A Message from Cheryl M.G. Robertson,
Chair of The Greater Saint John Community Foundation

On behalf of the Foundation's Board of Directors, and the more than 270 charities in Greater Saint John to which our community foundation has given financial support over the last thirty-three years, I gratefully acknowledge the generosity of our public-spirited donors, whom we salute for their commitment to our community.     

2008 was indeed a challenging year for investors around the globe, including charitable and community foundations, pension funds, universities and hospitals who hold endowments.  Some have reluctantly temporarily curtailed their granting to worthy causes. That was not the case for our Community Foundation in 2008. The Board, however, continues in 2009 to monitor the economic indicators and our investments with the best interests of our community in mind. We remain cognizant of our responsibilities as a public foundation and of the hopes and expectations of our donors and the many not-for-profit organizations which look to us for support. 

We ask for your patience and understanding as we weather this unique and turbulent time.  As an organization with over three decades of public service, we believe time is on our side. We are in the business of endowment building for the future and plan to be here for the long term.    

As I begin my term as Board Chair, I assure you we have a Foundation team of respected community leaders as volunteers and professional staff who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community.  We offer our best wishes for 2009.

Cheryl M.G. Robertson, Chair