The Sunset Community Foundation works to make our communities stronger, more vibrant and more just and equitable. We support local organizations that have innovative ideas to improve our region, provide thoughtful community leadership, and attract and manage permanent endowment funds.
The Foundation is home to the Greater Grand Bend Community Fund and the South Huron Community Fund, which includes the municipality funded South Huron Vitality Fund. These funds focused on supporting charities and projects in the communities. SCF supports the Funds by providing administrative, granting and investment services.
The Foundation is also open to the Huron Entrepreneur Fund, which supports small business in Huron County through impact investing.
The Sunset Community Foundation is a member of Community Foundations of Canada.
When you donate to the Foundation, your gift becomes part of our permanent endowment funds. The revenue from the funds is used to support charities in our region. That’s why we say, “For Good. Forever.”
Since the Foundation was founded in 2001, we have supported dozens of organizations in fields from health and education to recreation and the environment, making grants totalling nearly $2 million. Thanks to the vision of our generous donors, the endowment has grown to more than $3.2 million.
Board of Directors Chair
The Sunset Community Foundation is governed by a group of dedicated community leaders who provide their expertise, experience and knowledge on a volunteer basis.
Board Chair
Treasurer & Finance Chair
Governance Chair & Finance Member
Greater Grand Bend Advisory Chair
Greater Grand Bend Advisory Advocate
South Huron Advisory Chair & Relationship Development Member
Bayfield Advisory Advocate & Relationship Development Member
Goderich ACW Advisory Advocate
Huron Entrepreneur Fund Chair & Governance Member
Finance, Governance & Greater Grand Bend Advisory Member
Executive Director
Sunset Community Foundation is made up of various Community Funds and each fund has an active Advisory Committee. The Advocates act as a vibrant channel between the Board and each of our funded geographic communities. The Chairs lead the Community Advisory Committees that oversee the Relationship Development and Granting in each of these funded communities.
Advisory Committees contribute by:
For More Information check out the Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.
Grand Bend Advisory Chair
Sunset Community Foundation Board is excited to work with the Greater Grand Bend Area Advisory Committee which held its first meeting on April 24, 2024 to review the Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. This committee consists of 10 community leaders focusing on revitalizing SCF engagement in the Greater Grand Bend Area.
Please get in touch with our Executive Director at lisa@sunsetcommunityfoundation.ca if you would like more information about this committee and its members.
South Huron Advisory Chair
Council entered into an agreement in 2020 with the Sunset Community Foundation (Foundation) to create the Vitality Fund as part of the South Huron Community Fund. The purpose of the Community Fund is to offer financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, or activities to enhance the quality of life for South Huron residents. Additionally, this committee oversees numerous South Huron Family Funds.
The South Huron Community Fund provides a more efficient and effective method of distributing financial grant support to community groups. The South Huron Advisory Committee is made up of community volunteers to evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the Foundation Board for final decisions. With this arrangement, the South Huron Council has empowered the community to decide the grant funding priorities.
South Huron Municipal Council allocated $50,000 per year to the Fund from 2020 to 2022, with a portion made available annually for grant applications. In 2024, the Municipality contributed an additional $25,000 and has committed to contributing another $25,000 in the near future.
Huron Entrepreneur Advisory Chair
In 2021, the Huron Entrepreneur Fund was established by local business leaders to support charitable initiatives in Huron County, encourage the development of new businesses, and strengthen existing enterprises.
The Fund is held permanently, with grants distributed to charities from the investment income. A portion of the capital is invested through Community Futures Huron, which provides small business loans to local enterprises and returns investment earnings to the Fund.
Together, the Fund’s capital and income are helping to strengthen Huron County by supporting economic growth through business loans and by providing grants to local charities. It offers donors a powerful way to foster economic development while supporting residents facing challenges.
Bayfield Advisory Committee Chair
The Sunset Community Foundation Board is excited to be working with the Bayfield Advisory Committee, formed in the fall of 2024. Together, we are exploring the potential impact of creating dedicated Bayfield and Bluewater Funds to support the unique needs of these vibrant communities.
The Bayfield Advisory Committee is bringing together residents, businesses, and families to identify shared priorities and inspire meaningful, lasting legacies that enrich life in the Bayfield and Bluewater area.
You’ll see us at fairs, parades, and community events throughout the year!
If you would like to learn more or nominate a community ambassador to join the committee, please contact lisa@sunsetcommunityfoundation.ca.
