Driving positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas and resources.

Driving positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas and resources.

A Foundation for the Future: 2024 Annual Report

We’re excited to launch our latest annual report: A Foundation for the Future. Read some inspiring grant and donor stories, our financial highlights and meet HCF staff members along the way! View the full report here.

Creating a vibrant, diverse and inclusive Hamilton

SCAFFOLD is a $50 million commitment to affordable housing that brings together resources based on research, consultation and the advice of policy experts.

Hamilton’s Vital Signs is a resource to help us understand our city over time; the more we understand, the better our effort to help it thrive.

ABACUS focuses on the transitions to and through the middle-school years to increase the likelihood that young Hamiltonians graduate high school and access post-secondary opportunities.

News & events


September 26, 2024

Note: Office closed September 30, 2024

The HCF team will be working, but our office location at 120 King Street West will be closed so that staff can participate in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events. Please connect with them online or via phone.  



July 24, 2024

HCF responds to YMCA fire with $25,000 grant

As the result of a July 22 fire at the YMCA Men’s Residence on James Street South, 174 men are not able to return to their rooms while insurance and restorative services are being undertaken. The residents will continue to be displaced while staying in various areas of the YMCA facility. Hamilton Community Foundation has responded with a $25,000 grant from its Immediate Response Fund, along with other community partners who are providing meals, clothes, and bedding during this challenging time. However, the need is great and will continue for some time. If you would like to make a direct donation please visit the YMCA website to contribute and keep up to date. 



July 17, 2024

Terry Cooke announces retirement

HCF President & CEO Terry Cooke is set to retire at the end of August. Read more here.



June 6, 2024

Bursary Advisory Committee call for nominees

We are seeking three nominees to help allocate financial support for students from our bursary funds. Learn more here.



April 12, 2024

UnCharitable documentary screening

We’re glad to sponsor a screening of UnCharitable, presented by Immigrants Working Centre, on April 24 at Westdale Cinema. More details here.



April 12, 2024

Our new Legacy Spring newsletter is out now!

Read about a new participatory granting pilot, eviction prevention supports, a mental health program for refugees and more in the latest edition of our newsletter. Read it here.



April 2, 2024

President & CEO search

The search is on for our next President & CEO! Learn more about the role and how to apply through The Griffith Group here.


Hamilton Community Foundation land acknowledgement

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

Actions

HCF has approved a draft Declaration of Action to contribute and implement its response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, as well as to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We are also undertaking board and staff education to deepen our knowledge and understanding of colonialism’s history and ongoing impact. 

Read about our Impact

Building for community

Trinity Lutheran Church’s gift helps address affordable housing in Hamilton This is a story about honouring the past. And buildi…

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Home for good

Program helps urban Indigenous tenants maintain their housing for the long term It’s one thing to have housing. It’s another t…

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Step by step

Tutoring program helps newcomer families find a path to a brighter future The room is remarkably quiet, considering its four walls…

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The gift that keeps on giving

Sisters continue their parents’ legacy of philanthropy The late Mark Nimigan never lost his commitment to Hamilton’s north end…

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Good vibrations

McMaster studies show music therapy improves student mental health It’s been said that music is medicine — and now there’s p…

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Honoring a legacy of belonging

New fund supports families of people living with disabilities Marcia Marcaccio believed in the power of community. In a long life,…

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Heeding the call of community

Dr. Juliet Daniel’s giving enables flexibility to address changing needs Dr. Juliet Daniel is a world-renowned cancer biologist …

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Trusting in our community

Sometimes trying something different can reveal new possibilities and strengthen relationships. A participatory granting pilot at …

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