About the Foundation
Our History
Mission Statement
In 1983, inspired by how local Community Foundations were making an impact throughout Canada, Mayor Albert "Bert" Weeks, Charles Clark Sr., and Clifford Hatch Sr., established "Heritage Windsor". These three men embodied a spirit of philanthropy and recognized that we are dependent upon and to one another for building healthy, safe and nurturing communities.
Focused initially on riverfront development your Community Foundation has been able to invest millions of dollars in projects like the Peace Fountain, Bert Weeks Fountain, the Peace Beacon and Charles Clark Square. However, our founders knew that a healthy community is not built solely with parkland, so those investments have been balanced with those in education, arts, culture, heritage, environment, recreation, children, health and human services. For a more complete list of organizations supported visit our Grants History page.
In 1994 your Community Foundation became a member of Community Foundations of Canada. Canada's 165 community foundations help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work and play. Together we are one of the largest supporters of Canadian communities, providing $176 million in support of local priorities and organizations in 2007.
2007 saw the foundation receive over one million dollars from the estate of Clifford Hatch. These funds have been endowed to support both foundation operations and the Community Impact Grant program.
In 2008 the foundation rebranded as The WindsorEssex Community Foundation to better reflect our interest in all of Essex County. 2008 also marked the 25th Anniversary of the Foundation. To commemorate this milestone the foundation held a special 25th Anniversary Gala at the Art Gallery of Windsor. The event was highlighted by the announcements of: a legacy gift from the Solcz Family and Valiant Corporation to establish the Community Fund for Children, and a special grant of $25,000 to Leadership Windsor/Essex.
In 2009 the Foundation named Glenn Stresman Executive Director. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Glenn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Over the past 19 years he has worked in the non-profit sector, serving the past six years as Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. The board also hired a Communications and Grants Coordinator, Mike Morency, to facilitate grantmaking and effectively educate the broader community about the foundation.
Your community foundation continues to be led by passionate volunteer Board and Committee members and ably supported by staff, all who have a vision to inspire philanthropy and build a better Windsor-Essex.
For more information on current board members and staff click here
For information on recent and historical grants click here
