2021 Impact Report
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
In 2021, we took great strides in creating a better, more equitable future throughout our United Church.
Now more than ever, we believe that it is important for the United Church of Canada Foundation to work towards a future that benefits everyone. Across Canada and beyond, we have joined with congregations, leaders, advocates, and generous donors to begin forging a new and exciting path for our organization – one that follows our New Creed in seeking justice and resisting evil.
United, we are committed to walking the path towards a better future for everyone!
Over $7.6 million in grants made in 2021
$93,193,212 in total assets by year-end
$3,684,022 to 414 congregations across Canada
Over $390,000 to Theological Schools, and United Church Camps and Centres.
2021 Impact Report
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
In 2021, we took great strides in creating a better, more equitable future throughout our United Church.
Now more than ever, we believe that it is important for the United Church of Canada Foundation to work towards a future that benefits everyone. Across Canada and beyond, we have joined with congregations, leaders, advocates, and generous donors to begin forging a new and exciting path for our organization – one that follows our New Creed in seeking justice and resisting evil.
United, we are committed to walking the path towards a better future for everyone!
Over $7.6 million in grants made in 2021
$93,193,212 in total assets by year-end
$3,684,022 to 414 congregations across Canada
Over $390,000 to Theological Schools, and United Church Camps and Centres.
United, we are redefining our Priorities
In 2021, the United Church of Canada Foundation Board of Directors approved four priorities that will guide our organization moving forward.
The United Church of Canada Foundation’s purpose is to foster deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice by attracting and deploying financial resources. Through capacity building, convening, granting, and careful stewardship of funds entrusted to us, we support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada, create a more just planet, and celebrate God’s abundance in the world.
The four Foundational Priorities are: Anti-Racism, Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Climate Justice, and support for Communities of Faith.
Becoming an Anti-Racist Organization
Reconciliation with Indigenous Communities
Pursuing Climate Justice
Supporting our Communities of Faith
United, we are redefining our Priorities
In 2021, the United Church of Canada Foundation Board of Directors approved four priorities that will guide our organization moving forward.
The United Church of Canada Foundation’s purpose is to foster deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice by attracting and deploying financial resources. Through capacity building, convening, granting, and careful stewardship of funds entrusted to us, we support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada, create a more just planet, and celebrate God’s abundance in the world.
The four Foundational Priorities are: Anti-Racism, Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Climate Justice, and support for Communities of Faith.
Becoming an Anti-Racist Organization
Reconciliation with Indigenous Communities
Pursuing Climate Justice
Supporting our Communities of Faith
United, we are setting our sights
on the future
In 2021, the United Church of Canada Foundation Board of Directors approved our Strategic Plan for the next four years.
This plan will guide our works, operations, and initiatives from 2022 to 2025. We are proud to support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada as we work together to create a more just planet and celebrate God’s abundance in the world.
United, we are setting our sights
on the future
In 2021, the United Church of Canada Foundation Board of Directors approved our Strategic Plan for the next four years.
This plan will guide our works, operations, and initiatives from 2022 to 2025. We are proud to support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada as we work together to create a more just planet and celebrate God’s abundance in the world.
United, we are making an impact
through our Investing
In 2021, we began to invest a portion of our assets into impact investments. Impact investments provide capital to address social and environmental issues while also providing a financial return. While we have always sought to incorporate church values into our investment portfolio, this new set of investments goes one step further and identifies themes and areas of society which we want to positively impact with our investment dollars.
The Foundation allocated $5 million for its impact investing portfolio which it is using to complement the Foundation’s granting programs and focus on making investments that will support Indigenous businesses and projects, environmental or green focused businesses, support the strengthening of rural communities, as well as initiatives that work towards economic justice for all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and newcomer communities.
The Foundation’s traditionally invested assets are managed by Fiera Capital. In 2021, our investments were nearly 100% compliant with the Foundation’s and United Church’s Socially Responsible Investment Policies.
As a service to communities of faith, the Foundation has three affiliate investment managers that offer discounted services to congregations and Church organizations looking for assistance with their long-term fund management.
The first, Frontier Capital Funds Inc., manages more than 180 accounts that have been established by over 132 communities of faith. Frontier Capital works closely with the Foundation and its investors to ensure that the portfolios align with United Church values.
The second, Genus Capital Management, is a leading provider of low carbon and socially responsible investment solutions.
