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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND PRESIDENT
If ever you're in search of a silver lining during the current economic crisis, you need look no further than the community in which we live. Even in the face of ever-gathering clouds on the fiscal horizon, 2008 was an illuminating time for those of us working with those who give and the organizations who serve those in need in our community. And while financial doom and gloom was tightening its grip on the world in the latter part of the year, it was especially inspiring to see the innovative ways in which this community's generosity rises to the challenges presented to its citizens. We are happy to share that a number of our donors responded in an especially positive way to a call for end-of-year flow-through gifts to assist the community. Thus, in the end, the Foundation was able to distribute close to $5 million in grants in 2008. At the beginning of 2009 we announced that, after untangling a number of legal and regulatory constraints, we have determined that we are in a position to make grants in the amount of $2.7 million from the endowment in 2009.
As we strive to ensure increased efficiencies in all aspects of our work, we are also actively rising to the challenge of playing a more environmentally responsible role as an organization. In keeping with this objective, donors will note an increase in the amount of electronic correspondence from the Foundation over the coming year, along with a move towards creating more paperless publications. As you've no doubt noted, much of the content of the 2008 Annual Report has been published exclusively to the website, including the customary lists of Foundation grants and funds. We hope you will appreciate this new comprehensive, environmentally-friendly approach to reporting back to our donors and the community at large. As always, we welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for future improvements.
Despite the challenges, the Board and staff of the Community Foundation of Ottawa are invigorated by the possibilities of meeting our mandate in new and creative ways, and remain committed to serving our donors and supporting the community for generations to come.
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