What We Fund

Children’s Initiatives

Our goal is the healthy development of children aged 0-12. The Foundation gives priority to initiatives focused on primary prevention: strategies which promote children’s wellness and proactively address potential problems by providing opportunities for learning and growth. We value the important role played by parents, caregivers, schools, neighbours, and the community at large in raising healthy children. We dream of a community where every child is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Children and Youth Capital

The purpose of this grant program is to increase access to facilities offering recreation and character-building programs for children and youth (0-16 years) from low-income families.

Higher consideration will be given to capital requests which:

Provide facilities in areas of high need
Involve shared facilities and collaborative approaches

Higher Education

The Foundation recognizes the importance of education and how it contributes to the overall health and well-being of individuals and the community. We support post-secondary education in Waterloo Region through grants to Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo. We emphasize initiatives that improve access to higher education from under-represented groups; and those that involve community partnership.

Healthcare

Strong healthcare institutions are fundamental to community wellbeing. We support healthcare in Waterloo Region through grants to Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Grand River Hospital, and St. Mary's General Hospital. These investments may include buildings, equipment, training and professional development, or other programs.

Granting Pilot Projects

The Foundation is currently piloting two new (to us) types of granting: Neighbourhood Action Grants and General Operating Support.