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ANNUAL REPORT2014

www.buildingtomorrowtoday.com

WHY... BECAUSE

COMMUNITY MATTERS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF A NATIONAL NETWORK OF 191 COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS WORKING INDEPENDENTLY, BUT AS A PART OF A NATIONAL TEAM.

My Community Foundation….

represents the spirit of our great community, the selflessness of our residents and the dedication to help others.

My Community Foundation is….

My Community Foundation is….

My Community Foundation is….

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What is the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta?

Leading Change – A message from our CEO and Chair

Building a Stronger Community – Community Foundation Initiatives

Providing Brighter Tomorrows – 2014 Stories of Success

Community Support – 2014 Charitable Groups and Projects

Connecting People with Community – 2014 Endowment Assets

Building Tomorrow Today – Leaving a Legacy, Memorial Donationsand Regional Funds

2014 Financial Statements and Audit Summary

Staying Connected – How to Contact yourCommunity Foundation

fully understanding the bigger picture and having a clear vision for the future

a way to give back in a meaningful way for years to come

committed to community... forever

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VISION MISSIONWe connect donors with community needs and opportunities.

We inspire philanthropy by providing a way for anyone to leave a lasting legacy to our community through permanent endowment building, responsible grants and leadership to meet our community’s needs for today, tomorrow and forever.

The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta helps connect people with local and regional organizations and causes that they care about. We help people like you to enrich the lives of others in a meaningful and satisfying manner. We are unique because we encompass ALL areas of community. Everything we do is designed to help build more vibrant, healthy and resilient communities across the entire Northwestern Alberta region.

Through the generosity of our donors and their gifts of all sizes, we build a lasting impact with the creation of legacy funds that will continue to give forever. The principal of the fund is maintained and the interest earned from these funds generates a sustainable source of support for local charitable projects. In keeping with donors’ wishes, our impact grants support innovative projects and programs in communities throughout

our region -- providing healthy food for kids, ensuring seniors care and support is available for those in need, improving access to post-secondary education, supporting creativity, helping the most challenged members of our community, and many other worthy causes.

There are numerous opportunities in providing leadership in our communities through change and complexity. Each community has unique experiences and challenges and it is our job to listen and respond to them, creating a smart and caring community. We encourage collaboration among charitable agencies, facilitating learning and convening opportunities for all.

We believe your community makes you, and you make your community.

IMPACT GRANTS• Effectively investing in a broad

range of community initiatives• Investing in post-secondary

students

DONOR SERVICES

• Educating the public on philanthropy

• Donor advisory services• Building endowment funds• Investing wisely for

future generations

LEADERSHIP• Proactive planning

of the future• Philanthropic knowledge hub• Facilitate convening • Educate the community

on issues• Strengthen connections

among residents

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Dear Friends! Community means so much to us, why…because community matters. As your Community Foundation, everything we do is focused on community. We take a leadership role of connecting people with community, and investing in local initiatives with resources and financial support.

Our Vital Signs initiative provides a snapshot of the wellbeing of our area and provides a clear understanding of community strengths and needs. We use this report as a road map to guide the work of the Foundation and to connect others to address pressing issues.

We are honoured with the foresight of our founders and generosity of all of our donors and supporters. It is this dedication that inspires us to look to make a difference in virtually every aspect of community life. In 2014, through our fundholders and donors, we impacted 40 local post-secondary students and 37 local

LEADING CHANGE & MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR REGION

We could not do the work we do without the commitment and dedication of our Board, volunteers and staff. We thank all of our supporters for their commitment and collaborative effort to improve the quality of life in Northwestern Alberta – for good and forever. As you read on to learn more about the past year activities of the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, we hope you are inspired by our work and look forward to serving you, forever.

Your community makes you, and you make your community.

Best wishes,

Tracey VavrekChief Executive Officer

Bernd Manz Chair of the Board

community projects that are core assets of a strong, smart and caring community. Nearly $118,000 was directed to invest in our region as grants and post-secondary students awards. These partnerships bring our total impact of $4.19 million invested into our region since inception through your Foundation. Community and organizational growth and vitality fit hand in hand. The Board of Directors maintains an active role in governing the Foundation with a commitment to a strong and healthy Foundation. Through the mentorship of Community Foundations of Canada, we evaluated the core work and direction of the Foundation. As one of 191 Community Foundations across our country, Board and Staff are wholeheartedly committed to look into the future and strengthening our region for future generations by providing leadership to take action today. We will continue to inspire people to be part of growing the endowment asset base with a commitment to effective granting and investing in the broad range of community needs – building a better tomorrow today.

