdom a...
06/05/2026

June is Seniors Month in Ontario, a time to celebrate the people who helped build our communities, shared their wisdom across generations, and continue to make a meaningful difference every day.

As our communities grow and change, it is more important than ever to ensure older adults feel connected, supported, and included. Local organizations across Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County are creating programs and spaces that help seniors stay active, engaged, and cared for.

Recent community support for seniors includes:

• Family Services Perth-Huron: New Bridges for Seniors, funded by the John and Leslie Wright Fund and Melanson Family Fund
• Alzheimer Society Huron Perth: Social Recreation: Night Out, funded by the Forster Family Legacy Fund
• Listowel District Senior Citizen's Complex: Maitland Terrace Social Circle, funded by the Melanson Family Fund
• Ritz Lutheran Villa: Senior Housing Business Case Preparation, funded by the Ollie Henry Housing Development Fund

Because strong communities support every generation, at every stage of life.

Learn more about the impact happening across our region through the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation at spccf.ca.

Family Services Perth-Huron
Alzheimer Society Huron Perth

A grant helped fund 100 food bags distributed across Stratford through South Asian Canadians Health & Social Services (S...
06/03/2026

A grant helped fund 100 food bags distributed across Stratford through South Asian Canadians Health & Social Services (SACHSS), supporting individuals and youth accessing community services throughout the city.

With 80 bags delivered to Shelterlink alone, this initiative helped provide meaningful support at a time when food donations have been declining since the pandemic.

Programs like this reflect the power of community partnerships and the impact of local giving in supporting health, wellbeing, and food security close to home.

South Asian Canadian Health and Social Services

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month 💚 and we’re reflecting on the meaningful impact of programs that continue to suppor...
06/01/2026

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month 💚 and we’re reflecting on the meaningful impact of programs that continue to support individuals and families across our region.

Through support from the Brain & Mind Matters Community Fund, the Brain Injury & Intimate Partner Violence in Women (RenewED) program has continued its important work supporting women affected by brain injury and intimate partner violence.

This established program helps strengthen health education, trauma-informed care, and women’s safety throughout Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County, helping ensure women feel seen, supported, and connected to the care they need.

Community impact happens when people come together to support important local initiatives like this.

Learn more about the work happening across our region at spccf.ca.

Brain Injury Association of London & Region
St. Marys Golf and Country Club

Address

473 Douro Street
Stratford, ON
N5A6S9

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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