Charitable Giving in Squamish

Making the decision to give is easy. Figuring out how and where to allocate your donation can be difficult – but we can help.

Contributing funds to a community foundation comes with flexibility, choice and peace of mind that your contributions will benefit local causes aligned with your values and interests. Also, working with a foundation allows your funds to be pooled with other grants and gifts, therefore having a greater impact.

The Squamish Community Foundation donor services team works with individuals, charities, businesses, and professionals to find the right solution for their funds.

Make a Donation

Donating to the Squamish Community Foundation is easy and there are a variety of ways to contribute. All donations over $10 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

CRA Charity Number: 882548902RR0001

Address: Squamish Community Foundation
PO 555, Squamish, BC, V8B 0A5

Contact: Karen Clarke, Executive Director
kclarke@squamishfoundation.com
604-848-8683

Ways to Give

Donating is a great way to both give back to your community and leave a lasting legacy. Whether you intend to donate in honour of a loved one or support a community initiative you’re personally passionate about, let us help you create a personalized charitable giving plan that represents your vision and values. Choose your own local cause or non-profit to fund, or donate to an established endowment fund as listed below under Squamish Community Foundation Funds.

There are a number of ways to give as an individual:

  • Personal donation, or a gift during your lifetime either one time, monthly, annually, etc.
  • Bequest, given by way of a will for a specific amount.
  • Life insurance, which can be an ideal way to create a major gift at a relatively low cost to the donor.
  • Gifts of appreciated stock or real estate. Donors can gift securities in kind and thereby receive both the tax receipt and the capital gains exemption.
  • Administrators of existing organizations or trusts may find it practical and efficient to transfer assets to a named fund within the Squamish Community Foundation.
  • A gift in memoriam or in honour of a friend or family member.
  • NEW: Vehicle Donation: The SCF has partnered with Donate a Car Canada to accept your vehicle donation. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to the SCF through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or re-sold (depending on its condition, age and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy for the SCF to benefit. Learn More.

Set Up an Endowment Fund

There are several types of endowment funds available through the Squamish Community Foundation. We invite you to learn more about the our funds below, then reach out to the donor services team at kclarke@squamishfoundation.com to discuss your options. We would love to build a relationship with you.

Unrestricted Endowment Funds

You may choose to create or make your gift to an Unrestricted Fund, allowing the SCF to proactively respond to critical needs as they arise in our community, including future needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time your gift is made. We evaluate many aspects of community well-being; the environment, health and social services, access to recreation and the arts, youth, education and more. The flexibility of your unrestricted gift makes it possible for SCF Funds to be current and responsive. There is no minimum donation when giving to an existing Unrestricted Endowment Fund such as the Smart and Caring Community Fund. The initial minimum donation to create an Unrestricted Endowment Fund is $10,000.

Field of Interest Endowment Funds

You support an area of community life that is important to you such as youth or the environment when making your gift to a Field of Interest Fund. This fund type provides grants to local charities working in your field of choice. Taking your interests into consideration, the SCF makes decisions on which organizations to support, through our Annual Grants dispersal process. The initial minimum donation to establish a Field of Interest Fund is $10,000.

Designated Endowment Funds

By establishing a Designated Fund, you have the opportunity to designate which particular charity(s) you would like to support in perpetuity. The SCF manages the annual distribution to those charities. Donors are able to establish a designated fund with an initial minimum donation of $10,000.

Donor Advised Endowment Funds

Donor advised funds are Designated Endowment Funds that enable you or your named successor donor advisor to have ongoing participation in the selection of registered local charities you wish to support. The initial minimum donation to establish a donor advised fund is $40,000.

Charity Endowment Funds

These Funds can be created on behalf of registered charities to provide a permanent source of funding. The Charity Endowment Fund allows the charity freedom from investment responsibility and gives donors the confidence of knowing that a permanent foundation is in place to professionally administer their donations. The charity can then concentrate on its community mission. Once established, the charity will encourage their donors to contribute to their Endowment Fund. On an annual basis, distributions from the fund are paid out to your organization to use at your discretion or to your chosen charity. The initial minimum donation to establish this type of fund is $20,000.

Contact Us

We would be happy to explain any of these fund types and advise you on what particular fund best suits your giving needs.

Contact Karen Clarke, Executive Director at (604) 848-8683, or email info@squamishfoundation.com.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS: We have a guide for you to assist your clients in fulfilling their philanthropic goals. Download the Professional Advisors guide here.

Squamish Community Foundation Funds

Thanks to the generous contributions from corporate and individual donors, we are able to offer a range of funds and scholarships that support the arts, health and wellness, recreation, the environment, and education. Donors can choose to contribute to one of these established funds, or set up an endowment fund specific to their personal or business goals. Learn more about these funds and how to become a donor here.