Any United Church member or organization wishing to invest at least $250,000 can access Genus’ United Church Sustainable Portfolio Program in order to create sustainable portfolio options that bring their values and their investments into alignment.
For more information on resources to assist you with the management of long-term funds, please contact the Foundation at 1 866 340-8223 or fdn@united-church.ca
United, we are making an impact
through our Investing
In 2021, we began to invest a portion of our assets into impact investments. Impact investments provide capital to address social and environmental issues while also providing a financial return. While we have always sought to incorporate church values into our investment portfolio, this new set of investments goes one step further and identifies themes and areas of society which we want to positively impact with our investment dollars.
The Foundation allocated $5 million for its impact investing portfolio which it is using to complement the Foundation’s granting programs and focus on making investments that will support Indigenous businesses and projects, environmental or green focused businesses, support the strengthening of rural communities, as well as initiatives that work towards economic justice for all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and newcomer communities.
The Foundation’s traditionally invested assets are managed by Fiera Capital. In 2021, our investments were nearly 100% compliant with the Foundation’s and United Church’s Socially Responsible Investment Policies.
As a service to communities of faith, the Foundation has three affiliate investment managers that offer discounted services to congregations and Church organizations looking for assistance with their long-term fund management.
The first, Frontier Capital Funds Inc., manages more than 180 accounts that have been established by over 132 communities of faith. Frontier Capital works closely with the Foundation and its investors to ensure that the portfolios align with United Church values.
The second, Genus Capital Management, is a leading provider of low carbon and socially responsible investment solutions.
Any United Church member or organization wishing to invest at least $250,000 can access Genus’ United Church Sustainable Portfolio Program in order to create sustainable portfolio options that bring their values and their investments into alignment.
For more information on resources to assist you with the management of long-term funds, please contact the Foundation at 1 866 340-8223 or fdn@united-church.ca
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Helping Others Along the Path:
Grant Stories
Thanks to your generosity, $7,644,103 in grants were awarded to congregations, Regional Councils, Community Ministries, Theological Schools, and other organizations.
In 2021, we awarded more than 100 grants and scholarships to various congregations, ministries, and other groups across Canada as part of our Seeds of Hope and other granting programs. Each represents a new, innovative vision of ministry in Canada: from supporting online ukulele lessons, funding events focusing on reconciliation, or helping to feed our communities, we are proud to help fund incredible expressions of our faith.
Over 300 grant applications in 2021
104 total grants awarded in 2021
$1,096,222.57 awarded through our granting programs
Helping Others Along the Path:
Grant Stories
Thanks to your generosity, $7,644,103 in grants were awarded to congregations, Regional Councils, Community Ministries, Theological Schools, and other organizations.
In 2021, we awarded more than 100 grants and scholarships to various congregations, ministries, and other groups across Canada as part of our Seeds of Hope and other granting programs. Each represents a new, innovative vision of ministry in Canada: from supporting online ukulele lessons, funding events focusing on reconciliation, or helping to feed our communities, we are proud to help fund incredible expressions of our faith.
Over 300 grant applications in 2021
104 total grants awarded in 2021
$1,096,222.57 awarded through our granting programs
McDougall United Church
Right Relations Events
McDougall United Church (Calgary, AB) is committed to reconciliation and Right Relations. With their Seeds of Hope grant, the congregation set out on a journey of learning and un-learning, healing, community, faith and action. In 2021, they convened a series of 10 events, ranging in purpose from celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions, to offering healing and spiritual care opportunities for Indigenous communities and individuals, to commemorating murdered and missing Indigenous women and children.
McDougall United Church has no doubt been inspired to continue on the path to reconciliation and transformation. We are grateful to everyone involved in making this vital work possible, from the thoughtful and hopeful United Church people carrying out the programs and projects, to the faithful generous donors supporting these efforts.
Thank you, The United Church of Canada Foundation! McDougall United Church was granted $5000 from the Seeds of Hope for our 2021 project, “Reconciliation Events”. Part of this work went toward our observance of our liturgical calendar for many events that reflect Indigenous concerns.
– Tony Snow, Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region
McDougall United Church
Right Relations Events
McDougall United Church (Calgary, AB) is committed to reconciliation and Right Relations. With their Seeds of Hope grant, the congregation set out on a journey of learning and un-learning, healing, community, faith and action. In 2021, they convened a series of 10 events, ranging in purpose from celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions, to offering healing and spiritual care opportunities for Indigenous communities and individuals, to commemorating murdered and missing Indigenous women and children.
