As individual donors and private foundations, we’ve been pleased to assist many worthy charities over the years.  We are continually inspired by the impact achieved by people of faith who reach out to serve their communities following the example of Jesus Christ.

A granting partnership like Stronger Together 2010 is rare in Canada.  We’re piloting a one-off partnership that has the potential to bring about some great improvements for Canadian Christian charities and their donors.  After the year is over, we will evaluate whether this sort of project should be continued and improved.

The past year has been demanding for charities and donors as we have each experienced the negative effects of the economic downturn.  Though these are challenging times, our resolve has been strengthened to ensure limited funds are channeled into strategic charitable work.  We remain committed to stewarding our resources wisely so that the greatest good can be accomplished with available funds.  Encouraging partnerships of donors and charities is one way to achieve this.

In the summer of 2009, conversations started among a few of us about how we could be more effective – and more helpful – if we were to work together.  Soon, ideas were put to paper and other colleagues joined the conversation.  At the heart of our association are three core values:

• We believe we can accomplish more together than we can alone
• We want to learn from each other and from the charities we support, and
• We need to model as philanthropists what we seek in our charity partners -- that partnerships make us more efficient and effective.

In this initiative, we collectively have pledged to grant up to $1 million to the Stronger Together 2010 project.  Together we will receive and review all applications, and help each other decide which are the most worthy projects to fund.  Actual grants, however, will be made from each specific granting partner, and not from a collective pool of funds.  Each granting partner will maintain their own relationships with their partner charities as they are able.  This arrangement allows for a level of connectedness and accountability for the projects which will be funded.

We also hope that charities will realize the efficiencies of Stronger Together 2010.  With one streamlined application, a charity’s project proposal and funding request will be reviewed by eight granting partners.  Due diligence will be shared, allowing for solid decision-making.  Communication flow will be clear and unambiguous, alleviating charities of the uncertainties around fundraising.

Through Stronger Together 2010 we hope many charities will apply and learn through the process.  As well, we hope charities will carefully consider what strategic steps will build organizational strength within their organizations.  We want to do our best – as you do your best – to see stronger charitable work continue into the future.

With our best wishes,

The Stronger Together 2010 granting partners
    Bridgeway Foundation
    Caritate Foundation
    Catalyst Foundation
    Charis Foundation   
    John & Rebecca Horwood
    Legacy Foundation - Family Hope Fund
    Legacy Foundation - Legacy Fund
    Maranatha Foundation