The Winkler Community Foundation (WCF) celebrated a major milestone last Thursday as it celebrated 30 years of philanthropy with its largest-ever year of granting. A total of $205,836 was distributed to 35 organizations.
The celebration gathered board members, community partners, and grant recipients to reflect on WCF’s legacy and recognize the collective impact of community-driven generosity.
Three decades of giving
Foundation Chair Barb Neufeld reflected on the long-term impact of WCF's support, sharing stories from across three decades of local investment.
“Over the past 30 years, the foundation has granted millions of dollars to a wide array of projects, from education and healthcare to arts and culture, and ensuring that every corner of our community benefits from its generosity,” Neufeld said. “And when I say it's generosity, it's actually the citizens of the community. It's their generosity, because that's where the money comes from.”
She went on to describe how community support, from donors to volunteers, has enabled the Foundation to touch nearly every aspect of life in Winkler. “I don't think there's a school playground in our division in this area that hasn't been supported by the foundation, and that goes for daycares as well.”
Reflecting on the Foundation’s growth
Vice-Chair Chad Harder, who is now in his third year with the Foundation, looked back on what brought him into the organization. “When I was asked to join and I looked at what they do for the Community, it was a very easy decision to say yes and put my time into it.”
Harder noted that this year’s exceptional level of funding was due in part to the Thomas Sill Foundation, which helped boost WCF’s granting capacity. “We were able to grant considerably more money this year, which is very exciting for the foundation,” he said, adding, “Hopefully, people will realize that the money that they invest in the foundation is money that will be there forever.”
The Foundation now manages 23 endowment funds, ensuring that what it does remains sustainable. “All contributions are pooled together. Investing is from the interest term from these endowment funds that goes back into the community’s work groups,” Harder explained.
Looking ahead, WCF is eager to grow its portfolio to continue scaling its impact. “This community is very generous... if we have a push out there, I think we can achieve it, and then we can do good things for this community for years to come.”
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Looking to the next 30 years
Executive Director Myra Peters concluded the event with a message of ongoing commitment: “With every donation, every initiative, and every partnership, we strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations.”
With a legacy of over $3.4 million granted since 1996, the Winkler Community Foundation continues to build momentum. As it moves into the next chapter, its mission remains rooted in generosity, community spirit, and a deep commitment to improving lives in Winkler and the surrounding area.
For the full list of grants given, visit the WCF website.