Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex Foundation (WECF)

Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex Foundation (WECF) is the fundraising and financial support arm associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex. Operating as a charitable foundation, it focuses on securing and stewarding donations, bequests and other financial contributions in order to sustain and expand mentoring services for children and youth in the Windsor-Essex region.

The foundation’s primary role is to raise, manage and allocate funds that enable Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex to offer one-to-one and group mentoring relationships, in-school programs and other youth-focused supports. By channeling community donations, corporate gifts and legacy giving, WECF helps underwrite core operating costs, program delivery and the development of new initiatives that respond to local needs.

Funding from the foundation is directed to programs that serve children and youth facing adversity in Windsor and Essex County. These funds help recruit, screen and train volunteer mentors, match them with young people, and provide ongoing program supervision. The overall goal is to improve social, emotional and educational outcomes for participants through stable, positive mentoring relationships.

WECF engages individuals, community groups and businesses across Windsor-Essex to support its mission. Through events, campaigns and planned giving opportunities, the foundation mobilizes donors and partners who share an interest in youth development and mentoring. The funds it gathers are then used to strengthen the capacity of Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor Essex to deliver evidence-informed services at the local level.