2026 ANNUAL MEETING & COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS AWARD CEREMONY
WECF Celebrates Another Successful Year of Philanthropy
| | |
On November 3, WECF welcomed fundholders, community partners, volunteers, and others to the 2026 Annual Meeting & Grants Award Ceremony at Essex Golf & Country Club.
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on another year of community impact, celebrate the generosity of our partners in philanthropy, and recognize the many organizations and individuals helping to strengthen Windsor-Essex.
Investing in Community
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of WECF's 2026 Community Impact Grants. This year, WECF awarded a total of over $100,000 in grants to local organizations, supporting projects that address community needs and create lasting positive change across Windsor-Essex.
This year's grant recipients were:
- Assist Group for Putting Youth in Sport
- Bike Friendly Windsor
- Connections Early Years Family Centre Inc.
- Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative
- Windsor International Film Festival
- Windsor Symphony Orchestra
- Slovak Heritage Foundation of Windsor-Essex County
Demand for funding was exceptionally strong this year, with WECF receiving over 60 applications requesting nearly $900,000 - one of the highest levels of interest the program has ever seen. The response underscores both the tremendous work being done by local organizations and the growing need for investment in community initiatives throughout the region.
“Investing $1.4 million back into our community is a remarkable achievement made possible by the vision and generosity of our partners in philanthropy,” says Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of WECF. “These grants support meaningful projects that strengthen Windsor-Essex, improve quality of life, and empower local organizations to make a lasting difference.”
WECF extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us for this year's Annual Meeting & Grants Award Ceremony and to all those who support our work throughout the year. Together, we are investing in a stronger Windsor-Essex and creating lasting impact.
| | The WECF's 2025-2026 Annual Report is now available on our website. Learn all about our work in community over the past year! | |
THE 2026 VITAL SIGNS REPORT IS HERE!
Your Voice. Your Community. Your Impact.
| | |
On October 14, WECF welcomed community leaders, partner organizations, fundholders, donors, and residents to the launch of the 2026 Vital Signs® Report at Willistead Manor, providing an updated snapshot of the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Windsor-Essex.
Now in its thirteenth edition, the Vital Signs® Report continues to capture the experiences, priorities, and perspectives of local residents. Developed through community surveys and research, the report serves as an important tool for understanding the issues that matter most and helping guide future action across the region.
| | |
The launch event also included Vital Conversation roundtables, giving local changemakers the chance to connect, share insights, and collaborate on how we can strengthen Windsor-Essex together.
The full 2026 Vital Signs® Report is now available to read on the WECF website. We invite residents, organizations, and leaders across Windsor-Essex to explore the findings, reflect on what they mean, and use them to take informed action.
| | | A special thanks to several local leaders who shared their insights to help bring the report's findings to life. Mayor Gary McNamara of Tecumseh shared reflections on regional collaboration and community growth, while Karel DeGraaf, Deputy Chief of Operational Support with Windsor Police Service, discussed themes related to community safety. Margo Reilly of the Windsor Family Health Team provided valuable perspectives on health, wellness, and quality of life, highlighting the important role these issues play in building a strong community. | |
NEW PARTNERS IN PHILANTHROPY
WECF Welcomes New Funds!
| | The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is proud to announce the creation of nine new funds this year, further strengthening our capacity to support the community. We are honored by the trust placed in us by our fund holders, and we are excited to help bring these meaningful partnerships to life. | |
New Funds Established in 2025-2026:
- Anndrea & Anthony Di Meo Foundation Fund
- Connections Early Years Family Centre Fund
- Emancipation Celebration Fund
- Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Scholarship Fund
- Kimberly Matton Memorial Fund
- Lynda Corkum/Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Scholarship Fund
- Mo Kolody/Kolody Contracting Scholarship Fund
- Rattray Family Scholarship Fund
- Ryan Malewicz Scholarship Fund
| We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our new, current, and past fund holders for choosing the WindsorEssex Community Foundation as the steward of your charitable legacies. We look forward to working alongside you to make a lasting impact in our community and are excited to embark on this meaningful journey together. | | |
HOCKTOBERFEST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Supporting Leaders through Education and Sport
| | | | |
Congratulations to Beatrice M., recipient of the Hocktoberfest Legacy Scholarship Fund!
This scholarship recognizes a female hockey player who demonstrates dedication both on and off the ice through academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to pursuing post-secondary education.
We are proud to support students like Beatrice as they continue their educational journey and work toward achieving their goals. Congratulations, Beatrice, and best wishes for continued success!
| | |
OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
WECF Thanks Rachelle Booth for nearly a Decade of Service
| | |
After nearly a decade of dedicated service, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Rachelle Booth as she concludes her term on our Board of Directors.
Since joining the Board in 2017, Rachelle has played an important role in helping guide the Foundation’s growth and impact throughout Windsor-Essex. Serving as a Director, Chair, and Past Chair, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our mission and a passion for building a stronger, more connected community. Throughout her time with WECF, Rachelle brought a thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership.
| | | | |
Drawing on her experience in business, relationship-building, and community engagement, she helped shape strategic decisions while ensuring the Foundation remained focused on the needs of the people and organizations we serve. Her ability to bring people together, foster meaningful partnerships, and approach challenges with optimism and professionalism has left a lasting mark on the organization.
While her Board service has come to an end, we are pleased that Rachelle’s involvement with WECF will continue. She will remain an active member of both the Governance Committee and Inspiration 100, allowing the Foundation to continue benefiting from her insight and dedication. We look forward to working alongside her in her continued volunteer roles for years to come.
| |
Mark your Calendar for GivingTuesday
A Day to Give Local, a Lifetime of Impact
Join millions of people around the world in celebrating generosity and community impact. This GivingTuesday, consider making a gift that supports collective action and has powerful impact.
While many people associate charitable giving with creating an endowment fund, there are many ways to make a difference through WECF. Our Flow-Through Funds provide an opportunity to support projects and initiatives that are actively fundraising and creating impact in our community today.
Whether you're passionate about preserving local history, supporting community spaces, advancing arts and culture, or contributing to other important causes, your gift can help move meaningful projects forward when they need it most.
Every donation, regardless of size, helps strengthen Windsor-Essex. By supporting a Flow-Through Fund or community initiative, you can be part of the collective effort to address local needs, create opportunities, and improve quality of life across our region.
Looking for a cause to support? Explore the projects currently fundraising through WECF's Donor Initiatives and find a cause that speaks to you.
| | | | |
Emancipation Celebration Fund
This fund honours and celebrates the rich history and contributions of Black communities in Windsor-Essex. Donations are helping bring Phase Two of the Emancipation Celebration Monument project to life, including enhancements to the monument and a life-sized bronze sculpture of "Mr. Emancipation," Walter Perry.
| | | | | |
LaSalle Rotary Circle Fund
Created by the Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial, this fund supports the Rotary Circle LaSalle Landing Project, an initiative designed to enhance LaSalle's riverfront and create a lasting community space.
| | | Join us on December 1, 2026, and help create lasting impact in our community. | |
Call for Committee Members
Help Shape the Future of Community Philanthropy
WECF is currently seeking passionate and engaged community members to join our Finance & Audit Committee and Governance Committee.
Committee members play an important role in supporting the Foundation's work by providing oversight, expertise, and guidance that helps strengthen our organization and advance our mission.
This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your skills, connect with community leaders, and help ensure WECF continues to create lasting impact throughout Windsor-Essex.
If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and helping guide the future of community philanthropy, we would love to hear from you.
Please email info@wecf.ca if interested.
| | | | |
