As stated in our mission statement, the Community Foundation of Ottawa aims to "enhance the nature and scope of philanthropy, primarily in the local community but also nationally and internationally." In so doing, the Community Foundation plays a leadership role by bringing people together from all sectors to identify and address issues and opportunities in the region.

Ottawa's Vital Signs is an annual checkup through which the Community Foundation of Ottawa measures the vitality of our city, identifies significant trends, and assigns grades in eleven areas critical to Ottawa’s quality of life. These areas include: the Gap between Rich and Poor; Safety; Health and Wellness; Learning; Housing; Getting Started in the Community; Arts and Culture; Environment; Work; Belonging and Leadership; and Getting Around. The Ottawa’s Vital Signs report will be published every autumn by the Community Foundation of Ottawa. Listen to the OVS PODCAST.

 

The ENGAGE! program was launched in 2005 to inspire local entrepreneurs and investors to make a commitment to give back to the community when they are successful. In its first three months, the program had already attracted over 100 members and established its first fund.

 

The Ottawa Youth in Philanthropy program was launched in 2005 to provide young people with an opportunity to learn and participate in community philanthropy. Our new Youth Advisory Committee is made up of youths aged 14 – 21 who are involved in all aspects of the Foundation’s work, including acting as community convenors, building endowment funds and making grants to youth projects in the community.