Mission Community Foundation

Overview

The Mission Community Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to fostering philanthropy and community development in Mission, British Columbia. As a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), it operates under the business registration number 119042810RR0001.

History

Established in 1987, the Foundation's concept was envisioned by Bill Harris, a long-time Mission resident and former mayor. It began with a significant endowment from Margaret Erskine's estate, which totaled $228,000, aiming to support students pursuing post-secondary education. This founding donation set the stage for the organization's future growth and impact.

Mission and Activities

The Mission Community Foundation connects donors with community causes, focusing on education, seniors' needs, social justice, poverty reduction, animal welfare, food security, and health-related initiatives. Its mission is to enable the disbursement of scholarships, bursaries, and grants that benefit Mission citizens.

Operations

The Foundation is managed by a board of directors supported by a professional team. It has over $12 million in investments and administers more than 100 funds. These funds are used to support a wide range of local projects, prioritizing initiatives that benefit a broad audience and provide direct community service. The Foundation runs two annual granting cycles, accepting applications in the spring and fall.

Significance

Among its recent achievements, the Mission Community Foundation awarded a total of $152,000 in scholarships in 2024. This highlights its continued commitment to education and community development. The Foundation remains an integral part of Mission's community fabric, working to address pressing social issues while fostering a culture of collective giving and philanthropy.

Community Engagement

The Foundation's operations rely on a core group of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to ensure the organization remains aligned with community needs. This includes board members and appointed representatives from local organizations, which helps maintain a strong connection with the community it serves. By engaging benefactors and leveraging their support, the Mission Community Foundation empowers individuals and organizations to donate effectively to causes they value.

[1] https://www.missioncommunityfoundation.org [2] https://www.missioncityrecord.com/marketplace/mission-community-foundation-sharing-the-power-of-collective-giving-7687512 [3] https://business.missionchamber.bc.ca/list/member/mission-community-foundation-263 [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/mission-foundation/ [5] https://communityfoundations.ca/our-purpose/