Community Connect - March 2026 WRCF e-newsletter

Community Connect - March 2026
March 2026                                                                View this email in your browser
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WRCF’s monthly e-newsletter to keep you connected to granting information, investing, what’s new, and ways we are mobilizing and collaborating to make an impact in our community.

Blog: An Invitation to Lean In: Grants, Awards, and Opportunities

WRCF’s President & CEO, Eric Avner shares information about current ways to engage with WRCF. 
Read more

A New Chapter in Community Finance: Reflecting on the House of Friendship Community Bond

What happens when community, capital, and trust come together with purpose? In 2019, House of Friendship (HoF), supported by Waterloo Region Community Foundation and SVX, launched a pioneering community bond that raised $1.2 million for critical addiction treatment infrastructure. 
The recently released 2026 report highlights the long‑term impact of HoF’s pioneering community bond—what worked, what was learned, and how trust‑based investing strengthened relationships well beyond the financial return.
Read the full story and explore what’s possible when a community invests in itself

We're hiring! Philanthropy Advisor 

Are you a seasoned relationship manager who wants to inspire more philanthropy across Waterloo Region? Do you pride yourself on attention to detail and providing exemplary customer service? Do you approach things with heart, hustle and humility?

WRCF is currently hiring for the position of Philanthropy Advisor.
Apply by March 29, 2026.
 
Learn more and apply

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 WRCF Community Awards

Do you know:
  • A community volunteer or philanthropist who creatively tackles issues of today, with an eye to the future, using innovative approaches and solutions?
  • A business or organization that is committed to building and supporting our community through “Doing More Good”?
  • An individual or organization in the community who is advancing social infrastructure in Waterloo Region?
Learn more about the awards and nominate someone here
Applications now open for WRCF grant streams

Annually, WRCF distributes Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants.

In 2026, all three grant streams are focused on strengthening social infrastructure across Waterloo Region to support members of our communities now and in the future.

Applications close March 30, 2026.
Learn more and apply

Community by Design Episode 2 - Meet Me at the Square

WRCF and Midtown Radio have launched a podcast series focused on social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. In episode 2, host Jay Harrison chats with Ryan Lok, Jeyas Balaskanthan, Scott Higgins, and Sheri Roberts.
Read our blog on episode 2
Listen to the podcast

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Examples of what it takes to build a region where everyone thrives

Social infrastructure is WRCF’s strategic area of focus through 2027 and continues to be at the forefront of our work. Funding through three of our grant streams: Arts Grants, Community Grants, and Racial Equity Grants, all support initiatives linked to improving social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. We've pulled together five examples of projects that have been funded to support increased social connection and belonging in Waterloo Region.
Read more
Giving through WRCF means your impact stays local, is built to last, and comes with expert support every step of the way. Contact dan@wrcf.ca to learn about how we make it easy for people to do more good.
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Questions?
Contact us at info@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806

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Community by Design Episode 2 - Meet Me at the Square