Role of the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (DHHF) is the official fundraising arm of Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and Edgewater Gardens Long-Term Care in Dunnville, Ontario. Created in 1974, the foundation exists to promote quality community healthcare by providing capital funding and facility enhancement support. Because Ontario hospitals must fund most of their own equipment and capital purchases, DHHF plays a critical role in ensuring that essential diagnostic, clinical and long-term care equipment is available close to home.
Through individual donations, estate gifts, corporate support, special events and community campaigns, the foundation channels philanthropic dollars into concrete improvements such as ultrasound units, CT scanners, beds, stretchers and major renovations, including the expansion of the hospital’s Emergency Department. Gifts of all sizes are pooled to finance priority equipment and infrastructure identified by the hospital and long-term care home.
General focus of funding and supported sectors
DHHF’s funding focuses on:
- Capital equipment for Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, including diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and general hospital equipment.
- Facility upgrades and expansion projects that improve patient flow, safety and the care environment, such as emergency department redevelopment.
- Equipment and environmental enhancements for Edgewater Gardens Long-Term Care, supporting seniors’ quality of life and care.
- Broader community healthcare needs in the Dunnville area where capital or equipment funding is required.
The foundation does not operate as an open-call grantmaker to the general public; instead, it serves as a dedicated capital and equipment funding partner for its two affiliated health institutions.
Governance, transparency and accountability
DHHF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the local community and health sector, supported by professional staff in fundraising, administration and communications. The foundation publishes audited financial statements for each fiscal year and has a strategic plan that emphasizes community engagement, diversification of fundraising activities and strong governance practices. Donors can review financial reports and strategic priorities through the foundation’s public reports and newsletters.
Publics served and overall impact
By funding essential equipment and capital improvements, the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation helps ensure that residents of Dunnville, Haldimand County and surrounding areas have access to high-quality emergency, acute, complex and long-term care without leaving their community. Its campaigns and community partnerships mobilize local businesses, service clubs, estates and individual donors, translating charitable gifts into tangible upgrades in clinical capacity and patient comfort. Over several decades, this sustained investment has supported the supply, renovation and expansion of Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and improvements at Edgewater Gardens, contributing to better health outcomes and a stronger local health system.