Elgin - St. Thomas Community Foundation (ESCF) improves community life by connecting donors with causes that match their philanthropic goals. Through our donor-advised fund program, contributions are invested into an endowment fund, generating annual income for charitable organizations in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

About Us

A group of people stacking their hands together in the center, showing various colored sweaters and accessories.

2024 Impact Board

Donations Received

Grants Given in 2024

Amount Granted in 2024

Granted Since Inception

Mission Statement

“Be the bridge between local donors and the needs of our communities”

Vision Statement

“Every member of the community has an equal opportunity to live a meaningful life”

A park with large trees and people walking, biking, and relaxing on the grass on a sunny day.
Five people lying on a blanket outdoors, smiling and enjoying themselves.

Community Foundations are charitable organizations dedicated to improving communities in specific geographical areas. They achieve this by pooling the charitable gifts of donors to create endowment funds, which are then invested to generate income for grants. Through partnerships with caring local people, Community Foundations invest in community-based solutions that create meaningful and lasting impacts. Anyone can start a fund and make a positive impact in their community.

What is a Community Foundation?

Two professionals, a man and a woman, joyfully high-fiving at a cluttered office desk with papers, two coffee mugs, a laptop, and a glass of water, inside a bright room with large windows and exposed brick wall.

How Does it Work?

  • We focus on endowed funds

  • We receive donations & issue tax receipts

  • We invest the gifts received

  • We work closely with donors to create personalized, long-term giving plans

  • We grant to charities/qualified donees

  • We support a wide range of causes based on donor interests and community needs

  • We’re politically neutral

The Story Our Logo Tells:

Logo featuring a black tree with green and red heart-shaped leaves, two stylized human figures holding hands at the base, and blue ground. Text reads "Elgin - St. Thomas Community Foundation."

The water symbolizes the ever changing landscape of Elgin and St. Thomas, reflecting the spirit of evolution and adaptability

The subtle line within the design at the base of the trunk represents the bridge we build, connecting donors with charitable causes that align with their giving interests

The trunk is a dual symbol, signifying both the communities we support and the change-makers within ~ our donors and charitable organizations actively engaged in transformative work, fostering positive social change

The green leaves evoke themes of renewal and growth and capture the essence of donor dollars, originating from the heart

The red heart, often considered the community’s core, extends its significance to encompass the many giving hearts in Elgin and St. Thomas. It stands as a collective representation of the community’s generosity and compassion

ESCF educates on charitable giving options tailored to personal interests, provides administrative services and grant-making expertise, helps individuals create personal legacies through named funds, and offers the option to gift anonymously.

Personalized Service

Community Leadership

ESCF builds endowments to enable grants to support the community. We bring together people and service organizations from all parts of St. Thomas and Elgin County to encourage active participation to strengthen our communities.

Community Foundations of Canada

We are a proud member of Community Foundations of Canada

Three people standing in a line, each wearing colorful jackets, with one person holding another's hand.

“At Community Foundations of Canada, our work is guided by a simple but powerful purpose:
Relentlessly pursuing a future where everyone belongs”

Check out their website here

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