On September 23, 2026, the Inspiration 100™ Association celebrated a decade of impact and the power of community giving at its 11th Annual Member Meeting and 10th Annual Grants Award Ceremony, held at Essex Golf and Country Club. In front of members and guests, the Association proudly announced a $150,000 investment in ten local charities serving Windsor-Essex.
Each year, Inspiration 100™ members nominate, review, and vote to determine the charities that will receive funding through the Inspiration 100™ Endowment Fund, held at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF). This democratic, member-led process continues to build a legacy of generosity and long-term support for causes that matter in our region.
“Reaching more than $750,000 in community investments and growing the Inspiration 100™ Endowment Fund to over $2.9 million is an extraordinary achievement,” said Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation. “These accomplishments reflect the generosity and dedication of Inspiration 100™ members, whose collective philanthropy continues to create meaningful change across Windsor-Essex.”
This year’s community grants were awarded to the following organizations:
Second Chance Animal Rescue of Windsor Essex County – $10,500
Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association – $10,500
Drouillard Place – $10,500
Kiwanis Sunshine Point Camp – $10,500
Sleep in Heavenly Peace – $15,000
Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative – The Soup Shack – $15,000
W.E. Care for Kids Foundation – $15,000
Street Help Windsor – $21,000
John McGivney Children’s Centre – $21,000
Hiatus House – $21,000
This year marks a major milestone for the Association. With this latest round of giving, Inspiration 100™ has now invested $750,000 in grants to 60 charities over the past decade. The Inspiration 100™ Endowment Fund has also surpassed $2.9 million, ensuring continued growth in both capacity and community reach.
“Inspiration 100™ began with a bold idea: to build a sustainable source of funding that would uplift Windsor-Essex for generations to come,” said Rae-Anne Copat, Chair of the Inspiration 100™ Executive Committee. “We’re honoured to invest $150,000 in ten deserving charities this year and look forward to seeing the impact of this investment.”
Guests also heard from past grant recipients, including the Windsor Residence for Young Men, who shared how these grants are transforming lives and making an impact throughout our community.
About Inspiration 100™
Inspiration 100™ is a group of 100 local philanthropists dedicated to building a permanent legacy of giving in Windsor-Essex. Through an endowment fund managed by the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, members nominate and vote annually on charities that receive support. The result is sustainable, long-term investment in causes that matter. LEARN MORE
