The County Foundation - Prince Edward County - News , Impact StoriesThe County Foundation - Prince Edward County - News , Impact Storieshttps://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/impact-storiesMon, 11 May 2026 19:03:49 -0400http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Hiring Grants Administrative Assistant (Summer Student Position)]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/hiring-grants-administrative-assistant-summer-student-positionThe County Foundation is seeking a Grants Administrative Assistant to join our team in this summer student position! ]]>

The County Foundation is seeking a Grants Administrative Assistant
to join our team in this summer student position!

Apply by May 15th 2026 at 5pm

$22/hr for 35 hours a week. Hybrid role, with an expectation of 2 office days per week.

The County Foundation is one of over 200 community foundations across Canada, offering collaborative leadership and funding to support initiatives that benefit our community.  Our ongoing work as an asset-builder and grant-maker provides a strategic perspective from which to see trends, challenges and connections in our community.  The County Foundation has 3 core activities: 

  • Vital Signs Data – producing vital signs reports to inform decision making related to community well being  

  • Funds & Grants – creating funds for charitable purposes and helping to distribute grants in the community  

  • Collaborative Action – working with partners to support positive, community-led action in PEC 

Our mission is to inspire giving, facilitate grants, and support collaborative action to address identify community needs by linking a caring community with causes that matter. 

The County Foundation continues to grow and has a new position for a summer student (35 hours per week). This position is hybrid, with an expectation of 2 office days per week. 

Compensation range is: $22.00/hour 

Reporting to the Grants and Communications Manager the key responsibilities are: 

Grants administration support: 

  • Support the intake process of grant applications, including collection of digital and analog applications, review for completeness and any other tasks related to the administration of grant funding 

 

Application support and coordination: 

  • Work directly with applicants either in person or virtually to support the submission of their funding application, ensuring completeness of information and supporting documentation 

 

File and office administration: 

  • Ensure accurate record keeping and filing of grant applications adhering to privacy and confidentiality policies 

  • Support the Grants and Communications Manager in completing reports regarding granting programs 

 

Skills & Qualifications for the position are: 

  • A passion for community impact projects, philanthropy and volunteerism. 

  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office, excel and outlook. 

  • A caring and helpful demeanor. 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills. 


Apply Now!

If you are interested in learning more about this position, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and cover letter to info@thecountyfoundation.ca with the subject line: Grants Administrative Assistant. The deadline to apply is Friday May 15th 2026. 

]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 14:46:57 -0400<![CDATA[Hiring Grants Administrative Assistant (Summer Student Position)]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/hiring-grants-administrative-assistant-summer-studentThe County Foundation is seeking a Grants Administrative Assistant to join our team in this summer student position! ]]>

The County Foundation is seeking a Grants Administrative Assistant
to join our team in this summer student position!

$22/hr for 35 hours a week. Hybrid role, with an expectation of 2 office days per week.

The County Foundation is one of 208 community foundations across Canada, offering collaborative leadership and funding to support initiatives that benefit our community.  Our ongoing work as an asset-builder and grant-maker provides a strategic perspective from which to see trends, challenges and connections in our community.  The County Foundation has 3 core activities: 

  • Vital Signs Data – producing vital signs reports to inform decision making related to community well being  

  • Funds & Grants – creating funds for charitable purposes and helping to distribute grants in the community  

  • Collaborative Action – working with partners to support positive, community-led action in PEC 

Our mission is to inspire giving, facilitate grants, and support collaborative action to address identify community needs by linking a caring community with causes that matter. 

The County Foundation continues to grow and has a new position for a summer student (35 hours per week). This position is hybrid, with an expectation of 2 office days per week. 

Compensation range is: $22.00/hour 

Reporting to the Grants and Communications Administrator the key responsibilities are: 

Grants administration support: 

  • Support the intake process of grant applications, including collection of digital and analog applications, review for completeness and any other tasks related to the administration of grant funding 

 

Application support and coordination: 

  • Work directly with applicants either in person or virtually to support the submission of their funding application, ensuring completeness of information and supporting documentation 

 

File and office administration: 

  • Ensure accurate record keeping and filing of grant applications adhering to privacy and confidentiality policies 

  • Support the Grants and Communications Administrator in completing reports regarding granting programs 

 

Skills & Qualifications for the position are: 

  • A passion for community impact projects, philanthropy and volunteerism. 

  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office, excel and outlook. 

