The Chilliwack Foundation is a non-profit organization which is registered as a public charitable foundation under the Income Tax Act of Canada and is authorized to issue receipts for taxation purposes. It provides a means for making donations and bequests for charitable, educational and cultural purposes within the Chilliwack area and as an ongoing method of ensuring financial aid in perpetuity to designated charities.

Incorporated in 1985 by an Act of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly, the Chilliwack Foundation serves as a trustee of funds left in its care by public-spirited citizens. These funds, both large and small, are scrupulously administered in accordance with the donor’s intentions. A preferred charity or project can be stipulated, or the Chilliwack Foundation will make best use of the funds entrusted to it in a way that it feels will best meet the needs of the community - within the precepts under which the Foundation was established.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
The Provincial Act provides that all funds received by the Chilliwack Foundation will be placed in the custody and management of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, subject to the provisions of the incorporating act and the B.C.Trustee Act. The Board may exercise its powers through any chartered bank, trust company or credit union in B.C.

The Foundation provides an annual audited financial statement and publishes a summary of this statement in a newspaper of general circulation in the Chilliwack area.

DISCRETIONARY POWER
It is not always possible to look ahead to changing times and conditions. The purpose to which a gift or bequest has been earmarked may become impractical, unnecessary or impossible. In such cases the Charter of the Foundation allows the Board of Directors to depart from the express wish of the donor and to direct the funds towards other areas that best express the true intent and purpose of the gift.

HISTORY
The concept of a community foundation has a long tradition in Western Civilization. The idea of a local Foundation occurred independently to a number of people in the Chilliwack area. Members of local charitable organizations which were constantly seeking funds suggested it. So did many financial advisors, estate counsellors, solicitors and notaries who were aware that their clients wanted to leave bequests to benefit their community.

It was at the suggestion of Chilliwack Community Services that a meeting was held of interested parties on July 27, 1983. This group, the Chilliwack Foundation Exploration Committee, obtained information about other existing foundations. After consulting with representatives of most Chilliwack law firms, the Committee decided to have a Private Bill introduced into the B.C. Legislature to create the Chilliwack Foundation. This Act passed Third Reading June 28,1985.

MANAGEMENT - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Six representatives from the community
• The Mayor of the City of Chilliwack
• The Chairperson of the Board of School Trustees, District 33 (Chilliwack)
• An elected member from the Regional District

The Board appreciates support and welcomes all enquiries. Letters and calls can be directed to: CHILLIWACK FOUNDATION, Suite #1 -45780 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC, V2P 2N4 or phone 604-792-1915.

WHAT IS THE CHILLIWACK FOUNDATION?
A non-profit organization incorporated in 1985 by an Act of the B.C. Legislative Assembly to accept and administer funds designed to promote charitable, educational and cultural interests within the community.

WHY WAS THE FOUNDATION CREATED?
To provide an opportunity to public-spirited citizens to return to the community in the form of cash donations and or bequests, funds to provide care for the needy, scholarships for the eligible and aid for those deemed deserving.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FOUNDATION ASSISTANCE?
Those who appear to contribute to the cultural, recreational, religious or physical well-being of the community. Those likely to promote research advancement and scientific or medical research for the increase of human knowledge and the alleviation of human suffering.

HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION OPERATE?
Applications for financial assistance are accepted from local, educational and cultural groups. A Board of reputable citizens, who are appointed under conditions set out in the Act and who serve without remuneration,assess applications and make final decisions. Capital funds are held in perpetuity and invested in income-producing assets under control of designated trustees. Virtually all income is distributed annually for eligible purposes.

WHICH WAY TO GIVE?
It makes sense to give to the Chilliwack Foundation so that your name and your gift live on after you. Your gift, whether large or small, will be used to meet the changing needs of our community. There are numerous ways to give to the Chilliwack Foundation and gifts are recorded in the Annual Report.

• BY WILL
Many people who have provided for family members in their Wills may also leave money to the Chilliwack Foundation.Others with no relatives may make the Foundation the residuary beneficiary of their Will.

• BY OUTRIGHT GIFT
Perhaps you wish to make a gift now instead of by Will. The Chilliwack Foundation can issue receipts for tax purposes for any donation.

• BY ASSIGNMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

• IN MEMORIAM GIFTS
When a friend or relative dies and the family asks that you make a contribution to charity,it is sometimes hard to decide on one. The Chilliwack Foundation may be the right place to choose so that the gift will continue to benefit the community.

Only you can make the decision who will benefit from your years of hard work. Talk to your lawyer, notary public, trust officer, financial advisor or the board members of the Chilliwack Foundation about making the Foundation one of your beneficiaries. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.