Helen Burstyn, Chair of the Board of Directors

Four months into my term as Chair of the Board, I can say that each day I learn more and more about the significant impact of the Foundation’s grants in communities across Ontario.

Building healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario is more than a tag line. It’s at the heart of what we do at OTF and what our grantees contribute to their communities across the province every day. The web of support that our grantees collectively represent also perfectly positions them to help us understand and respond to changing local needs.

It is through our grantees and Grant Review Teams that we gain insight into our communities. Our role is further enhanced by the partnerships we cultivate across sectors. Together we build on existing strengths to deliver what is needed, when and where it is needed. The results are strong communities that have the capacity to grow stronger still.

At the Grant Review Team meetings I have attended, I have been impressed by the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the discussion that leads to each grant recommendation. The local volunteers on these teams take their responsibilities very seriously and I am proud of the integrity they bring to the process. In the same way, OTF staff are a remarkably dedicated and passionate group. A keen professionalism underlies their support to grant applicants and grantees.

As a collection of highly experienced and dedicated volunteers, the OTF Board also bring unique perspectives and knowledge to the table. We take pride in the success of the Foundation to date and look forward to enhancing the success of OTF and the communities we support well into the future. We will be looking for ways to strengthen the Foundation’s granting to ensure that OTF continues to grow and innovate to meet the needs of all Ontarians.

The Foundation and our grantees are grateful to MPPs for the key role they play in attending recognition events in their communities. Of the approximately 600 events the Foundation participated in during the past year, some 400 were attended by local members. We thank them for their commitment to supporting and celebrating the important work of grantees. Together, we are indeed building healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario.

Helen Burstyn