WECF Invests $1.4 Million in Local Charities in 2026

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is proud to announce that in 2025-2026, it invested $1.4 million in grants to support charitable organizations across Windsor and Essex County. These funds, made possible by the generosity of our partners in philanthropy, will help local programs thrive and create lasting impact.

On November 3, 2026, WECF celebrated this milestone at its Annual Meeting and Grant Awards Ceremony at Essex Gold and Country Club. The event highlighted the dedication of our Board of Directors, staff, and community partners, welcomed nine new fund holders, and recognized this year’s Community Impact Grant recipients.

“Investing $1.4 million back into our community is a remarkable achievement made possible by the vision and generosity of our partners in philanthropy,” says Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of WECF. “These grants support meaningful projects that strengthen Windsor-Essex, improve quality of life, and empower local organizations to make a lasting difference.”

Guests also received updates on several projects supported through the Foundation’s 2025 Community Impact Grants, highlighting the impact these investments are already having across Windsor-Essex. As part of the program, attendees heard from Shane Peters, Manager of Programs & Placemaking at the Downtown Windsor BIA, who shared the progress of the Good Greens Food Reclamation Program. Supported through a 2025 Community Impact Grant, the initiative collects surplus food from the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market and redistributes it through local community agencies, helping improve access to fresh food while reducing waste. Together, these project updates demonstrated how Community Impact Grants help local organizations address community needs through collaboration, innovation, and partnership.

The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate the next round of Community Impact Grant recipients. WECF announced seven organizations that will receive funding in 2026, supporting projects that promote belonging, increase access to opportunities, preserve local heritage, and enhance quality of life for residents across Windsor and Essex County.

2026 Community Impact Grant Recipients

• Assist Group for Putting Youth in Sport – 2027 Registration Payments
• Bike Friendly Windsor – Youth Bicycle Mechanics Education and Internship Program
• Connections Early Years Family Centre – Making Art Project
• Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative – Youth Apprenticeship Summer and Ghost Gang Fall program
• Slovak Heritage Foundation of Windsor-Essex County – Solcz Family Slovak Heritage Room – Preservation, Digitization & Community Access Project
• Windsor International Film Festival – Women of WIFF
• Windsor Symphony Orchestra – Social Prescription

2026 New Partners in Philanthropy

• Anndrea & Anthony Di Meo Foundation Fund
• Connections Early Years Family Centre Endowment Fund
• Emancipation Celebration Fund
• Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Scholarship Fund
• Kimberly Matton Memorial Fund
• Lynda Corkum/Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club Scholarship Fund
• Mo Kolody/Kolody Contracting Scholarship
• Rattray Family Scholarship Fund
• Ryan Malewicz Scholarship Fund

About WECF

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is a perpetual community trust that manages donors’ legacy funds and distributes grants to local programs. Beyond grant making, WECF leads initiatives like Inspiration 100, Random Act of Kindness Day, and the Vital Signs Program—all designed to strengthen our community and inspire philanthropy.

With over 43 years of experience, WECF continues to support local organizations and programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Windsor and Essex County residents.

Read the WECF’S 2025-2026 Impact Report HERE!