Donors made 2004 a banner year for Canada's community foundations by giving a record-breaking $210 million to foundations across the country, bringing the movement's total assets to more than $2 billion.

"This is great news for communities all across Canada, including right here in Manitoba," said Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. "A larger asset base means more grants for community groups supporting health care, youth services, the environment, the inner city and so much more."

Community foundations are one of the largest grantmakers in Canada. Last year they contributed $95-million to thousands of charities all across the country.

"The tech boom led to our largest and highest-profile gifts," said Monica Patten, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), "but last year was our best ever, thanks to the generosity of an extremely wide range of Canadians."

Last year, $14.7 million in grants were awarded to approximately 580 different charities by The Winnipeg Foundation. More than 2,200 receipts were issued to people from all walks of life for gifts to an endowment fund.

"Community foundations have experienced tremendous growth over the past decade," said Frost. "In 1992, we had 28 foundations working together with $500 million in assets. Today that number has skyrocketed to 146 foundations managing $2 billion. We're proud to be part of such a dynamic network," he said.

With assets of $347 million, The Winnipeg Foundation is Canada's oldest and second-largest community foundation. In Manitoba, there are 31 community foundations, and outside of Winnipeg, assets have doubled to more than $20 million during the past five years.

For more information:
Richard Frost, CEO
The Winnipeg Foundation
PH: 944.9474