Catherine Donnelly Foundation

Overview

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved communities by supporting innovative solutions in housing, civic engagement for social change, and environmental initiatives. Established in 2003, the Foundation honors the legacy of the Sisters of Service, a group of Catholic religious sisters committed to social change and empowerment of marginalized groups. The Foundation operates with a two-stage application review process, evaluating Letters of Intent for alignment with its objectives and criteria, followed by an invitation for a full application if successful. The Foundation's approach to philanthropy emphasizes trust-based relationships, flexibility, intentional collaboration, funding innovation, and long-term investments. It is committed to promoting positive social change by funding and financing initiatives related to the environment, housing and homelessness, and adult education, aiming to foster joint action and networking to pursue radical systems change. The Foundation acknowledges the treaty rights and unceded rights and title of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada and is committed to reconciliation and reciprocity. It seeks to build mutually respectful relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples through proactively supporting creative initiatives in the areas of adult education, housing, the environment, and impact investing. The Foundation's work extends to regions across Canada, and it acknowledges the treaty rights and unceded rights and title of Indigenous peoples throughout Turtle Island.