The 2023 Annual Report
At such a time as this
Esther 4:14
The United Church of Canada Foundation serves communities of faith and individuals all across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that this land is not ours, but is comprised of the territories of countless nations, who have not surrendered their land, but graciously share it with us. Today, we remember that we are all treaty people. May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
The United Church of Canada Foundation’s purpose is to foster deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice by attracting and deploying financial resources. Through capacity building, convening, granting, and careful stewardship of funds entrusted to us, we support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada, create a more just planet, and celebrate God’s abundance in the world.
United, we are focusing on the future together!
Message from Foundation President Sarah Charters
“At such a time as this…” These words from Esther 4:14 have been on my heart and mind as we look back on the past year at the United Church of Canada Foundation. Amid economic uncertainty, social and political upheaval, and climate anxieties, it has been a challenging year for many. Yet, I continue to be heartened by the resilience, creativity, and generosity of United Church people as we lean into tackling these challenges together, working to create a better, more equitable world for all.
It seems like just yesterday we embarked on the ambitious 4-year strategic plan created to guide the Foundation’s works, operations, and initiatives, but we’ve now passed the halfway mark! As we reviewed our progress on the plan, I was drawn to how often we used the phrase “priority issues of our time” in the objectives and reflected on the connection to the passage from Esther. Yes, the Foundation is here to support a strong, vibrant future for the church, but that means taking deep, bold, daring action in the present.
We’ve been on a journey over the past few years, working to embed our values into everything we do, particularly through the four foundational priorities of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Anti-Racism, Climate Justice and Support for Communities of Faith. In our investments, through our grants, across our communications and in how we approach our work: we have been called “at such a time as this” and, through faith and generosity, we’re taking action. At such a time as this, we’re supporting our priorities; this is a testament to our living faith!
Throughout 2023, the Foundation continued to support the vital ministry of the United Church of Canada through a growing number of service offerings. We engaged in several new initiatives, some of which expand on current programming, some as a result of deeply listening to and learning from the communities and people we seek to serve, and others coming about as we identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation. I’m excited about the progress we’re making together, and to share some of the stories from the past year with you in this report. You’ll see that we’ve organized the stories by priority area, as a way to show the different ways we are living into our commitments. I hope you’ll also notice the interconnectedness of the priorities through these stories!
At such a time as this, I’m reminded of the power of community, the strength of our faith, and the importance of standing in solidarity. So many of the issues we face right now are urgent. We’re grateful for our relationships with you: our partners, colleagues, donors, and organizations journeying with us to address them in thoughtful and sustainable ways! We say this often, but the Foundation is truly blessed to connect joyful generosity with incredible work. As we inch closer to the second century of the United Church of Canada, we do so with hope and determination, knowing that United, we are making a difference in the world.
In Christ,
Sarah Charters
President, The United Church of Canada Foundation
Photo: Rev. Dr. Alan Lai
Message from Foundation Board Chair Jim Simpson
Please click the play button to watch a video message from United Church of Canada Foundation Board Chair Jim Simpson.
Video: Jim Simpson
At such a time as this,
we rose to the occasion
Attendees across 16 information webinars
Processed through 370+ gifts of securities
Awarded to 94 grantees through the Seeds of Hope program
Awarded to students as part of 27 scholarships
Assets managed by the Foundation
Campaigns to support: Theological Education and Leadership, United Church Camps, 2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidarity Fund, and Mission and Service Endowment Fund
At such a time as this,
we supported our Priorities
Four priorities provide focus and meaningful context to the Foundation’s ministry: anti-racism, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, climate justice and support for communities of faith. Click the buttons below or use the menu at the top of the page to learn more about how we leaned into this work throughout 2023.
Supporting Affirmation Journeys / Assisting Thriving Churches / Renovating Spaces
Connecting Reconciliation Movements / Supporting Bible Translation / Providing Scholarships
Gathering To Celebrate Diversity in the Church / Supporting International Scholarship
Transforming Church Gardens / Established Scholarship Funds / Supporting Workshops
At such a time as this,
we steward your gifts
Empowered by the generosity of United Church people, the Foundation provides meaningful grant and scholarship opportunities for ministries, organizations, individuals, and communities of faith. We actively seek and implement innovative and effective ways to encourage giving and investment in the Foundation.
In remembrance of Rev. Tim Reaburn
This past December, the Foundation lost our Board Chair, the Rev. Tim Reaburn. We were blessed by his leadership, and continue to mourn his passing with deep gratitude for his life and ministry. Tim’s guidance, sense of humour, and caring hand have been sorely missed.
Gathering together in fellowship
In September, the Foundation gathered at Atlantic School of Theology in beautiful Halifax for an inspiring few days learning with and from each other at our in-person Board meetings. We’re grateful for their hospitality!
There, we also hosted our annual Board Reception where Janice Noble (Executive Director at Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp) and The. Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell (author, educator, and 2022 McGeachy Senior Scholar) were our featured speakers. Foundation Directors, our Joint Grants Committee, scholars, grantees, staff, and other local Foundation supporters met and mingled, sharing stories and testimony. Perhaps not quite a Maritime kitchen party, but certainly ‘Spirited’!
Photo: United Church of Canada Foundation / Erik Lo Forte
Witnessing the power of Foundation grants
The Foundation board were graciously invited to meet with and take a tour of the Brunswick Street Mission, a long time grantee and partner of the Foundation who are located in the North End of Halifax, where they support both the physical and mental needs of those experiencing poverty in the community.
Lisa Harrison, Executive Director of Brunswick Street Mission, told us: “The food bank is so important, but it’s a band-aid. That’s why we focus on social and mental health supports. Help people keep their dignity and point them into other services.”
They also partner with another organization that runs a safe injection site in the dining room. Brunswick Street Mission received a Seeds of Hope grant for their Outreach Program. The outreach component of the injection site connects in with the free breakfast offered in the dining room before the injection site takes over.
It was a blessing to witness this life-changing work firsthand.
Photo: United Church of Canada Foundation / Erik Lo Forte
Visiting a site of Black Canadian identity
We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Africville and Africville Museum to learn about its rich history and culture.
The experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating our diversity and preserving our heritage, and the devastating, lingering results of racism.
We were inspired by the resilience and strength of the community’s residents in the face of horrific abuses, discrimination, and racist misuse of law. We left feeling grateful for the experience, but also motivated to ACT on building a more inclusive and just society. This includes sharing the painful story of Canada’s destruction of Africville.
Photo: United Church of Canada Foundation / Erik Lo Forte
1 866 340-8223 • fdn@united-church.ca
www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
The United Church of Canada Foundation provides service and support to all courts of the Church and United Church-related institutions and organizations.
The Foundation facilitates gifts of stocks, mutual funds, etc., provides grants for innovative and unique programs and projects run by United Church-related organizations, and facilitates the longterm support of all courts of the Church and their mission and service.