Role of Sherbrooke Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Sherbrooke Foundation Inc. is a registered charity in Saskatoon that supports two long-term care homes: Sherbrooke Community Centre and Central Haven Special Care Home. Complementing provincial health funding, the foundation mobilizes individual donors, families, companies and other foundations to finance improvements and programs that would not otherwise be possible. Resources are directed to concrete projects such as renewing bathing areas, purchasing ceiling track lifts and other accessible equipment, and sustaining therapies and music, arts and recreation activities.
Supported audiences and types of support
The foundation’s focus is on older adults, referred to as Elders, who live at Sherbrooke Community Centre and Central Haven. Rather than issuing open calls for proposals, it acts as an internal funder, channeling philanthropic contributions to priority needs identified with the homes’ teams. Financial support covers recreational programming, initiatives inspired by the Eden Alternative® philosophy, and environmental changes that enhance dignity, comfort, creativity and social connection in daily life.
Funding and giving mechanisms
To sustain its work, Sherbrooke Foundation offers multiple giving options: one-time donations, monthly giving, memorial and tribute gifts, gifts in wills, donations of securities, and contributions via donor advised funds (DAFs). The site also describes Tumbleweed Gift and Thrift Shop, a volunteer-run social purpose store whose sales support quality of life in the homes. The foundation notes that it is funded through donations, legacy gifts, endowments, grants and social purpose revenue, enabling continued investment in enhancements, furnishings, equipment, therapies and vibrant programs for residents.
Transparency, donor relations and community engagement
The organization emphasizes personal support for donors through a Donor Relations Manager and a Donor Relations Coordinator, who provide guidance on planned giving, documentation for tax purposes and specific funding opportunities in the homes. Detailed information is shared on bequest wording, directing gifts to a particular home or purpose, and options for anonymous giving. Beyond financial support, Sherbrooke Foundation cultivates engagement through donor events, a legacy recognition circle (the Bright Future Society), volunteer opportunities and group community impact projects that combine hands-on service with financial contributions.