We give where we live.
We serve Abbotsford by connecting donors with causes that matter to them. Together, we build, invest and manage the gifts we have been given, for the long-term vitality of our community. We offer leadership and build bridges between the diverse groups that give our community life.
IT STARTS WITH A SEED: WHAT IS THE ACF?
INSPIRE
IMPACT
INVEST
More than 40 Years of Community Impact
Abbotsford is a community with deep roots, great diversity, and an open and welcoming spirit. As people, we are more generous than anywhere else in Canada. Philanthropy exists in many ways, but the history of our organization speaks to commitment of sustainable generosity.
The Abbotsford Community Foundation was conceived by a series of initiating events that started with a substantial donation by the Trethewey family to the Matsqui Parks and Recreation Commission in 1978. In 2019, we celebrated 40 years of giving in our community. We are an endowment based organization – what our donors generously give us, we pool, reinvest and the annual earnings are granted back to the community through our granting programs. Through the last four decades we have seen tremendous growth in our capital which has allowed us to support Abbotsford in many ways through grants and scholarships.
Since its inception, Abbotsford Community Foundation has granted over $14 million back into the community, which includes over $6 million in student awards. With your help, we will continue to grow our endowments so that we can further invest in our community, creating a lasting impact that will inspire future generations.
$1,468,114
Total grants distributed directly into meaningful causes within Abbotsford in 2021
$14,006,907
Total amount granted since 1980
$360,000
Total scholarships and bursaries allocated to 296 Abbotsford secondary students in 2021
$6,019,000
Total scholarships and bursaries awarded since program inception
News & AnnouncementsView All
A Record Number of Scholarships and Bursaries Awarded to Graduating High School Students in Abbotsford
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve allocated 420 scholarship and bursary awards through our Student Awards Program, totaling just over $425,000, to graduating Abbotsford students for their post secondary education…...
Five Farm Projects Receive Agriculture Enhancement Grants to Benefit Local Agriculture
We’re pleased to confirm the recipients of the 2022 Agricultural Enhancement Grants. A total of $170,000 was granted to five farming initiatives that met the project criteria of agriculture innovation…...
Legacy StoriesView All
John Frank Kish’s Legacy Story
John Frank Kish was born in Backa Topola, Yugoslavia on January 1, 1927 to parents Louis and Viktoria. His father immigrated to Canada in 1929, eventually settling in the Fraser Valley. John and his mother remained in Yugoslavia, living with his maternal grandmother. In February of 1934, they were able…...
Stories of ImpactView All
A Place of Relief, Connection, and Hope: How the Parking Lot of Arnold Community Church Supported Local Residents During a Difficult Time
On Friday, November 12th, 2021, meteorologists warned of an incoming atmospheric river that would bring heavy rain to southern parts of BC. Little did the community of Arnold and the greater Sumas Prairie area realize the pending damage this atmospheric river would later cause. After multiple days of heavy rain,…...