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LEADING CHANGE & MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR REGION

VITAL SIGNS Vital Signs is a public opinion and research project conducted biannually in the Grande Prairie area. The report is a community checkup that provides a snapshot of quality of life in the City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie area in 11 key issue areas (economy; gap between rich and poor; learning; health & wellness; housing; getting around; safety; environment; arts, culture, & recreation; belonging; and getting started). In the fall of 2014, we reached out to local citizens aged 15 -24 in the region and asked them to identify the priorities that would help enhance their everyday quality of life. We had an outstanding response with over 1,400 surveys completed! Thank you to all for your voice! Results will be released in the fall of 2015. A second survey targeting the region’s general public will be distributed in spring of 2015, with results published in the fall of 2015. Vital Signs helps identify challenges, opportunities and trends in our communities and region that are reflecting our quality of life. By informing citizens, Vital Signs helps communities be more effective at setting priorities and identifying opportunities for further action.

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS DAY

In our crazy, scheduled worlds, we don’t always take the time to slow down and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a community such as ours. Northwestern Alberta has a long-cherished reputation for community building and generosity. Our annual Random Act of Kindness Day is an opportunity to encourage others to do nice things for their neighbours; ultimately resulting in building a stronger, better community for all.

For each of the past three years, support and participation in Random Act of Kindness Day has surpassed expectations! November 7, 2014 was another amazing success with over 14,000 students from throughout the north participating!

WHY… BECAUSE LEADERSHIP IS BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

ANNUAL GALA & AUCTION

What a night September 27, 2014 turned out to be! It was the night of our 12th Annual Gala & Auction and Bond... James Bond... was the man with a mission. The Bond theme added glamour and fun to the event and also allowed us to introduce the term ‘Agents of Change’. We believe all of our friends are ‘Agents of Change’, as each of you are essential in helping us create stronger, more vital and more connected communities. With the support of our sponsors, friends, volunteers and attendees, over $135,000 was raised! Thank you to all of our Agents of Change! We could not do what we do without your dedication!

YOUR COMMUNITY MAKES YOU AND YOU MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY

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Marcotte Picture

The Marcotte Family Fund was started by the family-owned G & M Plumbing & Heating Ltd., which has enjoyed successful operations in Grande Prairie since 1979.

With the imminent retirement of Gerry Marcotte from the business, he and his brothers Allan & Greg wanted to create a fund as a means of giving back to the community. The fund needed to be everlasting and provide for numerous future individuals.

The naming of the fund was important to the family; they wanted future family members to be able to contribute and “own & grow” the fund to ensure longevity. The Marcotte family as a whole is proud to call Grande Prairie home and proud of the successes and growth that Grande Prairie has achieved. It is their wish that Marcotte generations to come can continue their community involvement and keep the tradition of giving back alive and strong.

Since 2006, the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre Society, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in High Prairie, operates a Police Cadet Corps. The project is free to all youth aged 6 to 18.

In 2014 we provided funds to this program to help support the important work that is being done in this northern area within our service region.

“Youth” is one of the RCMP’s strategic priorities. Working together, the RCMP

Given the nature of the plumbing and heating business, the Marcottes felt that a “green” designated fund would be appropriate and benefit not only the recipients, but the community at large. One hundred percent of this Field of Interest fund is targeted to support environmentally-friendly projects that could include alternative energy sources, ecological conservation, and clean water and/or recycling efforts. Educational and environmentally-focused projects are also eligible. Last year’s recipient was the Grande Prairie Public School District #2357 Foundation for Crystal Park School’s environmental and recycling initiatives – composting, blue box and green house programs Kindergarten-Grade 6.

HIGH PRAIRIE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE AND RCMP DEVELOPING YOUTH LEADERS

and the Friendship Centre are providing young people with a safe, positive environment where they can learn positive lifestyles and choices.

The schedule is chock full of activities to help develop the youth. Activities range from community involvement, survival camps, first aid and mapping courses, weekly discussions regarding criminal involvement and family issues, drill exercises instructed by an RCMP member, sports events, team-building and leadership exercises, cultural projects, healthy snacks and a sharing circle at the end of the night.

The High Prairie Police Cadet Corps also promotes a healthy lifestyle, cultural awareness and good working relationships with the justice system.

