RECOGNITION & AWARDING

2025 Grant Reception

In 2025, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation celebrated its 54th anniversary – a milestone marked by giving more than $896,950 to local charities and students across Thunder Bay and the District in 2025.

2025 Grant Recipients

Organization NameProject NameGranting FundAmount
Alzheimer Society Thunder BayGrief Education series Danny Clara Legacy Fund $ 7,500.00
BGC Thunder BayMeredith/Karam Family Fund $ 5,000.00
Bonnie Moore & Jay Eingold FundJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 500.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayKelly & George Badanai Family Fund $ 2,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayChristopher Jean Memorial Fund $ 5,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayMargaret & Ed Ayer BGC/OKC Fund $ 2,523.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold Fund $ 200.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayFall, Winter & Summer programmingOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation Fund $ 9,933.00
Cambrian PlayersSpotlight on Inclusivity - Phase 2Lesley Bell and Rod Morrison Family Fund $ 6,194.00
Camp Quality CanadaCamp Quality Northwestern Ontario Family Camp Josa Daliro Family Fund $ 15,000.00
Christmas CheerJackie & Ernie Dojack Endowed Family Fund $ 3,000.00
Community Clothing AssistanceJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 2,500.00
Corporation of the Township of Terrace Bay Public LibraryEssential Food Service Skills ProgramDonny Ritza Skills Development Endowment $ 3,000.00
Corporation of the Township of Terrace Bay Public LibraryEarly Literacy StationRegional Community Support Fund $ 4,950.00
Dulcisono ChoirSinging BuddiesShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund $ 5,000.00
Environment NorthDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Non Endowed Fund $ 100.00
Evergreen: A United NeighbourhoodKa-Wiiciiwin (I'll go with you)Josa Daliro Family Fund $ 5,686.00
George Jeffrey Children's FoundationHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 500.00
George Jeffrey Children's FoundationCommercial Grade Washing MachineJames & Shirley Symington Family Fund $ 3,196.49
Grace Ministries of Thunder BayCommercial Coffee Maker PurchaseShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund $ 6,342.00
Grace PlaceBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold Fund $ 500.00
Habitat for Humanity Thunder BayHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 2,000.00
Habitat for Humanity Thunder BayHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 2,000.00
Hospice NorthwestShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund $ 6,000.00
Hospice NorthwestTere & Marie McDonald Family Fund $ 2,500.00
Hospice NorthwestClient Transportation FundDanny Clara Legacy Fund $ 3,000.00
Hospice NorthwestVolunteer Recruitment Promotional CampaignDr. R. K. Dewar Medical Research Fund $ 4,000.00
Hospice NorthwestRegional Grief CafesRegional Community Support Fund $ 1,000.00
IsthmusHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 2,000.00
IsthmusHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 2,000.00
IsthmusJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 2,000.00
IsthmusKelly & George Badanai Family Fund $ 2,400.00
John Howard SocietyJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 2,500.00
Lakehead Festival of Music and the ArtsProposal for Equipment Enhancement used for our Dance and Vocal festivalsThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 2,000.00
Lakehead Social Planning CouncilFree Form-Filling Assistance ProgramThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 2,000.00
Lakehead Transportation Museum Society / Transportation Museum of Thunder BayAccessible Virtual Reality Experience of Ship Museum - Like Being ThereDanny Clara Legacy Fund $ 4,508.86
Lakehead Transportation Museum Society / Transportation Museum of Thunder BayAccessible Virtual Reality Experience of Ship Museum - Like Being ThereJP Hudolin Family Fund $ 5,000.00
MADD CanadaMADD Canada's 2025-2026 School ProgramThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 5,000.00
Magnus TheatreDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Non Endowed Fund $ 2,000.00
Matawa Education CentreBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold Fund $ 1,000.00
Northern Nishnawbe Education CouncilPhysical Education Participation Danny Clara Legacy Fund $ 2,991.14
Northern Nishnawbe Education CouncilASL Translator at Wake The Giant JP Hudolin Family Fund $ 1,500.00
NOSMJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 10,000.00
NOSM UniversityEquipment for LearningDr. R. K. Dewar Medical Research Fund $ 6,000.00
Our Kids CountMargaret & Ed Ayer BGC/OKC Fund $ 2,523.00
Our Kids CountTere & Marie McDonald Family Fund $ 7,000.00