  • A caring and helpful demeanor. 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills. 


Apply Now!

If you are interested in learning more about this position, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and cover letter to info@thecountyfoundation.ca with the subject line: Grants Administrative Assistant the deadline to apply is Thursday May 1st 2025. 

]]>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:53:55 -0400<![CDATA[2024 Annual Review]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/2024-annual-review2024 Annual Review 2024 was another year of evolution, impact and change in our community. The County Foundation continues to work toward our vision of ]]>
2023 Annual Review cover

2024 Annual Review


2024 was another year of evolution, impact and change in our community. The County Foundation continues to work toward our vision of creating a place where everyone belongs and can thrive. 


We would not be able to continue this work without the generous contributions, legacies, and financial support provided by our donors, collaborators, and partners. We look forward to working with both new and existing partners in 2025. 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our journey this year. Together, with your support, we will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community.



2024 Annual Review

Highlights from 2024 include:

  • Facilitated over $2.8 million in grants, focusing on healthcare, poverty reduction, educational scholarships, farmland preservation, arts and culture, and food security.
  • The County Foundation’s funds under administration grew to $10.6 million in 2024, thanks to the support of generous donors launching new funds and supports to our community. 
  • Launched “Vital Signs 2024 – Navigating Change: A Decade of Vital Signs,” which highlights a decade’s worth of data in Prince Edward County. 
  • We experienced a season of transition as Executive Director Dominique Jones commenced maternity leave in January 2025, and Grants & Communications Manager Gillian Armstrong stepped into the role Interim Executive Director. Our Board of Directors also welcomed new a Board Chair, Braydon Scully.

Additional Information

]]>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:50:34 -0400<![CDATA[Advocacy in Ottawa]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/advocacy-in-ottawaOur Executive Director, Dominique Jones, joined other leaders from Community Foundations from across Canada in Ottawa for a day on the hill. The purpo ]]>

Our Executive Director, Dominique Jones, joined other leaders from Community Foundations from across Canada in Ottawa for a day on the hill. The purpose was to meet with Ministers and within Government to discuss the work of community foundations and speak to policies and giving regulations that impact charities and foundations. The furthest community foundations travelling all the way from British Columbia and the Yukon to Ottawa!


“Being involved in these discussions as a network is incredibly important. By being at the table, we can relay what we are seeing in our respective communities and foster relationships with government to hopefully lead to improved outcomes for the charities and non-profits that we support.” 

Dominique Jones, Executive Director of The County Foundation.


Each community foundation brings its own local perspective, but our national network allows us to create an impact that extends across the entire country. We would like to thank Community Foundations of Canada for including us in these important conversations.



Pictured in the day on the hill photos: Community Foundation’s of Canada, Winnipeg CF, Kingston CF, Yukon CF, Sudbury CF,
Kw’umut Lelum CF, Nanaimo CF. CFs involved but not pictured = Bas-Saint-Laurent-Gaspesie-Les iles (BSLGLI) and Ottawa CF.

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Documents on Pre-Budget Consultations
​(Prepared by Community Foundations of Canada)

]]>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:01:13 -0500<![CDATA[2023 Annual Review]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/2023-annual-review2023 Annual Review Despite the economic hurdles of the past year, The County Foundation has been steadfast in providing unwavering support to ]]>
2023 Annual Review cover

2023 Annual Review


Despite the economic hurdles of the past year, The County Foundation has been steadfast in providing unwavering support to the Prince Edward County community. This was made possible by the incredible generosity of our donors and fund creators, whose contributions are the cornerstone of our initiatives. 


As we step into 2024, we remain committed to enhancing our community's vitality and addressing pressing challenges through collective efforts. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here's to a future of continued collaboration and success! 

2023 Annual Review

Highlights from 2023 include:

  • Facilitated over $2.3 million in grants, focusing on healthcare, educational scholarships, farmland preservation, arts and culture, sports, recreational activities, and food security.
  • Launched “Vital Signs 2023 – Building Bridges of Inclusion” with a public event at the Regent Theatre. This event drew the largest public attendance to date with over 200 people present. the largest public attendance to date with over 200 people present.
  • Introduction of new educational and donor funds, and legacies from generous County supporters the late Wynne Thomas, and the late Doug and Kathy MacPherson. With these community investments, our fund portfolio witnessed significant growth, now valued at upwards of $8 million.
  • Lastly, Brian Beiles, who, after a six-year tenure as President of the County Foundation’s Board, resigned from his role. Brian remains on our Board of Directors and Howard Whittaker has taken on the leadership position as our new Board President.