MARCOTTE FAMILY LEAVING A GREEN LEGACY

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The Community Foundations of Canada’s Vital Signs reports that across Canada, young people are finding it increasingly stressful to balance the increasing cost of living with the costs of post-secondary education. In our own 2013 Vital Signs project, Grande Prairie Regional College reported that many of their own students are juggling studies with jobs. An average GPRC student age of 26-years means that several of these students may also be supporting children.

Through the generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta has been able to award thousands of dollars to post-secondary students from our region. Last December alone, we awarded over $37,000 to post-secondary students. We wanted to share a few of their comments about the impact of these awards on their lives:

“This funding has helped me get the education I need to better myself with achieving my career goal, which is an LPN. I budget the best I can for my son and I.”

“Going into my 6th year of post-secondary schooling, I’m extremely grateful there is funding to help me. These funds will go towards tuition, living, and get me one step closer to my goal of becoming a physiotherapist and giving back to the community.”

“This fund has allowed me to go to school and helped minimize my debt load as I come back to the workplace.”

“[This funding will] help me focus on my studies. I can continue my goal to become a nurse. [I will use it for] expenses or my supplies for next semester, which is assistance that is greatly needed.”

The power of literacy is more than just having the ability to read and write. It is about being able to take those very skills and put them to work to shape our lives.

At the Grande Prairie Public Library, local teens are working with children in Grades 1 to 3 to help transform their lives – one page at a time.

The Reading Buddies program, which has been part of the library for many summers, pairs youth with children to read together. The program brings benefits to both age groups: younger children are able to enhance their reading skills and become stronger readers, while the teens gain experience

TEEN MENTORS SHAPING CHILDREN’S LIVES – ONE PAGE AT A TIME

working with children and building their own leadership skills. Not only do the two groups read together, but they do a number of activities aimed at promoting literacy. The program, which is in high demand, is designed to create a fun environment where children can learn and build their reading skills throughout the summer.

“Building and maintaining reading skills are important goals of the Grande Prairie Public Library,” says Grande Prairie Public Library Director Maureen Curry. “The 2014 Community Foundation grant has allowed us to expand one of our most valuable programs in this area, Reading Buddies.”

HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE

“The funding will help pay for my tuition, rent and textbooks for the upcoming winter and spring semester. This will take away some of the stress that comes along with moving away from home and attending college.”

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WHY…BECAUSE THE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS THE WHOLE COMMUNITYEvery year, in partnership with our donors and fundholders, we grant to numerous innovative charitable projects, large and small. Since inception in 1996, over $4.19 million has been invested into all sectors of the region.

ARTS & CULTURECentre for Creative Arts Society of Grande Prairie $5,000.00Art has been proven to heal. The Healing Arts Program Initiative partners with countless community groups to encourage positive art experiences and a sense of accomplishment in all members of our community.

Elders Caring Shelter Society of Grande Prairie $3,370.00Bridging the generational gap, the Elders Caring Shelter Society of Grande Prairie facilitated an elder/youth retreat, uniting the two groups and offering the youth a chance to learn about their heritage and culture. Grande Prairie Live Theatre Society $1,550.00Giving local talent a place to call home, the Grande Prairie Live Theatre Society wows with yearly theatrical productions and provides people of all ages an opportunity to experience live theatre in the comfort of their own community.

CHILDREN & YOUTHCamp Tamarack Association $4,230.00Inspiring confidence, Camp Tamarack provides a safe and nurturing camp environment for youth and adults of all ages and abilities. By supporting the Youth programs we are ensuring that all children from our community are given an opportunity to experience the fun and friendship of summer camp.

Grande Prairie Youth Emergency Shelter $4,250.00Learning to overcome, the Steps to Success program offers a safe environment for youth at risk to learn vital life skills to carry them beyond their stay at the shelter. This program includes a partnership with various community organizations to help the youth thrive.Monies also assisted in the Kicks for Kids program, supplying young people in need with footwear.

Making a difference in the communities we call home

2014 CHARITABLE GROUPS AND PROJECTS

WHY… BECAUSE INVESTING INTO COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANTCharitable organizations are the heart of the community, making our region a better place to work, play and live.

2014 IMPACT GRANTS

*Many projects fit into more than one category which is not reflected

in this chart.

TOTAL$117,645.00

EDUCATION $42930

37%

CHILDREN & YOUTH

$25940 22%

ARTS &CULTURE

$99208%

SOCIAL SERVICES

$2007517%

SPORTS$7905

7%

ENVIRONMENTAL $3390 3%

HEALTH $3450 3%

SENIORS $4035 3%

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Future Project $2,310.00Learning and training sessions to develop the leadership skills of youth volunteers.

