About Us
ACF started in 1978 with a significant donation by a prominent local family and a dream for a community. Since then, it has evolved to become the Abbotsford Community Foundation, a collective investment vehicle for local philanthropy for the well being & resilience of Abbotsford – today, tomorrow, & forever. We live a vision that together, we build a stronger, more caring community.
Our History
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.
- The Directors of the Commission felt that the sizeable donation could have a much longer effect on the community if it was invested in perpetuity and revenues from the investment spent annually.
- The Matsqui-Abbotsford Parks and Recreation Foundation Society was formed in December 1979. After 3 years of operation, the Directors of the Foundation felt the organization would be more accepted and have greater growth potential if it was independent of Council. A special resolution was adopted that changed the existing Foundation to the Matsqui-Abbotsford Foundation Society with the Directors of the Society now elected by the members themselves (the Directors of the Society).
- With the amalgamation of the Matsqui and Abbotsford municipalities in 1994, a further amendment was made to the constitution that changed the name of the Foundation to the Abbotsford Foundation.
- In 2002, the name was revised to Abbotsford Community Foundation.
The Abbotsford Community Foundation has experienced steady asset growth over the years through the generous giving of people in the community along with the establishment of several funds by other not for profit groups and organizations. ACF’s current endowment is over $22 million and from 1980 to 2025 has invested ~$20 million in our local agriculture industry, in our young people’s education, & in our local community’s needs. When you give to through your community foundation, you’re making an investment in the resilience & well being of your community – not just today, but forever. That’s the power of your own foundation meeting the needs of Abbotsford.
