Elizabeth Orton and Michael Cox established an endowment fund with the Ottawa Community Foundation early in the 2000s. Their goal was to make a thoughtful and lasting gift to their community, marking the turn of the new millennium. The fund’s purpose is to make annual contributions that benefit the city and surrounding area over the long term.
As the fund is unrestricted, grants are not earmarked for any specific cause or organization. This flexibility allows the Ottawa Community Foundation to allocate support to respond effectively to the city’s evolving needs and opportunities as they arise. By choosing this approach, Elizabeth and Michael ensured that their contribution would remain relevant and impactful, addressing the most pressing issues and promising initiatives identified by the OCF.
The Elizabeth Orton and Michael Cox Fund continues to play a cherished role in the foundation’s ability to foster community impact and progress.