High Prairie Native Friendship Centre Society $3,000.00Working together, the RCMP and the Friendship Centre are providing young people with a safe, positive environment where they can learn positive lifestyles and choices through the Police Cadet Corps Program. John Howard Society of Grande Prairie $2,000.00Uplifting the next generation, the John Howard Boys Club is a group mentorship program for boys aged 12-17 aimed at exploring healthy self-images, relationships, lifestyles and communication skills. Play it Forward $10,150.00Building tomorrow’s leaders. The Play it Forward program, started by Tennille touring Canadian schools and rewarding students who kick start initiatives in their schools and support their peers. Each student who received the award was entered in to win a $10,000 grand prize, to be used toward building their community, and charities of their choice.

EDUCATIONGrande Prairie and Area Safe Communities Committee $2,500.00Building safer communities, the Grande Prairie and Area Safe Communities Committee Youth Program educates youth on injury prevention, including basic first aid skills, distracted and impaired driving, alcohol and drug additions,and bullying and suicide.

Grande Prairie Public Library $600.00Sharing learning and literature with our community. The Grande Prairie Public Library provides a place for people of all ages to learn and grow.

Grande Prairie Regional College $730.00Helping students succeed, The Grande Prairie Regional college helps students with costs of tuition and books with their Emergency Bursary fund for tuition and books. Student Awards $37,250.00Inspiring our future community leaders, these funds enabled deserving local post-secondary students to continue their education despite the rising costs of post-secondary schooling. They help offset the cost of books and tuition.

Town of Sexsmith $1,850.00It takes a community to raise a child. The 1,2,3, You & Me program gives children aged 0-6, as well as their parents an opportunity to interact with other parents and children, and partake in various activities, crafts, and stories.

ENVIRONMENT

City of Grande Prairie $350.00Supporting the beauty of our community by maintaining our green spaces, walking trails and parks, for all community members to enjoy.

Grande Prairie School District #2357 Education Foundation $1,190.00Raising environmentally conscientious kids. Crystal Park School received a grant to help fund recycling and green house programs, teaching children and staff how to better care for their community and reduce their environmental footprint.

Future Project $1,850.00Enhancement to local parks

HEALTHSuicide Prevention Resource Centre $1,350.00Giving hope, the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre Breakfast Club Program is a free program for teens and 9-12 year olds who are dealing with problems such as conflict with family or friends, school issues, stress, self-esteem issues or emotional struggles.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital II Foundation $1,450.00Supporting infant health by assisting with the purchase of NCIS equipment for the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.

Young persons and Families with Cancer Society of Northern Alberta $650.00Helping heal families by providing help and support to youth and their families dealing with cancer though the comfort bag program, counselling services, and opportunities for families to network with others.

SENIORS

Grande Prairie and Area Council on Aging $3,000.00When a senior is in “crisis”, the staff of the Seniors Outreach Office finds solutions based on the specific need of the individual from knowing what benefits are available, assistance with income tax preparations, dealing with the loss of a spouse and completing the necessary forms for specific situations.

Grande Prairie and District Golden Age Centre Society $1,035.00Keeping people connected, the Grande Prairie & District Golden Age Centre Society Supports programming activities to provide opportunities for seniors to remain connected to their community

SOCIAL SERVICESCity of Grande Prairie $500.00Partnering with the community to bring the Community Builders Program to the area as a means to mentor both adults and youth on how to be more actively engaged, members of community.

Cool-Aid Society $2,500.00Helping our Community Grow. The Cool-aid society has experienced rapid growth in the last year. This year monies were given to Cool-aid society to help them develop a successful business plan so they can continue to assist the youth of our communities.

Grande Prairie & District Grief Support Association $5,000.00Circle of Life staff go into the schools and use different techniques to aide in the healing of children who are grieving from loss of losing someone close to them or trauma. Included in the healing journey is the gift of Camp Heal a Heart, an annual therapeutic and recreationally summer camp where the goal is to help kids be all they can be.

Grande Prairie Women’s Residence Association $1,000.00Empowering our women, the Grande Prairie Women’s Residence Association (Odyssey House) provides a safe and supportive environment for women and children fleeing abuse though housing, education, and support.

HIV North Society $5,000.00Companionship and compassion; the HIV North Society’s Movie Night – Coffee and Companionship program, offers women living in high risk situations a safe and warm environment to come together and build healthy relationships.

