Message from our CEO
Let’s hope we soon will see the signs of spring with green buds on trees and plants peeking through the layers of once-frozen dirt. We’re ready for warmer weather here at the Saskatchewan Community Foundation because getting out into the community and “planting seeds” is one of our favourite things to do.
We were lucky that the snowy and windy days didn’t keep us or Community Foundation supporters from attending our April events including a visit from the Grey Cup! April also saw our Family Tree and Legacy Circle Celebrations. They are two of our most cherished events as fund holders get the opportunity to stand up and share the story behind their funds ... and there’s always a story. Some make us laugh. Many make us cry. All of them make us so thankful for the work we get to do.
What an honour to listen and discover what motivates people to support the causes they care about so deeply. It warms our hearts even on the greyest days.
Thanks for your continued support and here’s to sunny days ahead,
May Events
- Now until May 3 - Smile Cookie Week continues with money going to First Steps Wellness Centre and SOFIA House.
- May 2 - Pigskins & Punchlines: A Fundraiser for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation
- May 6 - McHappy Day: Keep your eyes open for Community Foundation members behind the counter in Regina!
- May 6 - SaskCF Presentation at the Regina Estate Planning Council
- May 9 - Echoes of a Decade: the RSO send-off for Conductor Gordon Gerrard
- May 10 - Munch Mother’s Day English Tea
- May 10 - The Safe Café Mother’s Day Brunch
Did You Know?
May is Leave a Legacy Month. It’s a great time to talk to us about how you can support the causes, charities, and communities you love through your Will. Learn more here! Haven’t made a Will yet?
You can get 20% off an online Epilogue Will through the Community Foundation.
Some beautiful signs of spring. Thanks to the town of Shaunavon for letting us use their great photo of Prairie Crocuses to help us celebrate the season.
And also… fun fact! Saffron, one of the world’s most expensive spices, comes from the Saffron Crocus found in the Middle East. The spice is the red threads (stigmas) inside the petals and there are only three per flower.
Although somewhat similar in looks to the crocus plants we see here in Saskatchewan, you can’t eat any part of our local version (or pick them!), but you can take beautiful photos.
Jump into the Portal
If you are a person who is:
- a fundholder,
- someone who gave a donation to a fund,
- or a past grant recipient,
…then you can have access to our online portal!
This also includes groups like charities, non-profits, businesses, and communities who have funds with us, or those who have received grants from one of our funds as well.
It’s a one-stop spot to see all your Community Foundation activities including past donations and grants.
And if you are fund holder or donor you can even use the Portal to make donations!
If you are not sure if you have a Portal account, would like to set one up, or have questions email us at [email protected] or call us at (306) 751-4756.
Story Corner
This part of the newsletter is where we will highlight and celebrate new and existing funds at the Saskatchewan Community Foundation. We have more than 40 donor stories you can read today.
New Fund Story
First Steps Wellness Centre Legacy Fund
The First Steps Wellness Centre is a new fund holder at the Saskatchewan Community Foundation, but not new to our province.
When the centre opened its doors in 2010 in Regina, it was a first in Canada and it’s become the leading facility in Canada for spinal cord injury and neurorehabilitation.
First Steps Wellness Centre now has locations in Winnipeg and Sherbrooke as well.
The centre aims to improve the function, independence, and quality of life for those living with a neurological impairment (such as spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, brain injury, Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida) through researched and intensive activity-based therapy methods.
Staff work with people of all ages, including babies, and they currently have a client who is 92!
At the end of 2025, First Steps launched a Legacy Fund to directly reduce the cost of accessing specialized services for individuals, both adults and children, with neurological injuries or conditions. The goal is to have long-term financial sustainability and reduce costs for our community users.
You can learn more about their work and their Legacy Fund on CTV’s latest Charity Connections video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2rZMiZVvFs
Legacy Impact Story
Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Funds
While it only started in 2019, the The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation’s legacy is already so strong in the province.
The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation has:
-reached 25,000 kids in schools,
-given out 1,900 new books to kindergartners and 36 First Nations schools,
-granted and funded thousands in youth programming,
-visited more than 200 schools…
…and that’s only for this school year alone!
Their Foundation focuses on the three main pillars of education, health, and amateur football so the youth of Saskatchewan have the opportunity to reach their full potential, achieve their goals, and ultimately be a part of creating a brighter future for Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation recently celebrated five years of working with the Saskatchewan Community Foundation and has not one but three funds with SaskCF. They are:
It’s been a busy spring for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation with taking the Grey Cup on tour (including a stop at our office!) and co-hosting the hospitality night with us at the 2026 SUMA Convention (see photos below!) Learn more about the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation here.
