A Prince Edward County resident that’s been the catalyst for the good work and leadership completed by The County Foundation is stepping down from their post later this year.

After seven years of stellar service with The County Foundation, Executive Director Jefferson Gilbert announced his intention to follow other pursuits in the Spring.

In a press release, the Board of Directors stated “we will miss him very much, as will many in the community who have come to rely upon his counsel, judgement and integrity in carrying out his role. In addition, Jefferson has demonstrated a compassion toward the vulnerable in the County and beyond. We will continue to uphold the standard he has set.”

“Jefferson has indeed been a great partner in helping to establish a solid foundation as well as playing a key role in propelling our organization forward. I have greatly appreciated his innovative ideas and his commitment to excellence in contributing both to the Foundation and to our community, and wish him well in all his future endeavours,” Foundation President Brian Beiles said. “Our Board of Directors, Staff and volunteers echo Brian’s comments in wishing Jefferson every success in his future pursuits and life ahead.He will always remain a respected friend of the Foundation and an acknowledged community builder.”

Gilbert joined the Foundation in 2015. Working closely with Beiles and a volunteer Board of Directors, the North Marysburgh resident has played a key role in significantly expanding the FOundation’s Assets and Granting since that time. In addition, Gilbert developed a model Granting Process widely acknowledged for its effectiveness, transparency, integrity, and fairness.

The Process is appreciated by Donors and Donees alike and has led to firm and lasting relationships among stakeholders. Jefferson has graciously offered to see the Foundation through the next rounds of granting and provide guidance with transitioning.

“The last seven years have been enormously gratifying to be part of The County Foundation, the collective impact in facilitating grants and support of the entire community. The time is right for fresh eyes and ideas to carry the vision ahead.  I will enjoy watching and supporting where it makes sense,” Gilbert said.

The County Foundation is one of 191 community foundations across the country offering leadership and funding to support initiatives that benefit our communities. Their role is to work with and in this community, supporting County citizens and families with a vision for a vibrant and strong Prince Edward County community now and in the future.

Since 2008, The County Foundation has been building permanent endowments and funds to support organizations and people in this community. To date, grants facilitated back to the community have exceeded $3,200,000 covering a number of sectors and focussing on the needs our donors and partners want to address.

In addition to administering grants to worthwhile initiatives, causes and bodies, the group also collects, collates and publishes community data in an effort to gauge this community against others in Ontario.

In 2013, The County Foundation published the first-ever PEC Vital Signs Report to provide a statistically based snapshot of the community, looking at both opportunities and challenges. As described in the 2015 Vital Signs Progress Report, the Foundation continue to work with 59 community organizations to address challenges in the areas of food security, education, community safety and wellbeing, and transportation in Prince Edward County.

An update was done in 2018, and in 2020 a comprehensive COVID-19 Impact report was based on the Vital Signs framework.

We will commence the search for an Executive Director immediately. An Advertisement will be published next week and details will be posted on our website at https://thecountyfoundation.ca