© Courtesy of SurreyCares
Since 1994, SurreyCares Community Foundation has been Surrey’s charity for charities. SurreyCares makes decisions based on our local expertise to grow the not-for-profit sector. As the Community Foundation of the third fastest-growing city in Canada, we continue growing to meet our community’s future needs.
Community foundations help guide volunteer efforts and financial support to where they can make the greatest impact. Community knowledge gives us a deeper understanding of the well-being of our community and fosters collaboration with others. It is at the heart of our work. SurreyCares helps donors make a positive difference in our community, and in the lives of people here.
Our total investments have grown and so have our grants that support important community causes
In 2022, SurreyCares Community Foundation granted almost $519,000 to community organizations delivering a wide range of programs. These grants were made possible by investment income. In most cases, the original gifts are invested for long-term growth.
Endowment funds create a legacy for lasting impact. In addition to the Community Grants, SurreyCares distributed scholarships, bursaries, and grants to ten charities for whom a designated fund was created. SurreyCares Community Foundation, in partnership with generous donors, also made grants to the City of Surrey for Keery Park enhancements in support of the resurfacing of the South Surrey Athletic Track (Race2Resurface); the Surrey School District in support of youth and families with disabilities; and a special Youth Philanthropy Initiative grant. In 2022, SurreyCares plans to grant over $800,000 in local dollars and federal programs in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada.
Looking Back
In 1992, a group of community leaders began work on establishing what is now the SurreyCares Community Foundation. Officially established in 1994, individuals and corporate donors contributed to the original monies of the Foundation. 1998 saw the creation of the Foundation’s first locally held endowment fund—in support of community health.
Surrey has Francisca and Edwin Darts to thank for seeding the Foundation’s largest endowment fund in 2001: creating a legacy to benefit our very own Surrey. Their original endowment of $200,000 now stands at over $4 million. With our stewardship, their legacy will provide an estimated $4 million in investment income over the next 25 years, monies that finance capital projects in the garden.
As we approach 30 years, we need your help to keep pace with the needs of our growing community during good times and difficult times.
Now, in 2022, our funds are expanding, and with your help, they will grow more quickly to address pressing needs. Here are three of the many ways you can support through SurreyCares:
Food Security—We have seen an increase in the need for food security. It is timely that the new Food for Everyone Fund is established. Proceeds from our second annual Toonies for Tomorrow Campaign in February 2023 are designated for food security.
Seniors—Proceeds from this year’s Challenge and Cheers Event for Professional Advisors are to raise dollars for the launch of a Seniors Fund to fill a gap in our community and
Women—SurreyCares Community Foundation is seeking matching dollars to support our Women’s Equity Fund.
As a medium-sized community foundation serving a large and fast-growing city, we are proud of the impact we have. With the support of the community during these challenging times, we can do even more at a faster pace to support charities that face increased demand for services and increased costs.
Show that you care by giving to the community where you live, work and play at surreycares.org
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SurreyCares Community Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization that provides funding, financial administration and research for the community.