Giving

Starting a fund

Hamilton Community Foundation is a valuable resource to donors who want to give in a way that has impact in the community, is meaningful to them, and leaves a legacy. We combine our community knowledge, grantmaking and professional investment expertise to offer you a complete range of philanthropic services. At HCF, we:

Chris and Jared celebrated their wedding by setting up a fund at HCF to support organizations making a difference for gay and lesbian youth. “We weren’t exactly kids when we got married; we didn’t need toasters,” Chris says, so they encouraged friends to launch the fund with their gifts instead. That was in 2018 and they have not looked back. Read their story here.

Fund minimums and fees

Fund minimums depend on the type of fund, ranging from $5,000 – $50,000. Our fees are typically 1.5% or 2% annually, depending on the type of the fund, and include all services such as granting and investment management.

Granting

Funds can grant to registered charitable organizations that meet the fund’s purpose. This can include charities in Hamilton or throughout Canada. Funds grant according to our spending policy which is currently five percent.

Flow-through options

Once an endowed fund has reached its fund minimum, donors may direct new donations to flow-through to help meet immediate needs. Flow-through funds may also be established when the fund purpose aligns with HCF’s strategic priorities.   

Responsible and impact investing

All endowed funds at HCF are fully committed to responsible and impact investing, to align with our mission and values, allowing donors to make an impact through granting and investments.

Types of funds

We provide a full range of giving options – from establishing your own fund with the name and purpose you choose, to having a named fund in the Community Fund. You can fundraise for your funds and allow others to make donations, or have your fund anonymous and private. Funds can begin immediately or as a deferred fund when we receive your estate gift through your will.

Agency Fund

Establishing an agency endowment fund at HCF is a simple and efficient way to build a permanent source of income for your charitable organization.

Community Fund

Responds to Hamilton’s most pressing issues now and into the future, with granting decisions made by HCF. Donations of any amount are welcome, with Named Funds in the Community Fund starting at $5,000

Designated Fund

Provide annual support for  the charities named by the donor. Designated funds start at $25,000, with a minimum of $10,000 designated per charity, and a 1.5% fee.  

Donor-Advised

Donors or fund advisory committees recommend annual grants to charities of their choice, with HCF’s support. This option is popular for multigenerational giving and strategic philanthropy. Start at $25,000 with a 2% fee. 

Field-of-Interest

Donors specify issues they care about and give HCF the flexibility to choose the grant recipients. Donors choose from pre-determined fields or select their own. Start at $10,000 or $25,000 with a 1.5% fee rate.  

Student Awards Funds

Support students in accessing post-secondary education through awards, scholarships, and bursaries. Start at $50,000 with a 2% fee.  

Learn more about giving at HCF: https://www.hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca/giving

    Contact Us

    Learn more here or contact philanthropicservices@hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca, 905.523.5600 X 253 or fill out the below form.