Established Funds in Squamish

Smart and Caring Community Fund

Contributing to general charitable purposes within the Squamish community.
Established by the Board of the Squamish Community Foundation with contributions from the Founder’s circle.

Valhalla Environment Fund

Supporting infrastructure projects which benefit Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Projects
Established by the owner of Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Murray Sovereign.

Lloyd and Leona Ingraham Fund

Supporting health and social development in Squamish.
Established by Lloyd and Leona Ingraham in 2005.

Realtors Fund

Supporting social development and housing in Squamish.
Established in 2009 with donations from the realtors of Squamish.

Ray Peters Recreation and Sports Fund

Supporting community recreation, trail development and Outdoor Leadership.
Established in 2006 in memory of Ray Peters, Squamish resident, whose dedication to the establishment of a trail network throughout the community is revered.

Squamish Terminals Fund

Supporting children, youth, and families in Squamish.
Established in 2015 by Squamish Terminals Ltd.

Wild at Art Endowment Fund

Supporting art, culture, and heritage in Squamish. Established in 2010 by Wild at Art.

Music Making Fund

Supporting musical education and expression in Squamish including activities and events with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.
Established in 2018 by Meg Fellowes.

Dollie Strelaeff Fund

In her will, Dollie requested that her fund support the BC Cancer Foundation (30%), the Arthritis Society–BC and Yukon Division (30%), and Hilltop House under the Squamish Hospital Foundation (40%). Established in 2020.

Sea to Sky Hospice Society Fund

Supporting compassionate care for all Sea to Sky residents with life limiting illness and ongoing support for their loved ones. Donations to this fund ensures continued support for those facing end of life, caregivers, and those grieving the loss of a loved one through hospice programs such as support groups, counselling, community connection and bereavement packages. 

Established in 2021 by the Sea to Sky Hospice Society.

Neighbourhood Small Grants Fund

Since 2017, Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) has supported projects that bring people together, share skills and knowledge, build a sense of belonging and respect, and celebrate diversity. Individuals can apply for micro-grants of up to $500 for activities such as community dinners, movie nights, crafts and gardening projects, and more. With pilot funding now complete, the SCF is seeking donations to continue the NSG program in perpetuity. Established in 2023 by the Squamish Community Foundation.

Communities that Care Fund

Although Communities that Care is no longer operating in Squamish, the disbursements from this fund continue to support local youth programming and services every year.

Established in 2004 by Communities that Care group with major contributions from the District of Squamish

General Operating Fund

This fund supports the operations of the Squamish Community Foundation.

Donations are always welcome for the General Operating Fund. While the Fund is not available for community grants, it provides vital support to the SCF’s staff and programs.

100 Women that Care Fund

Aiming to create a perpetual source of funding in the community for non-profits and local charities. The nature of the fund guarantees a timeless impact and the opportunity for local women donors to create a lasting legacy.

Established by the 100 Women Who Care Squamish Chapter in 2024.

Scholarship Funds in Squamish

Robert W. McIntosh Memorial Scholarship Fund

Awarded to a graduating student in Squamish who is registered at a post-secondary institution and has demonstrated proficiency in all areas of scholarship, athletics and citizenship.

Established by friends and family in memory of Bob McIntosh who died December 31, 1997. Squamish Off Road Triathlon proceeds are contributed to this fund each year.

Ron Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Annual scholarship to a Grade 12 student from the Squamish region who is registered to attend a post-secondary institution to pursue education in Political Science, Business, or Transportation, and has demonstrated service to the community.

Established by Squamish Terminals in memory of Ron Anderson, former Squamish Terminals President and CEO, who lost his battle with cancer in August, 2016. Ron was a dedicated volunteer and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2015 for his long-time commitment to the community.

Thank You to Our Donors

The Board of Directors and Executive Team would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our donors, past and present. Your ongoing contributions support vital programs in our community and help enhance the quality of life for all its members. Thank you!

Endowment Fund Establishments

  • District of Squamish
  • Douglas Race, Katy Hutchison and Peter Hotston
  • Lloyd and Leona Ingraham
  • Margaret Fellowes
  • Murray Sovereign
  • Squamish Terminals
  • Sea to Sky Hospice Society
  • Dollie Strelaeff
  • Marianne Wilson

2022 Donors

  • District of Squamish
  • Doug Hackett
  • Gregory Bains
  • Heather Baxter
  • Leith Wheeler
  • Marianne Wilson
  • Margaret Fellowes
  • Murray Sovereign / Pheasant Run Enterprises
  • Owens Corning
  • Patricia Riecker
  • PayPal Giving Fund Canada
  • Provincial Employees Community Services Fund
  • Richard Harrison
  • Rob MacLeod
  • Sarah Marshall
  • Squamish Terminals
  • Suzie Soman
  • Vanessa Stevens
  • All Anonymous Donors