New Environmental Endowment Fund Opens Up New Possibilities

The Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) is honoured to announce the creation of the Dorothea Thomas Foundation, an endowment fund that will be directed exclusively to supporting environmental causes here in Niagara. With total assets valuing over $5 million, this new fund will have significant impact on Niagara’s environmental sector.

The Dorothea Thomas Foundation is a Field of Interest fund, giving NCF’s Environmental Grants Program a significant boost. Environmental grants are dispersed in the new year, and the added $5 million will allow for larger investments into the sector. Applications for NCF’s Environmental Grants Program are now open until January 17th.

“NCF has a proud history of providing grants to environmental charities here in Niagara for the past fifteen years,” says NCF executive director Bryan Rose. “However, the Dorothea Thomas Foundation will throw open the doors for new possibilities. This new fund will significantly increase our ability to support the amazing charities in our community who are on the frontlines of environmental issues here in Niagara.”

An example of the Foundation’s External Fund Manager Program, a third party investment manager – RBC Dominion Securities’ Cooper Wealth Management – will manage the assets of the Dorothea Thomas Foundation. This fund further demonstrates the trusted relationship NCF has with allied professionals across Niagara. “Transferring our assets to NCF was an easy choice for us,” shares a member of the family. “We were still able to keep our investment team and allow NCF to fulfill our philanthropic wishes. It was a win-win.” $18 million to charities working in the arts, education and community development sectors across Niagara.”