Salvation Army Grande Prairie Community Church $1,925.00Feeding those in need, the Salvation Army Grande Prairie Community Church helps provide hot meals and nourishment to those in need through their soup kitchen and food bank initiatives.

Society for Support to Pregnant and Parenting Teens $2,950.00Baby Basics is a six week program designed to help young parents learn parenting skills including baby care, diapering, building strong relationships, and coping with postpartum depression. The course also teaches first aid skills, and provides healthy snacks and transportation for those attending.

Wapiti Community Dorm Society $1,200.00Warming hearts and hands, the “Socks and Mitts” Program, provides the Rotary House Shelter with funds to purchase socks and mitts to assist those in need in the cold winter months.

SPORTS & RECREATION

City of Grande Prairie $3,500.00The Pursuit of Excellence scholarship is designed to assist athletes in their training and development.

Grande Prairie School District #2357 Education Foundation $405.00The Grande Prairie School District #2357 Education Foundation also received grant monies to assist with the maintenance of the high school football program.

Grande Prairie Regional College Alumni Foundation $4,000.00 Supporting health, wellness, sportsmanship and team work, the GPRC Athletics Summer camps program provides young people with an avenue for socialization and recreation outside of school. These monies also helped student attend the Winning Edge seminars through Alberta Sport and Development.

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CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FUNDSFunds are established by charitable organizations to provide them with a sustainable source of long-term funding.

• Alberta Legal Heritage Fund• Golden Age Centre Fund• Grande Prairie and Area Safe

Communities Fund.• Grande Prairie Live Theatre Fund• Grande Prairie Public Library Fund• kidSport Grande Prairie Fund• Slave Lake Municipal Library Fund

COMMUNITY IMPACT FUNDSFunds are pooled to address emerging and pressing needs of the community both now, and in the future.

• Ainsworth Community Fund• Atkin/Curtis Family Fund• Beal-Roy Family Fund• BMO Bank of Montreal Fund• BP Canada Energy Company Fund• Brick Shopik Family Fund• Canadian Tire Grande Prairie

Community Fund• Cardon Homes Fund• Chrenerk & Dion Investment

Advisors Fund• Chistine and Wayne Ayling Family Fund• Cylde and Mary Blackburn Family Fund• Community Impact Ednowment Fund• Darrell and Joan Radbourne Family Fund• Drs. David and Karen Chung Fund• Flether Mudryk & Co. LLP CA’s Fund• Gilbert and Kiela Girard Family Fund• Grande Prairie River Rats Association Fund• Haberman Family Fund• Ness Family Fund• Ken and Cyndy Halbert Family Fund• Kevin and Karen Willsey Family Fund• Kevin and Wendy Szakacs Family Fund• McLevin Family Fund• Menzies Family Fund• Merv and Dawn Marie Crouse Family Fund• Northey/Wiebe Family Fund• Pat and John Reid Family Fund• Peace Power Corporation

Community Fund• Pete and Lori Merlo Family Fund• RBC Peace Country Staff Fund• Ric’s Grill Grande Prairie Community Fund• Rotary Club of Grande Prairie

Memorial Fund• Sheehan Flint Family Fund• Smart & Caring Communities Fund• Vincent and Tracey Vavrek Family Fund

WHY…. CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH COMMUNITY

Thank you to all of our fund holders and donors for investing in our communities. Together… we are making a difference.

ENDOWMENT ASSETS BY TYPE OF FUND

Charitable Organization Funds $130,845.00 3%

Community Impact Funds $1,834,924.00

38%

$4,791,101.00

Designated Funds $295,391.00

6%Donor Advised Funds $1,143,628.0024%

Field of Interest

Funds $392,915.00

8%

Student Awards Fund $993,398.00

21%

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DESIGNATED FUNDSFunds provide support to specific charities, forever.

• Come Fly with Me Legacy Fund• Firewalk Fund• GP Keg Steakhouse & Bar PARDS Fund• GP Keg Steakhouse & Bar Pregnant

Teen Program Fund• GP Keg Steakhouse & Bar Queen Elizabeth

II Hospital Foundation Fund• Hannah Ouellette Memorial Supporting

Suicide Prevention Resource Centre Fund• Henderson Family Fund• Marvin and Frances Moore Family Fund

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDSFunds enable donors to be actively involved in recommending grant recipients on an annual basis.

