Inspiration 100™ Invests $150,000 in 10 Local Charitable Organizations | | |
It was an evening of generosity, community, and celebration as Inspiration 100™ gathered for its 11th Annual Member Meeting and 10th Annual Grants Award Ceremony on September 23 at Essex Golf & Country Club.
Bringing together members, guests, and community leaders, the event highlighted the incredible impact that can be achieved when individuals come together with a shared commitment to philanthropy. This year, Inspiration 100™ invested $150,000 in ten local charitable organizations, supporting programs and services that improve the quality of life across Windsor-Essex.
Since its inception, Inspiration 100™ has empowered members to nominate, review, and vote on grant recipients, ensuring that each investment reflects the collective priorities and values of the group. Through this unique, community-led approach to giving, Inspiration 100™ continues to build a legacy of generosity and long-term community support.
This year's grant recipients included:
- Second Chance Animal Rescue of Windsor Essex County
- Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association
- Drouillard Place
- Kiwanis Sunshine Point Camp
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace
- Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative
- W.E. Care for Kids Foundation
- Street Help Windsor
- John McGivney Children's Centre
- Hiatus House
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Reaching New Milestones
This year's grants mark a significant milestone for Inspiration 100™. With its latest round of giving, the group has now invested more than $750,000 in grants to 60 local charities over the past decade.
"Inspiration 100™ began with a bold idea: to build a sustainable source of funding that would uplift Windsor-Essex for generations to come," said Rae-Anne Copat, Chair of the Inspiration 100™ Executive Committee. "We're honoured to invest $150,000 in ten deserving charities this year and look forward to seeing the impact of this investment."
As Inspiration 100™ enters its second decade of giving, its members continue to demonstrate the power of collective philanthropy. Together, they are creating meaningful change today while building a stronger, more vibrant Windsor-Essex for the future.
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Join WECF on October 14, 2026, at Willistead Manor for the official launch of the 2026 Vital Signs® Report, an important snapshot of the social, economic, and environmental well-being of our region.
Developed through local data, research, and community feedback, Vital Signs® helps identify the issues, opportunities, and priorities that matter most to Windsor-Essex residents. The report serves as a valuable resource for community organizations, businesses, governments, donors, and residents working together to build a stronger and more vibrant community.
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This special event will provide attendees with an early look at the 2026 findings and an opportunity to learn more about the trends shaping our region. From housing and health to belonging, the environment, arts and culture, and more, the report offers important insights that help guide community action and investment.
Event Details
Date: October 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Willistead Manor
| | Space is limited. Register today and be a part of the discussion and one of the first to discover the findings of the 2026 Vital Signs® Report. | |
ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP
An Afternoon of Learning and Planning
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On September 17, WECF welcomed community members to the Windsor Yacht Club for The 3 Basic Estate Planning Documents Women Need to Have, an informative workshop designed to help women better understand the importance of planning for the future.
Led by Ashley Harmon, B.A., J.D. of Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP, the session explored key estate planning topics, including Powers of Attorney, Wills, and the importance of having a plan in place to protect loved ones and ensure personal wishes are respected.
We were delighted to see so many women take an active role in planning for their future and creating a lasting legacy for those they care about most. Workshops like this help empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed choices for themselves and their families.
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WECF extends its sincere thanks to Ashley Harmon for sharing her expertise, as well as to everyone who attended and contributed to the engaging discussion.
Stay tuned for future educational events and opportunities to learn more about estate planning, philanthropy, and legacy giving.
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FALL 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN NOW
Apply Today!
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The Hocktoberfest Legacy Scholarship celebrates the dedication, leadership, and achievements of female hockey players both on and off the ice. The annual scholarship was established to support female hockey players entering or currently attending a Canadian post-secondary institution.
The scholarship provides an opportunity to help turn a passion for hockey and education into a bright future.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have reached secondary school graduating status and be pursuing a post-secondary education or be enrolled in a post-secondary program.
- Proof of enrollment is required.
- Must be a female hockey player.
- Must be taking part in this years Hocktoberfest Female Hockey Tournament.
- Must have an overall good grade average.
- Must demonstrate evidence of community involvement.
DEADLINE: October 9, 2026
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The Sharon and Gary Kelly Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a post-secondary degree in Accounting or Financial studies at the St. Clair College or the University of Windsor. The scholarship is credited toward the recipient’s Winter semester tuition.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have graduated from a secondary school in Essex County in the past academic year or be currently enrolled at St. Clair College or the University of Windsor.
- Be pursuing or actively enrolled in a post-secondary program in Accounting or Finance.
- Maintain at least a “B” average in their Fall semester (proof of enrollment and unofficial transcript required).
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be in the top 10 decile of their final year of secondary school.
- Show active participation in extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
- Demonstrate initiative through part-time employment.
- Successfully complete one post-secondary term prior to the funds being disbursed (by January 31, 2026).
DEADLINE: October 31, 2026
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WECF 2026 Annual Meeting
November 3, 2026 | 4:00PM-6:00PM
WECF is pleased to invite community members, fundholders, partners in philanthropy, grant recipients and supporters to our 2026 Annual Meeting & Grants Award Ceremony.
Each year, this special event provides an opportunity to reflect on the collective impact of community philanthropy across Windsor-Essex while celebrating the organizations, volunteers, and donors who help make that impact possible. We look forward to celebrating community investments made over the past year, and announcing this year's Community Impact Grant recipients, highlighting projects are strengthening our community.
Event Details:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Essex Golf & Country Club, 7555 Matchett Rd., LaSalle
- 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a reception, the Annual Meeting and Grants Award Ceremony, and an opportunity to connect with fellow community leaders, donors, and partners who share a commitment to improving the quality of life in Windsor-Essex.
Together, we will reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and celebrate the power of community philanthropy to create lasting change.
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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.
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For the Love of Community
Community Foundations turn lasting generosity into community impact, all across Canada. We pool donations, invest them for the long term, and fund programs that help communities thrive. And at a time when many feel stretched or divided, community foundations bring people, resources and ideas together to build a stronger future for everyone.
Community foundations create lasting change. Help us do that right here at home — visit fortheloveofcommunity.ca
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