<March6>

Media Release

March 6, 2007

Philanthropy Hotter than Ever

Community Foundation of Ottawa assets reached $96 million in record year.

(Ottawa) – Philanthropy was a hotbed of activity in 2006, fuelled by generous donors, strong investment returns and new tax incentives that turned the year into a record-breaker for Canada’s network of 155 community foundations.

Celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, the Community Foundation of Ottawa continues to attract a high level of giving by its donors. High investment returns on the Foundation’s endowment fund also contributed to increasing the Foundation’s assets, which now stand at a record $96 million. The Foundation’s success is good news for the community; since its inception, the Community Foundation has distributed $36 million dollars in grants in support of a wide range of causes. Another $5 million will be given away this year.

“There’s no doubt that the spotlight was on philanthropy in 2006,” says Barbara McInnes, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Ottawa. “Canadians took advantage of new options for giving which grew exponentially last year after the federal government eliminated capital gains tax on gifts of securities. There was a lot of interest and excitement and it shows. It’s a wonderful way to begin our twentieth anniversary year.”

The Community Foundation of Ottawa is part of a national network of local foundations. Collectively, community foundations received $271 million in new gifts in 2006 and assets grew to $2.7 billion from $2.3 billion.

“More importantly, in 2006 we distributed $137 million to thousands of charities in urban and rural communities across the country – contributing to the widest possible range of programs from health, sports and recreation, to the arts, education, social services, and the environment,” says Monica Patten, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.

For instance, the Community Foundation of Ottawa gave $5,000 to assist Ottawa-area schools in making their school grounds healthier, more natural environments for children. It also provided more than $18,000 to the Ottawa Mission to provide accessible primary and mental health care, and to open a new dentistry clinic for the homeless population.

“Our donors expect a lot from their giving,” says McInnes. “They come to community foundations because our people are front-line experts who know their community inside and out – all the organizations, programs and priorities – and this knowledge helps them get more out of their giving.”

About the Community Foundation of Ottawa

The Community Foundation of Ottawa is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. It connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community. It attracts and manages a growing endowment, the invested earnings of which provide grants to charitable organizations. The Foundation’s role is as neutral broker in support of all charitable causes that contribute to the community’s quality of life. With its growing profile, the Community Foundation of Ottawa has built an enviable reputation for astute financial management, high-quality donor services, strategic grantmaking and innovative partnerships.

For more information on national philanthropy statistics in 2006, visit