• Alex Brooks Memorial Fund• Anodyne Community Enrichment Fund• Aquatera Environment Fund• Calvin and Evelyne Dobish Fund• David and Susan Ainsworth Fund• Ed Boyce Memorial Fund• Grande Prairie Auto Group Legacy

Foundation Fund• Hope Today Tomorrow:

The Side/Munro Family Fund• Jeff Toews Memorial Foundation Fund• KMSC Law LLP Fund• Loretta Thompson Memorial Fund• Morris Financial Group Fund • northernSPIRIT Fund• Opdahl Michaud Family Fund• Peace Country Land Ltd. Fund• Pearcy Family Fund• Prairie Villa Legacy Fund• Q-99 Brian Nash Memorial Fund• Simpson/Phillips Family Fund• Stanford Hotels & Resorts

Community Fund• Woronuk Legacy Fund

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDSFunds are dedicated to a general charitable area of interest as identified by the donor.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH• Beattie Family Fund• Logan Family Fund• Smart and Caring Communities Fund

EDUCATION• Peace Wapiti Education Foundation Fund

ENVIRONMENT• Marcotte Family Fund• Nurcombe Family Environmental Fund• Stan and Helen Neufeld

Environmental Fund• Fund for Environmental Purposes

HEALTH• Palliative Care Fund

HOUSING• Evaskevich Family Fund• Grande Prairie & Area Association of

Realtors Fund

RECREATIONAL• Anonymous Donor Fund• Greg Lancaster Memorial Fund• Mike Vavrek Memorial Fund• Underwood Fund

SOCIAL SERVICES• Happy Trails R.V. Fund • Spirit of the Peace Entrepreneurial

Women’s Fund• Terry and Darrel Dola Fund

STUDENT AWARD FUNDS Funds supporting post-secondary student education and training opportunities.

• 2000 Alberta Summer Games Legacy Fund• Andrea Vavrek Memorial Fund• Beaverlodge Community Band Fund• Brent Sears Memorial Fund• Bryden Sparks Arts Family Fund• Carmen and Gail Haakstad Family Fund• Chomik Family Trumpeter Hotel Fund• Devonne Norman Legacy Fund• Dr. Claudia T Strehlke Medical Award Fund• Gib Popkey Legacy Fund• Grande Prairei and District Chamber of

Commerce Legacy Fund• GS Minhas Family Education Fund• Hayley Gardner Memoiral Fund• Horse Lake Education Fund• Jean Duplessis Family Legacy Fund• Joseph F Reder/Hansen Fund• Lorne Lind Memorial Fund• Mohiner Singh Memorial

Endowment Fund• North Kleskun Community Club Fund• North Kleskun Student Scholarship• Paul Pivert Memorial Student Award Fund• Q-99 Student Awards fund• Ronald W Clarke Fund• Ryan R. Blais Legacy Fund• Storm Stay in School junior A Hockey

Scholarship Fund• Swan City Breakfast Lions Club Fund

• Swan City Rotary Club Community Service Above Self

• Travis Pierlot Family Education Fund• Vision for the Future Fund• Wolves Minor Basketball Fund

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUNDS• Community Foundation Operating

Endowment Fund• Community Foundation 20/20 vision for

the Community Fund• Professional Advisors Endowment Fund

REGIONAL FUNDSThese funds provide an opportunity to give back to a specific region in Northwestern Alberta forever.

North Peace• North Peace Community Foundation Fund

Sexsmith• Sexsmith Community Foundation Fund• Sexsmith Elks Community Fund• Sexsmith Insurance Limited Fund• Sexsmith Legion #60 Community Fund

West County Community Fund• West County Community Fund

FLOW THROUGH FUNDSThese are charitable donations that are disbursed within a period of time. • Play it Forward Fund

LIFE INSURANCE GIFTSLife insurance is a popular, practical way to make a future gift. Thank you to the following who have named the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta the designated beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

Anonymous Community DonorBrent and Cindy OilundDon MeadorDwight LoganHideo and Marian Fukushima Glenn and Judith KeddieGordon PearcyGrant and Jamie MenziesJason LainchburyPete and Lori MerloRyan BlaisTerry TissingtonVincent and Tracey VavrekJodi Winnicky and Owen Lewis

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When you become a donor of the Community Foundation, you have the flexibility to shape your own charitable giving to reflect your personal goals and desires. Whether you want to address an urgent need in the community, support the memory of a loved one, or help out a charity with a project, we have a giving option to help you make an impact and improve the lives of others in the region.

We offer a variety of ways to give. You can structure your fund as you wish, and be as involved in the granting process as you want.

