Dear Volunteers:

Every year as Volunteer and President, look forward to the Volunteer Endowment Trust (VET) process and the collaboration with fellow Volunteers, leadership and what the Development team will propose for us.

This year is no exception, as the Development team led by Erin Thandani (Associate Director, Philanthropy and Planned Giving) always give us such vast and unique choices, this year four in total, we are most grateful for and this collaboration on the important VET process where we as volunteers have say. Please see attached (2026-27) PDF document on the details and proposal’s with important information from the Development Team for review by the Volunteers and the voting link on your final choice where the VET funds will be distributed.

This is indeed a wonderful opportunity for us all as Volunteers to contribute as to where the Volunteer Endowment Trust (VET) funds will be distributed to and vote in a democratic process, each vote truly counts and matters, so please be sure to include your vote and say, only one vote per volunteer.

Background:

The Volunteer Endowment Trust (VET) is a fund created and sustained through the continued financial support of the Volunteers of the Art Gallery of Ontario. The fund is held in trust by the AGO Foundation, which manages and holds all AGO Endowment Funds.

The VET was established in 2001 with a Letter of Agreement between the AGO, the AGO Foundation and the Volunteers of the AGO. The original capital that created the fund continues to remain invested, each year, an annual distrubtion of the fund (approximately $50,000 – $75,000) is graciously given to support a Gallery project or exhibition, chosen by AGO volunteers.

To ensure only one vote per volunteer, we are asking you to include your name, email and placement type. This will also help us to identify trends in volunteer priorities. Please be assured that your individual responses will be kept confidential and only viewable by Barbara Glaser, Volunteer President and Holly Procktor, Volunteer Coordinator.

Please see the email package sent earlier this week with the PDF on the proposals from the Deveolpment Team and choices to vote for via the link provided.

Thank you to the team of Volunteers for your ongoing infinite support, and participation in this voting process on the VET.

Best,

Barbara Glaser

AGO Volunteer President