Our Kids CountAnonymous Donor $ 2,710.89
Our Kids CountRuth Brickell $ 600.00
Our Kids CountMNP Fund $ 25,000.00
Our Kids CountKelly & George Badanai Family Fund $ 2,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Local Artistic ExperiencesHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts Development $ 11,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Programming Resources and Equipment James & Shirley Symington Family Fund $ 10,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Annual Camping TripJosa Daliro Family Fund $ 10,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.BBBS Mentorship Program Recreation SupportsOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation Fund $ 9,600.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.The Building Block CampaignThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 10,000.00
Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern OntarioJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 10,000.00
Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern OntarioMNP Fund $ 25,000.00
Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario211 Delivery ProgramDanny Clara Legacy Fund $ 10,000.00
Roots Community Food CentreMNP Fund $ 5,000.00
Roots Community Food CentreCommunity ID and Tax ClinicsThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 5,500.00
Salvation ArmyJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 1,000.00
Shelter HouseChristopher Jean Memorial Fund $ 5,000.00
Shelter HouseJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 1,000.00
Society of St. Vincent de PaulLorne and Norma Otway Family Fund $ 1,500.00
Socks 4 Souls CanadaProviding socks to Thunder Bay's unhousedThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 3,000.00
Special Olympics Thunder BayHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 1,000.00
St. Andrew Soup Kitchen Inc.Chrusz/Savitsky Non-Endowed Fund $ 15,000.00
St. Andrew Soup Kitchen Inc.Meal EnhancementDanny Clara Legacy Fund $ 9,000.00
St. Andrew Soup Kitchen Inc.Extras for SeniorsThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 5,000.00
St. John AmbulanceCommunity Safety With Our Medical First RespondersDanny Clara Legacy Fund $ 3,000.00
St. John AmbulanceProviding Care & Compassion Through Our Therapy Dog ProgramMargaret & Ed Ayer Animal Welfare Fund $ 5,000.00
St. Joseph's Nurses' Alumni BursaryLorne and Norma Otway Family Fund $ 1,500.00
The Tapestry International Women’s Network and Rotary Club of Thunder Bay (Port Arthur) Bursary FundBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold Fund $ 1,000.00
TB Food BankAnonymous Donor $ 2,731.95
TB Food BankAnonymous Donor $ 3,936.35
The Eleanor Drury Children's TheatreTell Your Story, Find Your Voice! A youth-devised performance & workshop series with EDCT/BGC TBayHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts Development $ 8,000.00
Thunder Bay & District Humane SocietyAnonymous Donor $ 2,763.93
Thunder Bay & District Humane SocietyRuth Brickell $ 600.00
Thunder Bay Art GalleryDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Non Endowed Fund $ 20,000.00
Thunder Bay Emergency Shelter Inc.Safer Outdoor Space RejuvenationJames & Shirley Symington Family Fund $ 10,000.00
Thunder Bay Emergency Shelter Inc.Healing Together Through Movement & ConnectionJosa Daliro Family Fund $ 6,863.00
Thunder Bay Field NaturalistsCaldwell Lake Nature Reserve additionThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 2,500.00
Thunder Bay Public LibraryAccessible Reads: Expanding E- and AudiobooksDr. S. Penny Petrone Fund $ 3,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 5,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 2,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 5,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Non Endowed Fund $ 10,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraMargaret & Arnold Westlake Endowment for the Arts $ 33,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraHerbert and Louise Stoot Fund $ 2,000.00
U Turn Parkinson'sJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 5,000.00
United for Literacy (Formerly Frontier College)Supporting Child and Youth Literacy in Thunder BayThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community Fund $ 5,000.00
United Way of Thunder BayBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold Fund $ 1,000.00
United Way of Thunder BayJackie & Ernie Dojack Non-Endowed Family Fund $ 5,000.00
United Way of Thunder BayDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Non Endowed Fund $ 1,000.00
United Way of Thunder BayYouth-Created Art Showcase presented by Planet Youth Thunder Bay (PYTB)Hanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts Development $ 6,000.00
WeswayShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund $ 6,000.00
RECOGNITION & AWARDING