We help you build a legacy fund through your giving. Because the principle of the fund is never spent, legacy funds will serve your charitable interests now and for generations to come. A legacy fund lasts forever. It is a permanent testament to your compassion and a lasting resource for our community.

It’s easy to establish your own legacy fund at the Community Foundation. Funds can usually be set up within a short period of time. We work closely with you, your family and your financial advisor if you choose, to complete the following simple steps:

Consider the best giving options for your specific objectives

Consider which charities and causes to support

Choose what assets to contribute and timing

Determine the amount of your gift

Name the fund

Sign the fund agreement

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CREATING A LEGACY FUND

MEMORIAL AND IN HONOUR GIFTS

In 2014 donations were received in honour of the following special individuals:

Partnering with community throughout the regionRegional Community Funds are a partnership with a community and the Foundation where a group of passionate people who either live in the area, or who have meaningful connections wish to build Legacy funds in support of a geographical area. These dedicated individuals ensure that the fund supports their communities’ current priorities along with its emerging needs and future opportunities.

North Peace Community Foundation Fund Serving Peace River and the surrounding communities.Richard Rhodes ~ Co-Chair, Frank Lovsin ~ Co-Chair, Bill Hirtle, Larry Hryniuk, Tanin Behnke, Tanya Bell

West County Community Foundation Fund Serving communities of Beaverlodge, Elmsworth, Hythe, Wembly and Area.Roger Arcand ~ Chair, Monica Shaw, Trudy Hodges

Sexsmith & District CF Fund Serving Sexsmith, and the surrounding communities. Dennis Milligan ~ Chair, Arlen Brown, Claude Lagace, Flo Blais, Aaron Anderson, Jeanette Beyer

In 2014 donations were received in memory of the following special individuals:

Dr. Hojun Yu John and Mary Vavrek

Ann McDonaldBarbara FigelBob ElliotBoris ChambulBruce Barker Charles Longmate Dale Forster Dorothy BeattieDouglas EmburyErma SchwartzendrauberEvelyn SoderquistGalina CherviakoffGavin Dunn George FitzpatrickGeorge Yates

Giles FortinHelen CarlsonHenry MartinIrvin HubickIvy HaughianJaysea McGovernJeanette HinzJim UhrynJohn McClellanJoseph MazoJoseph PrzybylskiJosephine WesselKody RoremLeo LauzonLloyd Finch

Margaret DumontMary HermansMervin WestadMike Fedyna Natalie GrotkowskiNoreen PerkinsPaul PivertRicard ZennerRiley MayerThelma PlattValerie GriffithViolet NykolaychukWayne WaldnerWendy Side

Donations are made to the Foundation to recognize achievements, mark milestones, and to keep memories alive.

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IN LOVING MEMORY – LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY

Paul Pivert, had a passion for both community and photography. For years Paul could be found at every event in the area with several cameras around his neck. His photos of the community would promptly show up in the window of Panda Camera’s and he would welcome anyone and everyone in to talk about the event, or photography in general.

Paul was a beloved member of our community, when he passed away in February 2014 the Photography Club created a student award fund in his name to support visual arts students that shared in his passion. The Paul Pivert Memorial Student Awards Fund allows Paul to continue assisting the community he loved so dearly.

Note 1 in 2012 the Board of Directors has internally restricted funds within the operating fund as a contingency for funding future operational expenditures as required.

Operating costs include asset development, charitable activities, special projects, administration and governance.

The Community Foundation invests in low risk fixed income, equities and cash to protect the capital, promote conservative growth and ensure long term gifting.

Summary of Management letter Our understanding and testing of internal controls did not reveal any significant deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF AUDIT OPINIONAs is common with many non-profit organizations, the Foundation derives some revenue from cash donations, the completeness of which is not determinable through audit verification. Accordingly, our verification of these revenues was limited to the amounts

recorded by the Foundation. We were not able to determine whether any adjustments may have been necessary to contributions, excess of revenues over expenses, current assets, and net assets.Except as noted in the above paragraph, in our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the

financial position of the Foundation as December 31, 2014 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Catalyst LLP - Accountants

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

Total AssetsTotal LiabilitiesFund balances

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

5,801,887 22,111

$5,779, 776

6,360,85636,236

$6,324,620

2014 2013

Endowment FundOperating Fund2014 Flow Through Fund

Opening balanceRevenue

ExpensesTransfer between funds

Gain / (Loss) Grants

Closing balanceBalance consists of:

