Grant and Funding Programs Offered by St John the Evangelist Council No 4895 Charitable Trust

St John the Evangelist Council No 4895 Charitable Trust is the charitable arm of the Knights of Columbus council based at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Whitby, Ontario. Chartered on February 1, 1960, the council unites Catholic men in fraternity and service, and channels their fundraising efforts into sustained financial support for the parish and a wide variety of charitable causes. The council has provided more than $800,000 in charitable support since its inception, alongside extensive volunteer service.

The trust’s funding is generated through parish and community events such as pub nights, dinners, pancake breakfasts, golf tournaments and charity bingos. Proceeds are then donated to beneficiaries that align with the Knights’ core principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

Funding from the council benefits multiple sectors in Whitby and beyond. Local initiatives include support for Special Olympics, the St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. John Conference), parish infrastructure and liturgical life, as well as programs for families such as the “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign and Mother’s Day support for Rose of Durham. The council also assists local schools through activities like the Free Throw Program, which can lead participants to higher‑level competitions.

Beyond the immediate parish, the multi‑year “Knights North” project directs resources to the Inuit community of Natuashish (Davis Inlet) in Labrador, illustrating the trust’s willingness to extend its charitable outreach to remote and underserved regions. Collectively, members have contributed hundreds of thousands of hours of community service in addition to direct financial assistance.

While the council does not operate formal grant programs with open calls and application deadlines, it functions as a discretionary charitable funder. Council members identify needs within the parish and community and decide, through their executive and membership structures, how to allocate funds raised during the year. Priorities typically reflect parish needs, social justice concerns, family support initiatives and activities that foster Christian fellowship.

The Knights’ model integrates fundraising, volunteer service and spiritual life. Events are designed both to build community among members and parishioners and to generate resources that can be redirected to charitable works. In this way, the trust acts as a local philanthropic partner for parish leaders and community organizations seeking modest but meaningful financial support.

Founded in the spirit of the wider Knights of Columbus movement established by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1881, Council 4895 has grown to more than 120 members. Over five decades, it has marked major milestones such as its 50th anniversary by gifting visible symbols to the parish, including a stone “Monument to the Unborn” and reflection plaza. These projects underline the council’s commitment not only to direct charitable giving but also to enduring contributions that shape the parish environment.

Through its charitable trust, St John the Evangelist Council No 4895 continues to adapt its activities to emerging needs, combining fundraising, fellowship and faith‑based service to sustain a steady stream of financial and volunteer support for the wider community.