2024 Grant Reception

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation continues its commitment to building our community together with local charitable organizations, awarding more than $700,000 in grants.

2024 Grant Recipients

Organization NameProgram NameGranting FundAmount
Boys & Girls Club of Thunder BayBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold$1,000.00
Confederation CollegeBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold$500.00
Matawa Education CentreBonnie Moore & Blanche Swalwell Culinary BursaryBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold$500.00
Consortium Aurora BorealisMargaret & Arnold Westlake Endowment for the Arts$5,000.00
Thunder Bay Art GalleryMargaret & Arnold Westlake Endowment for the Arts$20,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraMargaret & Arnold Westlake Endowment for the Arts$22,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayMargaret & Ed Ayer Family Fund$2,000.00
Our Kids CountMargaret & Ed Ayer Family Fund$2,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayChristopher Jean Memorial Fund$5,000.00
Shelter HouseChristopher Jean Memorial Fund$5,000.00
Magnus TheatreDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$500.00
Salvation ArmyDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$250.00
Thunder Bay Art GalleryDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$10,000.00
Thunder Bay Field NaturalistsDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$1,000.00
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences CentreDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$1,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$7,500.00
United Way of Thunder BayDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$200.00
Christmas CheerJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$3,000.00
Community Clothing AssistanceJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$2,500.00
IsthmusJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$1,500.00
John Howard SocietyJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$2,500.00
Regional Food Distribution AssociationJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$3,000.00
Salvation ArmyJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$1,000.00
Shelter HouseJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$1,000.00
United Way of Thunder BayJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$5,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayOutdoor Boarded Rink - seasonal storage containerJames & Shirley Symington Family Fund$4,000.00
Camp Quality CanadaCamp Quality Northwestern OntarioJames & Shirley Symington Family Fund$5,000.00
George Jeffrey Children's FoundationLittle George’s Outdoor Transformation ProposalJames & Shirley Symington Family Fund$5,200.00
George Jeffrey Children's FoundationSensory Items for Visual TherapyJP Hudolin Family Fund$2,783.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayKelly & George Badanai Family Fund$4,000.00
Confederation CollegeKelly & George Badanai Family Fund$500.00
Matawa Education CentreKelly & George Badanai Family Fund$3,000.00
The Pipes and Drums of Thunder BayKelly & George Badanai Family Fund$500.00
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences CentreKelly & George Badanai Family Fund$500.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayMeredith/Karam Family Fund$5,000.00
Roots Community Food CentreMeredith/Karam Family Fund$10,000.00
Camp GitchigomeeShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund$10,000.00
WeswayShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund$5,000.00
Hospice NorthwestSpecialized Hospice Volunteer TrainingDanny Clara Legacy Fund$2,500.00
Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario211 Delivery ProgramDanny Clara Legacy Fund$7,000.00
Roots Community Food CentreGreens IncentivesDanny Clara Legacy Fund$4,283.00
St. Andrew Soup Kitchen Inc.Meal Enhancement 2025Danny Clara Legacy Fund$9,000.00
Thunder Bay Art GalleryArtConnect: Bridging Creativity and TechnologyDanny Clara Legacy Fund$2,217.00
George Jeffrey Children's FoundationBright Beginnings ProgramDonny Ritza Skills Development$700.00
Independent Living Resource CentreCaring for CommunityDonny Ritza Skills Development$1,800.00
Confederation CollegeRural Mental Health Crisis Response Strategy:2024/25Dr. R. K. Dewar Medical Research Fund$10,000.00
Hospice NorthwestCompassionate Communities Promotional CampaignDr. R. K. Dewar Medical Research Fund$5,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Counselling SupportsDr. R. K. Dewar Medical Research Fund$15,000.00
Independent Living Resource CentreEssential Product CabinetDr. S. Penny Petrone Fund$3,960.00
Community Arts & Heritage Education ProjectCreative Arts: A Youth Empowerment ProgramHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund$14,370.00
Eleanor Drury Children's TheatreLosing Limitations' a community-engaged, performance-arts project for youth.Hanna & Victor Stevenson Fund$6,130.00
Magnus TheatreThe Poverty ProjectHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund$10,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Picnic in the Park Entertainment and Children's AreaHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund$8,000.00
Thunder Bay Art GalleryCreative AgingHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund$8,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraThe Orchestra Swings Education ProjectHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund$3,500.00
Northern Nishnawbe Education CouncilOutdoor ProgrammingJosa Daliro Family Fund$5,000.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Our Kids Count Camping Trip for FamiliesJosa Daliro Family Fund$10,000.00
St. John AmbulanceProviding Care & Compassion with our Therapy Dog UnitKeri Chase Memorial Animal Welfare Fund$5,000.00
Thunderbird Wildlife RescueEnhancing Rehabilitation for Birds of PreyKeri Chase Memorial Animal Welfare Fund$5,542.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayWINTER PROGRAMMINGOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation Fund$3,000.00
St. John AmbulanceEngaging Our Youth With Camp 911: First Responders Summer CampOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation Fund$3,000.00
St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder BayAnishinaabek Teaching LodgeOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation Fund$12,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraTBSO Side-by-Side ProjectOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation Fund$2,000.00
Hospice Northwest2025 Annual Journey Through Grief ConferenceCommunity Fund$4,000.00
Lakehead Social Planning CouncilSupporting Seniors with Access to BenefitsCommunity Fund$7,500.00
Nature Conservancy of CanadaTrail Improvements at Thunder Bay’s #1 Best Hiking TrailCommunity Fund$5,800.00
Our Kids Count of Thunder Bay Inc.Outdoor Play SpaceCommunity Fund$6,500.00
Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern OntarioBuilding Hope Capital ProjectCommunity Fund$5,000.00
Roots Community Food CentreFood all year longCommunity Fund$5,200.00
St. Andrew Soup Kitchen Inc.Extras for Seniors 2025Community Fund$3,000.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraNoondaagotoon 2025Community Fund$8,000.00
United for Literacy (Formerly Frontier College)Championing Literacy in Thunder BayCommunity Fund$5,000.00
RECOGNITION & AWARDING

2023 Grant Reception

In 2023, 43 organizations received funding support from the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, awarding more than $700,000 in community and donor-directed grants. 