McDougall United Church has no doubt been inspired to continue on the path to reconciliation and transformation. We are grateful to everyone involved in making this vital work possible, from the thoughtful and hopeful United Church people carrying out the programs and projects, to the faithful generous donors supporting these efforts.
Thank you, The United Church of Canada Foundation! McDougall United Church was granted $5000 from the Seeds of Hope for our 2021 project, “Reconciliation Events”. Part of this work went toward our observance of our liturgical calendar for many events that reflect Indigenous concerns.
– Tony Snow, Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region
Cedar Park United Church
Soul Food Ministries
The Soul Food program at Cedar Park United Church (Pointe-Claire, QC) was established to feed spirits through the act of sharing food. The program sent food to local organizations and also hosted soup lunches. But when the basement flooded, it caused a domino in the church: pews were removed to make space for the daycare service which had to move upstairs and Cedar Park’s Soul Food program had to adjust – fast.
Thanks in part to a grant from the Foundation, Cedar Park was able to pivot, moving their food preparations from their church kitchen to individual homes. Volunteers leapt into action, continuing to cook soups and baked goods from home, maintaining the program.
Cedar Park United Church
Soul Food Ministries
The Soul Food program at Cedar Park United Church (Pointe-Claire, QC) was established to feed spirits through the act of sharing food. The program sent food to local organizations and also hosted soup lunches. But when the basement flooded, it caused a domino in the church: pews were removed to make space for the daycare service which had to move upstairs and Cedar Park’s Soul Food program had to adjust – fast.
Thanks in part to a grant from the Foundation, Cedar Park was able to pivot, moving their food preparations from their church kitchen to individual homes. Volunteers leapt into action, continuing to cook soups and baked goods from home, maintaining the program.
Old Windham United Church
Giving Garden
As churches in their community banded together to help fight local poverty, Old Windham United Church (Simcoe, ON) wanted to do their part. Buoyed by support from their Seeds of Hope grant, they can now supply food to hungry families in Norfolk County through their community Giving Garden! The project was made in partnership with Church Out Serving, a community group that organizes local churches to coordinate anti-poverty initiatives in Simcoe.
Volunteers grew beans and peppers over the course of the summer, and when the vegetables were harvested and collected, Old Windham United Church packed them up in laundry totes and sent them to be sorted and sent to nearby families in need.
The symbolism of this literal Seeds of Hope project is beautiful – we look forward to hearing how their garden grows in years to come!
Old Windham United Church
Giving Garden
As churches in their community banded together to help fight local poverty, Old Windham United Church (Simcoe, ON) wanted to do their part. Buoyed by support from their Seeds of Hope grant, they can now supply food to hungry families in Norfolk County through their community Giving Garden! The project was made in partnership with Church Out Serving, a community group that organizes local churches to coordinate anti-poverty initiatives in Simcoe.
Volunteers grew beans and peppers over the course of the summer, and when the vegetables were harvested and collected, Old Windham United Church packed them up in laundry totes and sent them to be sorted and sent to nearby families in need.
The symbolism of this literal Seeds of Hope project is beautiful – we look forward to hearing how their garden grows in years to come!
Forging the Path:
Donor Stories
Through a wide range of Mission Focus and donor-established Funds, the Foundation empowers donors with the choice to best support the ministry and causes most precious to them. Mission Focus Funds were created by the Foundation’s Board to support the work of The United Church of Canada in the areas of Environment; Faith & Mission; Leadership; Living Spirit; Mission & Service; New Ministries; Peace & Justice; and Theological Education. Donor-created funds support any area of United Church ministry the donor chooses, including but not limited to: the work of the Church, Indigenous Ministries and Justice, and LGBTIQ2S+ advocacy.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we are able to walk down the path to a better future!
In 2021, gifts made by donors
like you totaled $10,911,458
Designated short-term gifts
$5,609,131 • 51%
Undesignated gifts
$167,223 • 2%
Designated long-term gifts
$5,135,104 • 47%
Forging the Path:
Donor Stories
Through a wide range of Mission Focus and donor-established Funds, the Foundation empowers donors with the choice to best support the ministry and causes most precious to them. Mission Focus Funds were created by the Foundation’s Board to support the work of The United Church of Canada in the areas of Environment; Faith & Mission; Leadership; Living Spirit; Mission & Service; New Ministries; Peace & Justice; and Theological Education. Donor-created funds support any area of United Church ministry the donor chooses, including but not limited to: the work of the Church, Indigenous Ministries and Justice, and LGBTIQ2S+ advocacy.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we are able to walk down the path to a better future!
