ABOUT
The Ken Murray Fund...
exists at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and continues to support organizations both in the Waterloo Region and across the Province of Ontario in areas of interest which were both important to Ken, and since his passing, are important to me.
Arts Organizations
Ken was a passionate supporter and patron of the arts. I am honoured to continue his legacy by supporting many of the organzations he supported, as well as supporting new organzations.
Youth and Education
Education and supporting the development of young people was also a major area of interest for Ken and I continue to support organizations who are investing in young people across the country.
Previous donations
Previously the Ken Murray Fund has donated to the following organizations. This list does not include donations Ken made privately.
- Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario
- Anchored Minds Foundation
- BGC Canada
- BGC Niagara
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind
- Chalmers Community Services Centre
- Ellis Community Pioneer Chapel
- Generation Chosen
- Grand River Conservation Foundation
- Guelph Chamber Choir
- Guelph Civic Museum
- Guelph Symphony Orchestra
- Guelph Youth Music Centre
- Harcourt Memorial United Church
- Heartland Forest
- Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre
- Homewood Research Institute
- Immigration Partnership Syrian Newcomer Fund
- Kiwanis Club of Kitchener-Waterloo
- KW Counselling Services
- Lisaard House
- Lost & Found Theatre Inc.
- MacDonald Stewart Community Art Centre
- Making Space for Music – Carruthers Practice Studio
- National Youth Orchestra Canada
- Niagara Artists Centre
- Orchestras Canada
- Queen’s Theological College
- Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation Canada
- Steckle Heritage Farm
- Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada
- THE MUSEUM
- The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital
- The University of Guelph Ecumenical Campus Ministry
- The Working Centre
- Three Centuries Festival – Elora Festival
- United Way – Guelph Wellington Dufferin
- University of Guelph
- University of Waterloo
- Youth and Innovation Project
- Waterloo Region Museum and Historic Site
- Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications
- YMCA-YWCA of Guelph
The Ken Murray Award
The Ken Murray WRCF Community Catalyst Award was created in memory of the first President of Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, to recognize individuals who are demonstrating their commitment to Waterloo Region by “doing more good”. The award recognizes a community volunteer or philanthropist who demonstrates character traits evident in Ken Murray’s life, including living a life with purpose and generosity, leadership, mentorship, and the ability to creatively tackle issues of today, with an eye to the future, by utilizing innovative philanthropic approaches and solutions.
Previous Winners include:
- Mike Farwell (2019) - Media Personality and Community Leader
- Sourov De (2020) - Digital Marketer and Volunteer
- Amy Smoke (2020) - Co-Founder O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp WR, Educator & Community Organizer
- Nancy Keizer (2020) - Hospitality and Community Leader
- Fauzia Mazhar (2021) - Coalition of Muslim Women Kitchener-Waterloo
- Amber French (2021) - Entrepreneur and Volunteer
- Simon Chan (2021) - Longevity and Future of Work Specialist and Volunteer
- 2022 - No awards pending amalgamation between KWCF and CNDCF
- Marcia Smellie (2023) - Equity Seeking Educational Leader
- Teneile Warren (2024) - Equity and Inclusion Advocate, Playright and Activist
