This community means everything to us. It’s our passion.

We are The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, and in this column we’re going to tell you who we are, what we do, and why it matters for our community.

When it comes to describing what we want our community to be, the words are endless. Inclusive. Forward-looking. Fair. Creative. Safe. Green. Fun.

But there’s one word that sums it all up. Vital. The vitality of our community is something we care a great deal about.

Community vitality is the unique spirit that flourishes when people believe their community holds possibilities for everyone. It’s put into action by people coming together, getting involved in community issues and providing philanthropic support for causes and organizations. And it can be measured by how well people’s needs are being met: from our most basic needs — food, shelter, health care, safety — to those needs that give quality to life, such as places and opportunities to play, learn and create.

Vitality takes long-term resources for long-term solutions, so we work with donors to build endowment funds that ensure vital futures for our community.

Vitality comes from all corners of the community, so we invest our resources in a wide range of organizations and initiatives.

Vitality needs leadership, so we bring people together from all parts of our community to stimulate new ideas, build participation, and strengthen community philanthropy.

While there are many organizations working for better communities, a few important factors make our approach stand out.

We bring donors to the table as community builders, help them realize their philanthropic goals, match their interests and concerns with community needs and organizations, and find innovative and responsible ways to give their investments lasting impact.

We take the broadest view of what a community is and what it needs to succeed. This is why our grants support everything from health and wellness, education and social services, to recreation, the arts and the environment.

We take the long-term view for our communities. We identify needs and opportunities and invest in sustainable solutions, helping our communities become resilient, resourceful and ready for the future they want.

A community’s vitality depends on many dedicated people and essential elements working together. As such, The KWCF has also been involved in many community-building initiatives.

Perhaps you’ve flipped through the pages of Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs — a report card on the quality of life in the region. Or you’ve attended one of our town hall meetings on a current issue being faced by citizens in our community.

Maybe you took part in our Engage! KW sessions to learn more about building your future capacity as a philanthropist and community leader. Most likely you have participated in Random Act of Kindness Day — a community-building initiative started by The KWCF in 2008 that inspires kindness and generosity. These projects and others help build a stronger, vital and more connected place to live, work and play.

We have a vision of what our community can be and we’re looking for innovative, forward-thinking, and sustainable solutions to bring that vision to life. You can help.

Community means so many things to so many people, and the world to us. In all we do and all we say, we’re all for community.

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Guest columnist Rosemary Smith is the CEO of The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.  To learn more about The KWCF, please visit www.kwcf.ca or call (519) 725-1806.