2023 Grant Recipients

Organization NameGranting FundProgram NameAmount
Hospice NorthwestDonny Ritza FundClient Self Care Kits$2,000.00
Confederation CollegeDr. R.K. Dewar Medical Research FundRegional Student Mental Health Crisis Response$12,500.00
Hospice NorthwestDr. R.K. Dewar Medical Research FundMaster Class - 6 Week Book Study$2,700.00
Hospice NorthwestDr. R.K. Dewar Medical Research FundEducating Primary Care Physicians about HNW Palliative Care Support$3,500.00
Hospice NorthwestDr. R.K. Dewar Medical Research FundBereaved Parents Hearts and Hope Grief and Bereavement Support Groups$2,900.00
Lakehead UniversityDr. R.K. Dewar Medical Research FundThrive Packs$5,000.00
NorthWind Family MinistriesDr. R.K. Dewar Medical Research FundNextSteps$5,000.00
Canadian National Institute for the BlindDr. S. Penny Petrone FundThe CNIB Dream Weaver Arts Project$3,500.00
Canadian National Institute for the BlindHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts DevelopmentCNIB Thunder Bay Expansion Project$25,000.00
Community Arts & Heritage Education ProjectHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts DevelopmentArtful Adventures$5,936.80
Magnus TheatreHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts DevelopmentClimate Change Project$10,000.00
St. Andrew Soup KitchenHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts DevelopmentExtras for Seniors 2024$6,988.90
St. John AmbulanceHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts DevelopmentMedical First Responders$2,500.00
Eleanor Drury Children's TheatreHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts Development"If I could, I Would..." Project$10,495.00
United for Literacy Thunder BayHanna & Victor Stevenson Fund for Education & Arts DevelopmentChampioning Literacy in Thunder Bay$6,000.00
Thunder Bay Drug Awareness CommitteeJohn Rafferty Memorial FundUpcycle for Change: Art as a Path to Recovery and Understanding$2,000.00
St. Andrew Soup KitchenJohn Rafferty Memorial FundCommon Good Food Gardens$2,000.00
Roots Community Food CentreJohn Rafferty Memorial FundID Advocacy$2,000.00
Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern OntarioJohn Rafferty Memorial FundManifesting Movement: Creativity & Movement as a Lens for Trauma-informed Care$2,000.00
Canadian National Institute for the BlindJohn Rafferty Memorial FundThe CNIB Dream Weaver Arts Project - Exhibition Component$2,000.00
St. John AmbulanceMargaret & Ed Ayer Animal Welfare FundProviding Care & Compassion with our Therapy Dog Unit$2,500.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation GrantsTechnology Upgrade$8,130.00
Community Arts & Heritage Education ProjectOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation GrantsArts in Action$6,418.80
Lakehead UniversityOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation GrantsBIPOC Outdoor Adventures$5,500.00
PRO KIDSOntario Endowment for Children & Youth in Recreation GrantsGymnastics for PRO Kids$4,000.00
Confederation CollegeThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community FundOutdoor Indigenous Classroom Project$15,000.00
George Jeffrey Children's FoundationThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community FundCrocodile Walker$3,280.50
Northern Nishnawbe Education CouncilThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community FundWake the Giant$15,000.00
Thunder Bay Public LibraryThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community FundEarly Literacy Engagement$11,250.00
Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraThunder Bay Community Foundation's Community FundNoondaagotoon 2024$12,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold FundTechnology Update$2,000.00
Confederation CollegeBonnie Moore & Jay Eingold FundBonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell Culinary Bursary$1,000.00
The John Howard Society Jackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$2,500.00
Regional Food Distribution AssociationJackie & Ernie Dojack Family Fund$5,000.00
Magnus TheatreDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$500.00
Salvation ArmyDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$250.00
Thunder Bay Art GalleryDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford FundAWE Capital Campaign$10,000.00
4. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences CentreDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$1,000.00
United Way of Thunder BayDavid Legge & Shelley Crawford Fund$200.00
Our Kids CountJames & Shirley Symington Family FundCamping Trip for Families$7,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayRFL FundTechnology Upgrade$2,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayMeredith/Karam Family FundRecDesk Software Program$7,155.00
Isthmus Thunder BayShirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Fund$2,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder BayChristopher Jean Memorial Fund$3,000.00
Shelter HouseChristopher Jean Memorial Fund$3,000.00