Past TCF Chair Brian Beiles Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer at Municipal Civic Recognition Awards

06 Oct 2026 11:37 AM By communications

The County Foundation's Past Board Chair & Current Committee Member Brian Beiles Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer at Inaugural Civic Recognition Awards

On September 24th, the municipality hosted the inaugural Civic Recognition Awards in Prince Edward County. The Civic Recognition Awards celebrate "the exceptional individuals, organizations, and groups that have made a lasting impact on the community".


The Outstanding Volunteer Awards are presented to individuals whose extensive volunteer efforts have contributed to the quality of life in Prince Edward County.


Under Brian Beiles' leadership, The County Foundation evolved from a small group of committed residents into a respected community institution. 


Brian's commitment to building partnerships, fostering a culture of giving, and strengthening community connections has helped shape The County Foundation into the trusted organization it is today. 


Brian was nominated by current TCF staff members for playing a foundational and transformative role in the development and success of The County Foundation, serving as a dedicated and visionary Board Chair during its formative years. His leadership exemplifies what it means to be a civic volunteer - committed, values-driven, and deeply invested in the well-being of the community.


The County Foundation was created in response to a clear gap: the community lacked a unified philanthropic organization to support and strengthen local sectors. The idea emerged from a Cultural Round Table where residents expressed a desire to give back in a meaningful, coordinated way. At the time, there were no endowment funds, no established reputation, and only a small group of supporters.

To say there is no TCF without Brian’s leadership, and commitment to our work is not an overstatement. As our Chair for many years, he has been the heart and soul of our community foundation, driving our mission forward, and an important champion of our Vital Signs work.

Under Brian’s leadership, TCF embraced a humble but determined approach that has stayed true to our organization: focus on doing good work, build credibility over time, and let impact speak for itself.

Remarks & Reflections from Brian Beiles

"Firstly, I’m deeply appreciative of receiving this award related to my contribution to The County Foundation. For me, it has been a real privilege to be able to give back and apply my skills and knowledge to an organization committed to living the values of: integrity, inclusion, accountability, stewardship, collaboration. The County Foundation is a vehicle that connects generosity with need in PEC, by bringing together donors, data, and local organizations to invest in what matters most to our community. Importantly, my contribution builds on the shoulders of my predecessors, Carlyn Moulton who spearheaded the formation of TCF in 2008, and Joan Pennefather who succeeded her.

Especially gratifying for me is, through the efforts of a small but mighty team and a committed volunteer Board, and through the generosity of our donors and the partnerships that we have formed, TCF has been able to facilitate grants back in to the community totaling more than $11 million since its inception, and is also on track to facilitate over $1 million per for the foreseeable future - which is truly outstanding for a community of our size. 


I would be remiss in not mentioning a flagship offering of TCF – its Vital Signs reports and data bank. Vital Signs has sparked dialogue and discussion in our community and have provided a focus for our donors and our granting, and helpful to the organizations who apply for our grants.

Although I am no longer on the Board, I am contributing to TCF through 2 internal committees on which I am a member, and have full confidence that through the dedicated efforts of its excellent staff and committed Board, the organization will continue to grow and increase its impact in our community for many years to come, and deliver on its vision of: working together to build a place where everyone belongs and all can thrive."

Congratulations to Brian!
Thank you for your ongoing leadership, kindness, and commitment to Prince Edward County.

TCF team photo civic recognition awards
The County Foundation team (including staff and Board members) came out to celebrate Brian at the Regent Theatre.