CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The Cowan Foundation, created by the founder of Cowan Insurance, is marking 20 years of giving this year and $20 million in charitable donations.

Frank Cowan set up the Foundation in 1995, the company says.

“The Cowan Foundation was started in 1995 in honour of Frank Cowan, the founder of Frank Cowan Company and Cowan Insurance Group”, said Maureen Cowan, chairman and co-CEO Princeton Holdings and chairman of The Cowan Foundation. “Although basking in accolades would have gone against his grain, we would be remiss if we didn’t offer him deserved thanks for placing such importance on building community where we do business. This strong focus on our community is an important part of the culture across the Princeton Holdings group of companies.”

“Over the past 20 years, The Cowan Foundation has made a significant impact in Canadian communities, supporting approximately 450 charitable organizations,” added Terry Reidel, executive director, The Cowan Foundation. “As our Operating Companies, including Cowan Insurance Group (and its subsidiaries: The Williamson Group, Millennium CreditRisk Management, Wentworth Financial Services and Cowan Financial Solutions), Frank Cowan Company, The Guarantee Company of North America, Cowan Asset Management, and Fountain Street Finance continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to continuing to partner with, and support, charities that matter to our employees, business partners, and clients, and that contribute to the well-being of Canadian communities.”

To celebrate the milestone, The Cowan Foundation has donated $20,000 each to 10 charitable organizations across Canada. This is in addition to its regular activities.

The groups that benefit from this extra funding include:

• Accelerator Centre (Waterloo Region)
• The CPS Foundation (National)
• The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
• Nova Vita (Brantford)
• Phoenix Place (Hamilton)
• Second Harvest (Toronto)
• Brain & Mind Matters Community Fund /Stratford Perth Community Foundation
• Woodstock District Developmental Services
• YMCA Canada
• YouthNet (Ottawa Region)