The Yellowknife Seniors’ Society are launching a sustainable fund beginning in 2026, that will bring in a minimum $6,000 boost per year for the local nonprofit organization.
The fund is considered an “endowment fund” which increases over time through investment income and with additional donations.
Wendy Bisaro, a veteran Yellowknifer for 50 plus years, created the fund. Bisaro is a former city counsellor and MLA, who also served as the president of the Yellowknife Seniors’ Society.
The grassroots organization advocates and advances for better quality of life for older adults through social, recreational and educational programs.
Recently moving south to be closer to family, the fund was created through the Yellowknife Community Foundation, to make “a lasting impact” for older adults in Yellowknife.
“I am so very happy that my donation can have an impact for years to come. As I have aged the realization of the importance of the YKSS as an organization, and the programs it offers, has become apparent. This new fund will allow the YKSS to continue to serve YK seniors for many, many years to come,” said Bisaro.
“The work of YKCF in assisting charitable organizations like YKSS is invaluable and I am grateful to them for the work they do. Thanks to them for ensuring any donation has a maximum impact,” added Bisaro.
The original donation is expected to grow over time. An endowment fund is a foundational fund where donations are invested, from there annual earnings are distributed as grants. The initial donation builds over time, allowing for a stable, sustainable source of funding.
Foundation leadership says this type of fund offers an innovative solution providing a more sustainable source of funding to help offset the challenges that many charities are currently facing.
Sara Brown, Chair of the Yellowknife Community Foundation, said this type of fund offers an innovative solution to an obstacle that a growing number of charities face of not having reliable, long-term operating funds.
“We are thrilled to support the Yellowknife Seniors’ Society by establishing this fund which provides a permanent and sustainable source of funding for seniors in Yellowknife. By building and investing in endowment funds like this, we can ensure organizations have reliable support year after year,” said Brown in the announcement issued today.
John Soderberg, President of the Yellowknife Seniors’ Society, said the organization appreciative of the new fund and the potential of its long term sustainability.
“We are very grateful for the creation of this fund and our thanks go out to Wendy Bisaro for having the insight to initiate this opportunity. It is important to find ways to provide long-term sustainability for our work with seniors. Having a reliable source of annual funding helps us to focus on programs and services that improve the lives of older adults in Yellowknife.”
The Yellowknife Community Foundation works with community organizations to build permanent endowment funds and use the income to provide financial support for charitable activities.
The Foundation also announced that until the end of 2026, Yellowknife-based charities that establish an endowment fund with the Foundation, will receive a matching contribution for any donation made.
My North Now reached out for more information and will share those details when they become available.
