Investment Philosophy
The primary goal of SMD Foundation/Easter Seals™ Manitoba is to build a sustainable infrastructure that will help ensure the long-term provision of services to people with disabilities.
To make that long-term sustainable infrastructure possible, SMD Foundation/Easter Seals™ Manitoba have adopted a very specific philosophy toward investment.
- Funds accumulated through various fundraising efforts are placed in a trust fund, which is used to maintain and enhance the programs and activities supporting Manitobans with disabilities. The fund is professionally managed by an Investment Manager who selects the best possible investment instruments;
- Investments may be made in individual securities; pooled, segregated and mutual funds; term deposits, GIC’s and similar instruments issued and/or guaranteed by banks, trust companies, insurance companies or other eligible issuers, and annuity and similar contracts issued by insurance companies. No matter what form of investment is recommended by the Investment Manager, all funds are used in a way that will further the mission and charitable objectives of SMD as a whole; and
- Financial affairs are likewise conducted in an effective and responsible manner, in accordance with accepted principles of financial management, accounting procedures and operational policies – as well as the accredited rules and regulations of the Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code of Imagine Canada and of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
SMD Foundation/Easter Seals™ Manitoba has established investment objectives for our Trust Fund that include an absolute rate of return requirement measured against a benchmark of financial market indices. These rate of return requirements are for the total fund and apply over a market cycle of 4 to 5 years. Calculations include realized and unrealized capital gains or losses, plus income from all sources.