The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF)
Releases Annual Report
Story by Michael Seguin
Photography by Gene Schilling
It’s never been about the what, the how, the who, or the when. It’s always been about the why.
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is a longstanding charitable organization dedicated to improving our community through collaboration, strategic leadership and innovative solutions to charitable giving. For over 43 years, they have worked to improve the quality of life for residents in our area and to create as well as support opportunities for prosperity.
First established by Albert Weeks, Clifford Hatch Sr. and Charles Clark Sr., WECF began with the goal of developing Windsor’s picturesque waterfront. They achieved this through investing in endowments and supporting projects such as the Peace Fountain, the Peace Beacon and the Bert Weeks Memorial Garden.
Since then, WECF has continued to expand its reach throughout countless landmarks across Windsor-Essex including the Ganatchio Trail Extension, the Ojibway Prairie Complex, Willistead Manor, Charles Clark Square and the Great Canadian Flag Project. They also host a variety of programs in Windsor-Essex County including Inspiration 100, Vital Signs and Random Act of Kindness Day.
But even this fails to capture the true scope of their mission.
“Whatever the cause, there’s always a why,” Lisa Kolody, WECF’s Executive Director explains. “That’s where we come in. To help them achieve that why.”
This is perhaps the most pertinent detail about WECF and their various causes. While, like most charities, they remain focused on building a legacy, their own why statement is much, much grander.
They are dedicated to looking ahead, fostering growth, building new partnerships and nurturing a culture of giving that makes this region a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
WECF’s work in our community speaks for itself. Last year alone, they invested over $1.4 million throughout a range of charitable causes and projects.
“People sometimes fail to grasp the magnitude of that,” Lisa states. “Because we’re an endowment model, that will only continue to expand. Last night, we had an event with one of our groups, Inspiration 100. They gather annually to nominate and choose charities to support throughout our community. In one night, they gave out $150,000.”
While our friends at WECF take pride in all the work they’ve done, they maintain a special fondness for the arts projects they’ve funded.
“We have a new partnership with an arts organization,” Lisa explains. “We also work with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and the Windsor International Film Festival. These organizations build up the arts community—and as a result, the community itself. They’re employers. They create a sense of belonging. When we support these organizations, we’re tackling so many of our other Vital Signs issues.”
The Vital Signs Program is an annual community report that combines national, provincial and local data with residents’ views on important local issues. It’s a survey that is meant to engage our community in an ongoing conversation about who WECF is, what they do, why they do it and where it can lead.
Residents, businesses, community organizations, educational institutions and government leaders use Vital Signs to better learn about community needs and direct resources to where they can have the greatest impact.
The report focuses on 11 critical areas, including food security, getting started, getting around, belonging and leadership, the environment, health, wellness and activity, work, safety, housing, learning as well as arts and culture.
“These Vital Signs areas of focus are so essential to our community and our quality of life,” Stephanie Marshall, WECF’s Director of Impact, states. “And when it comes to meaningful grants or investments, when we’re able to hear the stories of our partners in philanthropy and why these grants are so important, it really galvanizes us.”
So take a moment and think about it.
What galvanizes you? How could you best service your community?
WECF can help point you in the right direction.
“We’re happy to have a chat with anyone, anytime,” Stephanie stresses. “A lot of people think that, when it comes to philanthropy, that this is something that is not accessible to them. They imagine that it’s like calling up their bank. Or navigating an automated menu. But just reach out to us and we’ll tell you where Windsor and Essex County need you and your unique talents.”
For those truly motivated to serve, WECF can also help you establish your own fund.
“We have a $20,000 initial window for most of our funds,” Lisa states. “But this can be achieved over time. That way, you can direct your giving and see the impact of it all before you.”
Scholarships themselves are often the best way to give back.
“They’re some of our most popular funds,” Lisa explains. “As well, we bring all our donors together for a celebration every year so that you can see where your funds are going. You get to meet the students who are directly benefiting from your scholarship. It’s a phenomenal experience!”
What’s more, WECF hosts numerous other events where the community can come out, meet the team directly and get involved.
“Our Annual Meeting is at the beginning of November,” Stephanie explains. “That’s when we bring our entire WECF community together—the donors, the charitable organizations that we support—to talk about our year. How things are going. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished.”
They also host a range of other workshops for those looking to massage their own unique ‘why’ statements.
“We’re also hosting a grant writing workshop and an estate planning seminar in February-March,” Lisa states. “The exact dates are still being narrowed down, but those are things to keep a lookout for. We’d be happy to see anyone interested there!”
So, take another moment to glance inwards. Think about your community and how someone like you might best serve it.
WECF can help you untangle the who, what, when, where and how.
But only you can solve the why.
For more information about WECF, go to wecf.ca.
Published in the Anniversary 2026 Edition.
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