The Sarnia-Lambton Future Fund Foundation is a community-based charitable foundation created to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton. Rather than running an annual fundraising campaign itself, the Foundation focuses on promoting planned giving and legacy donations and on investing these contributions to generate a stable income stream for community services.
Role of the Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation encourages individuals and families in Sarnia–Lambton to leave a legacy gift through their wills, life insurance, stocks and other appreciated securities, real estate, memorial gifts and other assets. These gifts are invested under a defined investment policy, and each year a portion of the fund value is disbursed to the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency rules. United Way then allocates this revenue to local agencies and programs that support vulnerable people across the region.
Supported audiences and overall impact
Through its funding to United Way, the Sarnia-Lambton Future Fund Foundation indirectly supports dozens of programs delivered by community organizations, including services for children and youth, seniors, people experiencing poverty or homelessness, and individuals facing health or mental health challenges. The site highlights partner agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, community health centres and other local non-profits that benefit from United Way funding.
Governance, transparency and policies
The Foundation is governed by an eight-person volunteer Board of Directors, including representation from the United Way Board and its Executive Director to ensure close alignment and communication. Key documents such as the investment policy, business plan and annual reports are made publicly available. Gift acceptance and investment policies outline how various forms of planned gifts are received, managed and invested to balance capital preservation with long-term growth.
History and evolution
The Future Fund was established after years of United Way volunteer leadership recognizing the need for a permanent, sustainable revenue source to complement the annual fall campaign. Over time, the endowment has grown to several million dollars in assets, with a documented track record of increasing annual contributions to United Way. This structure helps mitigate fundraising volatility and ensures that essential social and community services in Sarnia–Lambton can continue for future generations.