Grandview Kids announces new fundraising structure with the establishment of a Centre-led Development Department

Media Release – Tuesday, January 14, 2025

AJAX, ONT. — Grandview Kids (“the Centre”) announced today the restructuring of the fundraising platform for Grandview Kids, whereby the Centre will assume fundraising responsibilities for Grandview Kids going forward, effective immediately. As part of the restructuring, Grandview Kids Foundation (“the Foundation”) will wind down its operations over the coming months as the Centre establishes a Development Department dedicated to fundraising.

As the Centre and the Foundation celebrated the successful completion of their “Believe” capital campaign and the opening of their new Ajax-based headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building, it was the perfect time to evaluate operations in a number of areas, including their fundraising activities.

As part of the restructuring, Brigitte Tschinkel, the Foundation’s Executive Director, will be retiring. The Centre will be conducting a search to identify and appoint a new Development Lead for the Centre. It is expected that existing Foundation staff will become employees of the Centre and continue their commitment to fund development and donor care.

To assist with the transition, the Centre appointed Linda Flynn to serve as Interim Executive Lead, Development. Flynn will work with the Centre’s Board of Directors and staff to ensure the continuity of development activities, develop strategic priorities and focus on donor care. Recently retired from Durham College as their Associate Vice-President of Advancement and Alumni Relations, she brings 35 years of experience, a master’s degree in leadership, and a strong track record of raising millions of dollars in the Durham Region. In addition, her active community engagement means she already has strong relationships with many of our donors and volunteers.  

The restructuring will be implemented over the coming months and will require a special meeting of members of the Foundation to authorize the distribution of the Foundation’s assets to the Centre, followed by the revocation of the Foundation’s charitable registration and then the formal dissolution of the Foundation. Pursuant to an asset transfer agreement entered into today between the Foundation and the Centre, the transfer of assets from the Foundation (and the assumption by the Centre of the Foundation’s liabilities) is expected to close on or near February 5, 2025.  All donor agreements with the Foundation will be assumed and honoured by the Centre.

Quotes

“This decision comes at an important time for the Centre and provides an opportunity to develop a highly integrated fund development and donor care program. Donor relationships are critically important to ensuring that Grandview Kids can deliver more programs and services to our families. We are grateful for the support of the Foundation for the last 30 years. We believe this new structure (which is similar to the fundraising structures of many not-for-profit organizations) is the optimal structure for Grandview Kids moving forward.” – Leo Plue, Chair, Grandview Kids Board of Directors

“The Foundation Board is supportive of this restructuring and will work with the Centre to ensure a seamless transition for our donors and supporters. The Foundation is very proud of its results in supporting Grandview Kids, including our recently completed $20 million Believe Campaign – and we thank the Foundation staff and team, the Foundation Board of Directors, and our donors and supporters, for their support of the Foundation and their continuing support of Grandview Kids. On behalf of Grandview Kids and our donors, we thank Brigitte for her commitment and support of Grandview Kids for the last 15 years, especially her leadership through our $20 million Believe Campaign, and we wish her well.” – Bryan Yetman, Chair, Grandview Kids Foundation Board of Directors

“We are grateful for the support of the Foundation. I am confident that Linda will help us navigate this transition and ensure continued support for Grandview Kids under this new structure.” – Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids

About Grandview Kids

Founded in 1953, Grandview Kids is a family-centred, independently operated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Through specialized programs, rehabilitation services and outpatient clinical therapies, Grandview Kids supports children and youth to live life at their full potential.

Learn more at grandviewkids.ca.

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