Philanthropy often feels out of reach for many, shaped by myths that community foundations are only for the ultra-wealthy or that their funds remain stagnant, providing minimal benefit.
The Sunshine Coast Foundation is rewriting this narrative to create an understanding and draw awareness to these and other myths that often misrepresent the foundation's work.
With a personalized approach, Sunshine Coast Foundation offers tailored solutions that empower individuals, families and organizations to make meaningful contributions — no matter their resources. By addressing misunderstandings and championing inclusivity, they demonstrate how giving can be impactful, accessible and deeply connected to the community’s needs.
"We would like to set the record straight and show people it's not a ‘one-size fits all’ model of giving," says Erin Storey, executive director of the Sunshine Coast Foundation. "There are many benefits we offer that people just don't know about."
In addition to the fact that 100% of donated funds stay on the Sunshine Coast, the benefits are wide-ranging, according to Storey. "We have the ability to support the causes that are most important to you, whatever that looks like. We don't concentrate our focus in just one space."
Debunking three common misconceptions
1. You must be wealthy to work with a community foundation
Not true! More importantly, you can start small and create community impact with modest resources. "Whatever the size of your gift, you are making a meaningful difference because it increases our capacity to support those causes in our community," explains Storey. A fund can be activated with as little as $1,000 and the foundation welcomes contributions (or gifts) in any amount to one of its existing funds.
2. Gifts to the foundation must be permanently endowed
Not anymore! “Many people don’t know we offer different fund structures beyond the traditional endowment model to support a donor’s unique charitable goals. For those donors who want to have an impact over many generations, we continue to welcome and support permanent endowments. However, some people want their money spent quickly and see their cause supported sooner,” explains Storey. In addition to permanent endowments, the foundation offers spend-down, minimum disbursement and temporary funds, as well as flow-through funding.
3. The foundation sits on funds and distributes very little
On the contrary! "There is a view that our primary goal is to grow our endowments at the expense of making distributions. While growth is intrinsically linked to achieving our mission, our end goal is to get as much money into the community as possible. This coming year, in 2025, we're expecting to grant more than $650,000 – the most we've ever granted in our 22-year history – to support any area of the community that needs it," explains Storey.
Donate to a fund, establish your own
As a donor, Sunshine Coast Foundation can customize your gifts according to your preferences, whether a particular area of interest or the causes closest to your heart. Some of the areas to support include arts and culture, housing, education, youth, seniors, health and wellness, food security, poverty reduction, climate and conservation, social services and animal welfare, among several others.
If you wish to make a gift to an established endowment, the foundation currently stewards 89 funds that support different causes in the community. Gifts can be made in many ways: by cheque, credit card, e-transfer, securities, property and through wills and bequests. When you discover a cause that speaks to you, your donation to one of these funds can make a long-lasting, local impact and help shape the community for years to come.
Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about creating your own fund, please contact the foundation at [email protected].
For more information on ways of giving, visit sunshinecoastfoundation.org.