Additional Information

]]>Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:41:27 -0500<![CDATA[Linda's journey of paying it forward]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/lindas-journey-of-paying-it-forwardThe demand for food banks is on the rise as the cost of food and general inflation places individuals and families in a heart-wrenching predicament — ]]>

The demand for food banks is on the rise as the cost of food and general inflation places individuals and families in a
heart-wrenching predicament — having to decide between paying essential bills or putting food on the table.

Linda Downey

Linda Downey, co-founder of the Wellington & District StoreHouse Foodbank, understands the anxiety and stigma associated with seeking help from a food bank all too well. Years ago, she found herself in a similar situation. 


As a single mother working multiple jobs and raising two young girls, pride prevented her from reaching out for assistance. She believed that others were in greater need than herself. However, fate had a way of intervening. During a particularly difficult Christmas in 1986, Linda’s desperation grew as she realized she had nothing to offer her daughters. But just as hope seemed to fade, a knock came upon her door.


One in five Canadians are regularly consuming less food than they require, with approximately 6,000 residents of Prince Edward County grappling with food insecurity. Learn more at vitalsigns.thecountyfoundation.ca


Linda Downey

As a single mother working multiple jobs and raising two young girls, pride prevented her from reaching out for assistance. She believed that others were in greater need than herself. However, fate had a way of intervening. During a particularly difficult Christmas in 1986, Linda’s desperation grew as she realized she had nothing to offer her daughters. But just as hope seemed to fade, a knock came upon her door. However, fate had a way of intervening. However, fate had a way of intervening. 

A neighbour had secretly nominated her at the Seventh Day Adventists Church in Belleville, and to her surprise, Linda received a Christmas hamper filled with gifts. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she couldn’t help but cry tears of both joy and humility. She wanted to refuse the help, insisting that there were others more deserving, but deep down, she knew that her daughters deserved to experience the joy of the holiday season.

In the following years, Linda's personal promise to "pay it forward" took shape. Together with her husband, Robert, she founded the StoreHouse Food Bank in 2007. Their mission was to support not only families on government assistance but also the working poor and seniors who were silently struggling. She empathized with their hesitation and sought to create a safe space where everyone felt welcomed. Over time, Linda's dedication to helping others grew stronger. Linda recognized the need to expand the Storehouse's services beyond just providing food. The organization began offering clothing and household items, school supplies, snowsuits for children, and hampers filled with Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas essentials and gifts. 


Linda also understands the unique challenges faced by seniors, who often find it difficult to ask for help. When the pandemic isolated seniors at home, the hot meal delivery program was initiated to help fill a need. The pandemic has also brought forth new hardships, and regionally the number of seniors visiting food banks has doubled due to the rising cost of living.

The StoreHouse Foodbank

Paying it forward has created a ripple effect of compassion that extends far beyond the walls of the food bank.​

The StoreHouse Foodbank has become a testament to the generosity of the community and the selflessness of countless volunteers. Linda's commitment to caring and paying it forward has created a network of support that has touched the lives of hundreds. This serves as a reminder that each act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a world of difference to someone in need.

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Recently, Linda took a moment to reflect on her journey. She felt compelled to express her gratitude to the Seventh Day Adventists Church, the very organization that had shown her kindness when she needed it most. In a heartfelt letter, Linda shared her story and how their act of compassion had shaped her life's purpose. Little did she know that her letter arrived at a critical time for the church, as they were considering shutting down their food bank. Linda's words reminded them of the profound impact they had made and encouraged them to continue their invaluable work. 

Linda understands that anyone can find themselves in need, regardless of their circumstances, and she encourages those struggling with food insecurity to reach out for help.  

So, what can we do?

As shared with Linda’s story, one big action we can take is to remove the stigma behind reaching out or needing help. You could also choose to “pay it forward” like Linda by supporting a local food security program by financial means, food donations or by rolling up your sleeves and volunteering.

You can find a list of local food programs at Vital Signs - Food Security and Food Security donation opportunities through The County Foundation.

Finally, and probably most impactfully, we need to find ways to support financial stability. Canada has more than enough food to feed Canadians. The issues and what drives the need for food banks are growth in precarious employment, lack of affordable housing and insufficient social assistance programs.

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