After holding a public consultation in 1987, the Red Deer Community Foundation was established as a registered non-profit organization on June 29, 1989. Morris Flewwelling, Marg Hicks, Rob Kolton, Trish MacSween, Joyce Shand, B.J. Billings, Frank Kuhnen and Don Laubman were the founding members who were appointed by the Committee of Nominators.
The name of the organization was changed in December, 1997 to the Red Deer & District Community Foundation therefore reflecting the original intent of serving Red Deer & the surrounding area.
The Foundation was managed as a purely volunteer organization from 1989-1996. Until 1995, the files were maintained at the Red Deer & District Museum. In 1995, an office was established with a part time Executive Director. In 1996 a part time administrative assistant was hired. That same year, policies were put in place to define Board/ Staff responsibilities. Currently there are 3 full time staff members; the Chief Executive Officer, Coordinator for Communications and Grants and Coordinator for Community Leadership Initiatives; and 1 part time staff our Coordinator for Administration and Donor Services.
Highlights of the Community Foundation’s Growth:
1989
- Gifts of $802,410 started the General Endowment Fund
- 11 designated funds were created
- $52,439 was granted
1990
- Gifts of $306, 850 were donated to the General Endowment Fund
- Gifts of $56, 588 were donated to the designated funds and 8 more funds were established, totaling 19 funds
- $122,092 was granted
1991
- Gifts of $209,947 were donated to the designated funds and 3 more funds were created, totaling 21 funds
- $154,113 was granted
1992
- Gifts of $725 were donated to the General Endowment Fund
- Gifts of $39,827 were donated to the designated funds and 5 more funds were established , totaling 26 funds
- $153,009 was granted
1993
- Gifts of $100 were donated to the General Endowment Fund
- Gifts of $13,241 were donated to the designated funds and 2 more funds were created, totaling 28 funds
- $136, 903 was granted.