In 2021, gifts made by donors
like you totaled $10,911,458
Designated short-term gifts
$5,609,131 • 51%
Undesignated gifts
$167,223 • 2%
Designated long-term gifts
$5,135,104 • 47%
St Johns Stevensville United Church
Stewardship in Action
When generous congregants passed away, St. John’s Stevensville United Church (Stevensville, ON) was left an incredible gift.
In late 2021, the congregation made a commitment to transfer $10 million to the Foundation, establishing three long-term funds. So much life-giving work will be made possible by these endowment funds; from support for daily church administration, to religious programs and worship, to charitable outreach.
St. John’s Stevensville will be able to continue their dedication to mission, ministry and their community far into the future thanks to these prayerfully sown seeds. We’re grateful to be on this Journey with St. John’s Stevensville and thank them for their trust in our stewardship.
St Johns Stevensville United Church
Stewardship in Action
When generous congregants passed away, St. John’s Stevensville United Church (Stevensville, ON) was left an incredible gift.
In late 2021, the congregation made a commitment to transfer $10 million to the Foundation, establishing three long-term funds. So much life-giving work will be made possible by these endowment funds; from support for daily church administration, to religious programs and worship, to charitable outreach.
St. John’s Stevensville will be able to continue their dedication to mission, ministry and their community far into the future thanks to these prayerfully sown seeds. We’re grateful to be on this Journey with St. John’s Stevensville and thank them for their trust in our stewardship.
Monthly Giving to Global Advocacy
Foundation donor David Hallman has long been an advocate for LGBTIQ2S+ rights. David saw the opportunity to support LGBTIQ2S+ rights not just in Canada, but around the world, through the United Church of Canada Foundation’s LGBTIQ2S+ Global Solidarity Fund. David found that making monthly donations to the fund through CanadaHelps was an effective way to support his cause:
“Once I make the decision that a particular organization is doing important work that I want to support, I find that donating monthly makes it an integral part of my life. Just as I see payments going monthly to cover my daily living costs, so I see payments going to support my faith and justice commitments.”
We are incredibly thankful to David and his generosity. Monthly donations create consistent support that we can rely on and plan around – which means more effective advocacy and results world-wide.
Monthly Giving to Global Advocacy
Foundation donor David Hallman has long been an advocate for LGBTIQ2S+ rights. David saw the opportunity to support LGBTIQ2S+ rights not just in Canada, but around the world, through the United Church of Canada Foundation’s LGBTIQ2S+ Global Solidarity Fund. David found that making monthly donations to the fund through CanadaHelps was an effective way to support his cause:
“Once I make the decision that a particular organization is doing important work that I want to support, I find that donating monthly makes it an integral part of my life. Just as I see payments going monthly to cover my daily living costs, so I see payments going to support my faith and justice commitments.”
We are incredibly thankful to David and his generosity. Monthly donations create consistent support that we can rely on and plan around – which means more effective advocacy and results world-wide.
To where it’s Needed Most
While some donors choose to direct their gifts to specific ministries, causes or funds, many others choose to make an “unrestricted” gift to the United Church of Canada Foundation. An unrestricted gift does not specify use by a particular fund or ministry, trusting that it will be put to work where it is needed most.
When Judith McNeil Sim of Victoria B.C. passed away and left a generous unrestricted gift in her Will to the Foundation, we were able to identify an urgent need for support and direct funding immediately. In Summer 2021, our Board of Directors approved the commitment of $200,000 of Judith’s bequest to be used to pursue Reconciliation; to support the research component of the General Council’s commitment of resources and $100,000 to the Justice & Reconciliation Fund. Judith’s faithful forethought to leave the Foundation a gift in her Will has been – and will continue to be – a blessing in this important work.
To where it’s Needed Most
While some donors choose to direct their gifts to specific ministries, causes or funds, many others choose to make an “unrestricted” gift to the United Church of Canada Foundation. An unrestricted gift does not specify use by a particular fund or ministry, trusting that it will be put to work where it is needed most.
When Judith McNeil Sim of Victoria B.C. passed away and left a generous unrestricted gift in her Will to the Foundation, we were able to identify an urgent need for support and direct funding immediately. In Summer 2021, our Board of Directors approved the commitment of $200,000 of Judith’s bequest to be used to pursue Reconciliation; to support the research component of the General Council’s commitment of resources and $100,000 to the Justice & Reconciliation Fund. Judith’s faithful forethought to leave the Foundation a gift in her Will has been – and will continue to be – a blessing in this important work.
