The following table shows the number of Canadian tax filers in the St. Catharines – Niagara CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) from 2007 to 2015, the number and proportion of charitable donors among tax filers, and the average age of charitable donors.
Source: Statistics Canada. (2016, February 19). CANSIM Table 111-0002 [Data file].
Retrieved from http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/pick-choisir?lang=eng&p2=33&id=1110002
Niagara Community Foundation
The Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) 2016 annual report states that since its inception in 2000, NCF has raised more than $30.5 million and granted in excess of $9.7 million to charities working in the areas of arts, heritage, environment, social services, health, education and community development.
| Niagara Community Foundation Financial Highlights 2014 – 2016 | ||
| Year | Gifts Received | Grants Awarded |
| 2014 | 2,551,636 | 1,100,000 |
| 2015 | 852,811 | 1,470,000 |
| 2016 | 2,740,250 | 1,300,000 |
| Total | $ 6,144,697 | $ 3,870,000 |
In 2017, NCF provided $60,000 of Canada 150 celebration funds to 7 projects in Niagara. This fund is a collaboration between the Niagara Community Foundation, the Government of Canada and leaders from coast to coast.
Projects awarded Canada 150 funding include:
- City of Niagara Falls – Pieces of Canada: 150 Objects, 150 Stories
- Jordan Historical Museum – Between the Lake & the Escarpment, a community art exhibit
- Town of Fort Erie – Canada 150 Mosaic Project
- Suitcase in Point Arts Performances – In the Soil Arts Festival Celebrating Canada
- City of Welland – Welland 150 Day Countdown
- Veterans Voices of Canada Association – Keeping History Alive in Niagara
- City of St. Catharines – Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Book
The following chart shows the reported value of grants awarded since the Niagara Community Foundation was founded in 2000.
Source: Niagara Community Foundation. (2016). 2016 Annual Report.
Retrieved from http://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/about-us/publications
United Way Investment in Niagara
United Way annually raises funds through the community to invest in creating positive community change. The three United Ways operating in Niagara create positive community impact by strategically investing funds in local charitable and not for profit organizations that deliver programs and services that have the greatest impact.
The total amount raised by the three United Ways in Niagara in 2014, 2015 and 2016 was $16,364,000. Funds are invested in local programs and services that address one of three priority investment areas:
- Moving People from Poverty to Possibility;
- Supporting the Health of People, Which Builds a Stronger Community;
- Helping Kids & Families to Be All They Can Be.
In October 2017, the Boards of the three United Way agencies in Niagara announced that they intend to merge into a single agency to provide more focused fundraising efforts and a more efficient manner of requesting funding, managing the fund allocation process, and generally managing their relationship with the United Way.
Source: United Way Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Pelham, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Welland
Retrieved from: http://www.unitedwayniagara.org/news/three-united-ways-of-niagara-announce-amalgamation
The United Way of St. Catharines and District reports that in 2016, they raised $3,517,000 to fund more than 70 local programs and initiatives, helping more than 90,000 people.
Source: United Way of St. Catharines & District. Annual Report 2016.
Retrieved from: https://www.unitedwaysc.ca/assets/pdf/2016_annual_report.pdf
In a joint annual report, the United Way of South Niagara and the United Way of Niagara Falls & Greater Fort Erie report a combined $1,161,355 investment in 59 programs. In 2016, the two United Way agencies worked together to strategically collaborate in their operations.
Source: United Way Niagara. 2016 Report to the Community.
Retrieved from: http://www.unitedwayniagara.org/uwcms/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/UW-Annual-Report-2016-final.pdf
Niagara Funders’ Alliance
The Niagara Funders’ Alliance is a partnership of 20 private, public and corporate sector funders who work collaboratively for the well-being of the community by sharing knowledge and information related to community resources, needs, priorities and trends.
Source: Niagara Community Foundation