Restricted funds (Note 1) Unrestricted funds

323,561447,682

(414,054)---

$357,189

250,000107,189

4,271,328558,257 (89,977)

-149,468

97,975

$4,791,101

1,184,88734,653

(23,266)-

(94) 19,850

$1,176,330

Endowment FundOperating Fund2013 Flow Through Fund

Opening balanceRevenue

ExpensesTransfer between funds

Gain / (Loss) Grants

Closing balanceBalance consists of:

Restricted funds (Note 1) Unrestricted funds

349,326437,037

(412,711)(50,091)

--

$323,561

250,00073,561

1,190,85462,223

(24,210)-

170 (44,150)

3,050,837983,658(66,904)

50,091 281,071(27,425)

$1,184,887 $4,271,328

14

2014/2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thank you for your passion, leadership and commitment.

Bernd Manz, ChairKim Gravengard, Vice ChairDevon Wardley, TreasurerAmanda ReimerBrad Cameron**Corey Sawchuk*Dave Nuth**Fred GardnerFred Rinne (Honourary Member)Jenn DoddRob NeilRoger Arcand**Ryan BlaisScott Henderson Steven Hinkley

* Departing member 2014 ** Departing member 2015

STAFF Tracey Vavrek, Chief Executive OfficerLindsey McNeil, Executive Assistant

GOVERNANCE

One of the most valuable assets of any Community Foundation is its Board of Directors. This diverse group of community leaders brings vision, commitment and energy to making a difference in our community.

The Board is the governing body of the Community Foundation which is accountable for the operation of the Foundation, within the parameters established by law; its overall responsibility is that of governance. This includes providing leadership, setting direction, establishing policies and ensuring sound management.

The overall management and daily operations is the responsibility of the CEO. The CEO is the first person below the Board. The CEO implements the goals and plans of the Community Foundation, follows set policies, develops procedures and management systems, attends to the priorities established by the board, and supervises staff and volunteers.

The Board met thirteen times throughout 2014 as well as a strategic planning and development session in January and one in November 2014. The three-year strategic plan focuses on meeting the following four priorities:

• Increasing the Foundation’s impact in the community

• Building an optimal mixture of legacy funds

• Increase the Foundation’s role as a community leader and knowledge center

• Building organizational capacity at all levels of the Foundation

Tracey Vavrek, Chief Executive Officer 2nd Floor, Centre 2000 200, 11330 106 StreetGrande Prairie, AB, T8X 7X9

P: (780) 538-2820F: (780) 532-0672

ACCOUNTABILITY

We are responsive and accountable to our donors, our grantees and our community. We operate with policies and practices that reflect clearly-articulated values, vision and mission, that inspire trust, and that stress fairness, flexibility and inclusiveness.

PRIVACY POLICY

Your Community Foundation is committed to protecting the privacy of the information of its employees, members, volunteers and other stakeholders. We value the trust of those we work with, and of the public, and recognize that maintaining this trust requires we be transparent and accountable in how we treat the information that donors choose to share with us.

During the course of our various projects and activities, we frequently gather and use personal information. Anyone from whom we collect such information should expect that it will be carefully protected and that any use of or other dealing with this information is subject to consent. Our privacy practices are designed to achieve this.

Until April 1st 2013 the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta operated under Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie.

info@buildingtomorrowtoday.comwww.buildingtomorrowtoday.com

Registered Charitable #896544343RR0001

www.facebook.com/cfnwab www.twitter.com/cfnwab

CONTACT US

We would like to express our warmest gratitude to all those who volunteer their time and talents to the work we do. Every volunteer is an integral member of the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta team, we owe our success to you!

THANK YOU!

Photos for this report are courtesy of Janice Kretzer-Prysunka - JKP Images.

& CARING

THANK YOU! We are very proud of the continued relationship with the following corporate leaders. It is this dedication and partnership that ensures the work of the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta positively impacts our community. Please support those who support us!

LEADERS

SMART2015

VITAL IMPACT

CHAMPIONAquatera Utilities Inc.

KMSC Law LLP.

LEADERSHIP

STEWARDSHIP

ENGAGEAtco Electric

Auto-Trac Alignment Ltd.G & M Plumbing and Heating

Greenblade Landscape Co. LtdLSM Lee’s Sheet Metal (2007) Ltd.

IT Partners Inc.

FRIENDnine10 Incorporated

Neil Holdings Inc.Prairie Villa Insurance

Royal Lepage - Angie Peters & John KrolWillsey Davis & Co. LLP

16