We recently made a donation [of securities] to the United Church Foundation. We were very pleased with how easy this was to arrange, how quickly it was accomplished, and how it was all handled. We would like to make this our regular means of effecting our charitable donations in the future.
– A generous Gift Fund Donor
We recently made a donation [of securities] to the United Church Foundation. We were very pleased with how easy this was to arrange, how quickly it was accomplished, and how it was all handled. We would like to make this our regular means of effecting our charitable donations in the future.
– A generous Gift Fund Donor
Stewardship
Year after year, we thank all of our donors for their incredible generosity of spirit, as well as their trust in the Foundation to properly steward their gifts to support the causes, ministries, and communities that lie close to their hearts. In 2021, we were able to be a part of some amazing acts of generosity, which have already created measurable change for the better across Canada and the world.
2021 Expenditures
$8,567,150
Grants (from short and long-term funds)
$7,644,103 • 89%
Charitable Activities
$254,327 • 3%
Management & Administration
$517,930 • 6%
Fundraising Expenses
$150,790 • 2%
2021 Total Grants Made
$6,671,622
Grants from short-term funds
$4,782,215 • 72%
Mission & Service
$1,050,069 • 16%
Church Programs and Funds
$745,234 • 11%
Overseas Projects
$94,103 • 1%
Stewardship
Year after year, we thank all of our donors for their incredible generosity of spirit, as well as their trust in the Foundation to properly steward their gifts to support the causes, ministries, and communities that lie close to their hearts. In 2021, we were able to be a part of some amazing acts of generosity, which have already created measurable change for the better across Canada and the world.
2021 Expenditures
$8,567,150
Grants (from short and long-term funds)
$7,644,103 • 89%
Charitable Activities
$254,327 • 3%
Management & Administration
$517,930 • 6%
Fundraising Expenses
$150,790 • 2%
2021 Total Grants Made
$6,671,622
Grants from short-term funds
$4,782,215 • 72%
Mission & Service
$1,050,069 • 16%
Church Programs and Funds
$745,234 • 11%
Overseas Projects
$94,103 • 1%
Foundational Leadership
Board of Directors
Janet Stockton, ON – Board Chair
The Rev. Tim Reaburn, ON – Vice Chair
The Rev. Paul Douglas Walfall, AB – Secretary
Jim Simpson, BC – Treasurer
Mary Royal Duczek, ON
Brenda Munro, NS
Royal Orr, QC
The Very Rev. Dr. Gary Paterson, BC
The Rev. Michael Blair, ON
The Rev. Evan ᓅᑎᓐ Smith, ON
Ryan Baxter, ON
Lance Howard, NB
Jackie Carter, ON
Foundation Staff
Sarah Charters
President
Erik Lo Forte
Foundation Lead
Karen Seunarine
Mission Advancement Lead
Jessica Smith
Foundation Communications & Campaign Associate
Jenna Yango Leonard
Foundation Coordinator
Kate Porter
Assistant
Foundational Leadership
Board of Directors
Janet Stockton, ON – Board Chair
The Rev. Tim Reaburn, ON – Vice Chair
The Rev. Paul Douglas Walfall, AB – Secretary
Jim Simpson, BC – Treasurer
Mary Royal Duczek, ON
Brenda Munro, NS
Royal Orr, QC
The Very Rev. Dr. Gary Paterson, BC
The Rev. Michael Blair, ON
The Rev. Evan ᓅᑎᓐ Smith, ON
Ryan Baxter, ON
Lance Howard, NB
Jackie Carter, ON
Foundation Staff
Sarah Charters
President
Erik Lo Forte
Foundation Lead
Karen Seunarine
Mission Advancement Lead
Jessica Smith
Foundation Communications & Campaign Associate
Jenna Yango Leonard
Foundation Coordinator
Kate Porter
Assistant
Focusing on the Future Together
1 866 340-8223 • fdn@united-church.ca
www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
The United Church of Canada Foundation provides service and support to all courts of the Church and United Church-related institutions and organizations.
The Foundation facilitates gifts of stocks, mutual funds, etc., provides grants for innovative and unique programs and projects run by United Church-related organizations, and facilitates the longterm support of all courts of the Church and their mission and service.
DESIGN: WISHART.NET
