Role of the Kenora & Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Kenora & Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation (KLWCF) is a community foundation created in 2004 to build permanent endowment funds and distribute the investment income as grants to local charities. Serving the Kenora and Lake of the Woods region, it focuses on improving quality of life for residents and visitors by supporting a broad range of charitable activities. Since its inception, the foundation reports having granted more than $5 million to over 60 registered charities.
KLWCF manages over two hundred active endowment funds, including community funds, field‑of‑interest funds, donor‑advised funds, designated funds, memorial funds and agency endowment funds held for local charities. Income from these funds supports projects in community services, health and wellness, social welfare, arts and culture, environment and animal welfare across the foundation’s defined catchment area.
Funding programs and grant streams
The foundation offers several recurring grant streams. Community Funds support the general needs of the community, while the Lake of the Woods Dream Fund backs broader community priorities. The Moffat Family Fund focuses specifically on youth and families. KLWCF also administers agency endowment funds on behalf of organizations such as Triple P.L.A.Y., Kenora Association for Community Living, the local public library and other regional charities, returning investment income to them through annual grants.
Most grants are awarded through competitive calls with annual deadlines. Guidelines specify that applicants must be qualified donees under Canada Revenue Agency rules, typically registered charities, municipalities, First Nations governments, educational institutions or other public bodies. Eligible projects must primarily benefit people within the foundation’s catchment area and fall into one or more of its thematic categories.
General eligibility and assessment approach
KLWCF’s published guidelines outline eligibility for organizations and projects, the types of activities that are not funded, and preferences in evaluation. Applicants are expected to demonstrate sound governance, fiscal responsibility, clear community need and a defined project period, usually one year or less. Preference is given to initiatives that use community resources efficiently, foster collaboration, build community capacity, address root causes and mobilize volunteers.
In addition to regular granting cycles, the foundation may consider out‑of‑cycle grants for exceptional, time‑sensitive opportunities aligned with its mandate. All successful recipients must sign a grant agreement, acknowledge the foundation’s support and submit a post‑grant report describing outcomes, lessons learned and use of funds.
Beneficiaries and community impact
Through its grantmaking, KLWCF supports a wide range of organizations: schools and education programs, arts centres and festivals, Indigenous communities and cultural projects, youth recreation and sports, health‑related and social service agencies, environmental and community development initiatives, among others. Examples highlighted on the site include nutrition programs for students, arena and recreation improvements, arts exhibitions addressing reconciliation, outdoor and sports activities for children, festivals and science camps.
The foundation positions itself as a long‑term partner in regional development, working with donors, municipalities, First Nations, non‑profits and other funders. By pooling gifts into endowment funds and redistributing earnings through structured grant programs, it provides a stable, locally governed source of financial support for charities in the Kenora and Lake of the Woods region.