“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King
From its beginnings in 1996 the Comox Valley Community Foundation has grown to be one of the most important contributors to quality of life in the Valley. The Foundation has granted millions of dollars in funding to hundreds of organizations whose purpose is to enhance the overall wellbeing of our community.
As the demands of life in the Comox Valley have changed, so has the Comox Valley Community Foundation. Through the unwavering generosity of donors the Foundation continues to provide vital support to a wide spectrum of charities which in turn lift our community.
We have done so much… We have so much more to do.
Our Mission:
The Comox Valley Community Foundation works with generous donors and supporters from all corners of our community to build a lasting legacy and enrich life in the Comox Valley forever.
Our History
The Comox Valley Community Foundation was founded in 1996 with founding directors: Stan Hagen, Dr. Robert Clarke, Judith Harder, Pat Brandon, Arthur Meyers, Bill Burns, Marc L. Paradis, Peggy Carswell, Murray Presley, Peter Doherty, Richard Swift, Marie Gordon, Dick Graham, Maudie Hobson, April Shopland, Norm Leung and Liz Phillipson.
Established with an initial capital gift of $10,700 and a $10,000 matching contribution from Vancouver Foundation, the Foundation now holds $15 million in assets on behalf of all residents of the Comox Valley and directs our resources to address the ever-changing needs and priorities of our community. To date, we have returned more than $5 million to the community in grants, scholarships and bursaries.
The success of the Comox Valley Community Foundation is attributed to the committed community members who have volunteered their time, professional expertise and passion for creating a smart and caring Comox Valley.
As an endowment-based foundation, we ensures the long-term vitality of the community by investing funds in perpetuity and using revenue generated to support charitable organizations and other qualified donees (as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency).
Meet our Staff
Our staff bring a wealth of experience in managing charitable and community-focused organizations to their roles with the Foundation, and work to ensure that both donors and local organizations are supported and have the information and resources needed with which to make decisions and take action.
Jolean Finnerty (She/Her)
Executive Director
With 25 years experience as a public relations and communications professional, in the Comox Valley and beyond, Jolean loves connecting people, helping causes, and elevating community needs through the Foundation.
Outside of the Foundation and raising her own two fantastic kids, Jolean likes to escape with friends and her devoted King Charles spaniel for adventures in the Comox Valley outdoors.
Sigourney Brown (She/Her)
Community Engagement Manager
Sigourney joined the Comox Valley Community Foundation in early 2018 after moving to the Comox Valley with her husband and dog.
Sigourney wears several hats for us and enjoys the constantly changing environment. Sigourney is passionate about giving back to her community and enjoys supporting the Foundation’s grants programs including the Community Enrichment Grants and Neighbourhood Small Grants.
Jenni Osborne (She/Her)
Donor Relations & Communications Manager
Jenni has 6 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, a business degree from UVic and she is currently pursuing her Master of Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership at Carleton University. As a born and raised west coaster, Jenni is passionate about supporting her island communities.
Since leaving her hometown of Salt Spring Island, Jenni has lived in 4 countries, visited 27 and loves to travel with her husband, although her beautiful black lab Ebony keeps them close to home these days!
Kathryn Pearson (She/Her)
Governance Liaison
Kathryn Pearson is a lover of nature and outdoor adventures. She can be found on the water canoeing, in the forest hiking or biking, or in the mountains. As a parent of 2 young children, she is grateful to be raising her family on the unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation that we all call home.
With her background in fundraising and non-profit program management paired with a diploma in Community Leadership Development she is excited to help the Foundation’s staff and Board of Directors continue their work to strengthen our local community. She enjoys supporting the community through being a Scouter with our local Comox Cubs and Beaver groups.
