Brant Waterways Foundation's Nominating Committee is seeking new members to join the board for 2026 - 2029
Join Our Board (2026–2029) — A Local Opportunity to Give Back
Do you love the Grand River and the rail trails, habitats, and green spaces that make our region such a special place to live? The Brant Waterways Foundation (established in 1988) is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Grand River—recognized as a Canadian Heritage River—and its surroundings across Brant County, Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River.
From building and connecting scenic trails along flood-control dikes and former rail lines, to restoring natural habitats by planting native trees and shrubs each year with the Brant Tree Coalition, to supporting hands-on environmental education through the annual Brantford–Brant Children’s Water Festival—our work shows up in the places you walk, paddle, and explore. We also partner with local municipalities to create safer river access points for everyone.
With over $5 million invested locally to date, Brant Waterways continues to lead, fund, and advocate for high-impact environmental initiatives—bringing people together to create lasting improvements for our waterways, wildlife, and communities.
Now, we’re inviting community-minded leaders to step forward. Brant Waterways Foundation’s Nominating Committee is seeking new members to join our Board of Directors.
To help strengthen the Board and support the Foundation’s next chapter of work, we’re especially interested in candidates with previous Board experience and knowledgeable on the fiduciary responsibility of a Foundation Board. Other areas of experience and knowledge include:
We are looking for the following skills & experience to complement our Board:
- Fundraising & Sponsorship Development
Experience building relationships with corporate and community partners, developing sponsorships, and supporting revenue generation strategies for non-profits or community organizations. - Finance, Accounting & Governance
Background in financial oversight, budgeting, audit processes, or fiduciary governance responsibilities at a board or senior leadership level. - Event Planning & Management
Experience organizing successful events, ideally including fundraising events. (Our annual Gala is a key highlight—this year taking place on May 28th. New Board members are encouraged to get involved early!) - Communications & Social Media
Skills in public communications, marketing, storytelling, or digital engagement, including social media strategy, to help raise awareness of our mission and programs.
The Board of Directors for the Brant Waterways Foundation is made up of 12 elected members, three appointed members from the City of Brantford, County of Brant and Six Nations.
The commitment to join the Board of Directors with the Brant Waterways Foundation is for a three-year term starting in June 2026.
New Board members will be elected at our Annual General Meeting in June and will commence attending monthly Board meetings in July.
Meetings (virtual) are on the third Wednesday of each month from 8 am – approx. 9:30 am, and we endeavour to meet in person once per quarter (the day of the week may vary).
Please include the following with your application:
1. Cover letter that expresses your interest in joining the Brant Waterways Foundation and share how your strengths align with the areas identified above.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae highlighting your work experience and qualifications.
3. Contact information (including full legal name, address, phone numbers, and email)
Please submit your expression of interest, resume and contact information to [email protected]
The deadline for submission is May 15, 2026
Only those candidates selected for an interview by the Board nominating committee will be contacted.
List of Committees
The Communications Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining BWF’s Communications Plan to ensure clear, consistent messaging across all platforms. The committee manages the website, social media, quarterly newsletters, and the annual photo contest. It also collaborates with other committees to craft key messages that raise awareness of BWF’s mission, promote grant opportunities, and highlight community-based initiatives.
The Fundraising Committee is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support BWF’s mission and programs. This includes exploring a range of approaches such as individual and corporate donations, special campaigns, memorial gifts, Planned Giving, and memberships. The committee also identifies and pursues potential funding opportunities through grant proposals to foundations, such as Brant Community Foundation or the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Regional Trails Council brings together local trail user groups to collaborate on shared challenges, exchange knowledge, and promote sustainable trail use. The Council works to educate stakeholders about potential challenges and opportunities affecting local trails, builds community capacity through cooperation and volunteer engagement, and hosts an annual Trails Council Symposium to foster dialogue and strengthen partnerships across the region.
The Brant Tree Coalition is dedicated to advancing tree planting and environmental stewardship within the community. The committee actively undertakes initiatives that enhance local green spaces and promotes ecological health. A key part of its work involves identifying and applying for grants specifically aimed at supporting tree planting projects. Through these combined efforts, the Brant Tree Coalition Council plays a vital role in fostering a healthier, greener community.
The Conservation Lands Committee defines BWF’s advocacy priorities regarding the stewardship of land and water and partners with other organizations and individuals committed to conservation. The committee also identifies lands and waterways that warrant advocacy efforts to promote their protection and sustainable management.