A Proud History of Service
A hand-up for those in need…
The Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation was registered on September 8th, 1969. This is the feast of Our Lady of the Nativity, the birthday of the Virgin of Virgins and our Mother Mary. This is very symbolic as Mary is the Patroness of the Order of the Knights of Columbus.
Since 1969, the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation has dedicated itself to creating, administering and advocating for programs and services that help families in need. Through our many programs, we have focused on assisting families to overcome obstacles in their lives that threaten their self-sufficiency. Last year, we provided services to many families in Saskatchewan and touched the lives of countless others through our advocacy and convening efforts.
In 1969 there were about 10,000 members of the Knights of Columbus in Saskatchewan in about 150 Councils. To build a sustainable fund, the State Council proposed that each member would donate $100 to a startup. If everyone did this the Capital Fund would have 1 million dollars. The interest rates on investments at the time were around 8-9% which would return about $80,000 each year to our worthy causes.
The requests from worthy charities around Saskatchewan continue to increase. The fund has now grown to over 6 million dollars and with very wise and prudent investing we are still unable to meet the demand.
Members and Councils have been encouraged to contribute regularly and as a result, many individuals have donated over $10,000.00 over the years. The accumulated value of all donations is recorded for individual information. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. (The present tax-deductible rate for Saskatchewan residents for donations over $200 is 15% provincially and 29% federally for a total of 44%. In essence, each $100 donation only costs the individual $56.)
Our Ideology
Charity First…
The first principle of our Order is Charity. The State Council of the day believed we needed to create a Capital Fund made up of donations from Councils as well as individuals. These funds would be invested (with a high emphasis on ethical investments) and only the interest earned each year would be disbursed, on behalf of the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus, to worthy charities and needy individuals throughout the Province. Besides the Capital Fund Grants made available each year, we are now partnering with Councils to raise funds for individuals or communities that the Council believes have a special need due to an unexpected disaster, a health-related emergency, or a similar issue. If your Council believes in and supports the cause, your Foundation will help also.
The second principle of our Order is Unity. The decision for us to unify and pool our financial resources provides the strength and influence to make a positive difference. Our financial strength can enable a unified Christian approach to improving the quality of life for those less fortunate.
Our Core Values
Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Hospitality and Stewardship…
RESPECT: – Treating others as we want to be treated. Accepting all persons for their unique gifts, circumstances and needs. Believing in the inherent worth and sacredness of each person and family.
INTEGRITY: – Seeking to help effect wholeness in all our relationships both individually and organizationally. Keeping the word, and being faithful to who we say we are.
COMPASSION: – Caring and comforting in a personalized manner through our diverse presence as social service providers through our charitable donations.
HOSPITALITY: – Assisting those most vulnerable and in need of an environment of dignity, safety, warmth and a sense of being at home.
STEWARDSHIP: – Making use of all our human, material, environmental and financial resources in a responsible and accountable manner.
Governance
In service of all…
Board Make up
Our Board of Directors consists of 13 members:
- One member, the State Deputy is appointed to the Board because of his elected position on Sask K of C State Board.
- Six members are elected by the delegates representing the Councils at the Annual Meeting. Two members are elected each year for a three-year term.
At the Annual Meeting of the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation, each Knight of Columbus Council in Saskatchewan appoints two delegates who represent their Council. - Six members are appointed by the Sask K of C State Board upon the recommendation of the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation Board.
Each of the six directors is appointed for three-year terms. The appointees are selected as operational managers responsible for the following:- Chaplain
- Manager of Finance
- Manager of Legal & Corporate Affairs
- Manager of Investments
- Manager of Grants & Bursaries
- Manager of Marketing
Committees:
Executive Committee
- Role: Oversees the overall management of the organization.
- Responsibilities: Reviews and recommends the Annual Budget and project plans for Board approval, signs on behalf of the organization, and approves expenditures up to $1,000.
Communications & Marketing Committee
- Role: Manages the organization’s communication and marketing efforts.
- Responsibilities: Develops and implements project plans for communication and marketing initiatives, and manages related expenses within approved budgets.
Non-Interest Revenue Committee
- Role: Focuses on generating revenue that is not interest-based.
- Responsibilities: Develops and implements project plans to generate non-interest revenue, and manages related expenses within approved budgets.
Finance & Policy Development Committee
- Role: Manages financial planning and policy development.
- Responsibilities: Develops the annual budget, creates project plans for financial and policy initiatives, and manages related expenses within approved budgets.
Grants & Bursaries Committee
- Role: Oversees the distribution of grants and bursaries.
- Responsibilities: Reviews and recommends grants and bursaries, develops project plans for these activities and manages related expenses within approved budgets.
Each committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and financial health of the Sask K of C Charitable Foundation.