We are excited to announce the selection of six extraordinary charities to receive Meaningful Work Foundation grants this year. Over the last eight years, we have provided $800,520 to 41 charities who are breaking down barriers to employment!
The six charities we will be supporting this year demonstrate exceptional potential to break down barriers to employment and uplift those in need. Whether they support Mi’kmaq youth in Nova Scotia, women survivors of gender-based violence in Ontario, individuals and families living with autism in British Columbia, marginalized students from low-income families in the GTA, refugees, or Indigenous youth in Winnipeg, we are proud to support their efforts to make the world a better place.
Here is a closer look at each of the charities and how our grants will be used:
Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth
Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth is dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth across Turtle Island by providing culturally relevant employment and skills development opportunities. They collaborate with community partners to co-develop programs that offer hands-on work experience, high school credits, apprenticeship hours, and compensation packages. These initiatives help youth build new skills, gain self-confidence, and positively impact their communities. By addressing systemic barriers to employment and wellness, they support Indigenous youth in defining their future education and career paths, fostering sustainable livelihoods for generations to come.
Our grant is supporting their project, “Grow with the Flow,” which is a 16-week program for Mi’kmaq youth from Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia.
Women that Give
Women That Give (WTG) is a registered charity that is based out of Ontario and run by women entrepreneurs and professional volunteers. With a focus on advancing education, WTG provides employability and entrepreneurial training, workshops, and seminars to women in need, including those in shelters. They also work to relieve poverty by supplying necessities such as food and clothing. WTG is dedicated to ending violence against women and removing educational barriers, aiming to empower women through access to education, resources, and support for their mental and physical health. Their initiatives help women achieve economic self-sufficiency and lead fulfilling lives.
Our grant is supporting their Project Hope – Helping Obtain Preferred Employment – which is a 10-month program that provides weekly training to women who have experienced gender-based violence.
Autism Okanagan
Founded in 2014, the Autism Okanagan Association (AOK) emerged from the efforts of Sue Noble, a teacher-librarian, and Vicki Cairns, a retired special education teacher, who recognized the urgent need for more employment opportunities and support for individuals with autism in the Okanagan. What began as a small group of concerned parents and professionals has grown into a dedicated not-for-profit organization focused on improving the quality of life for those living with autism.
Our grant is supporting their Neurodiverse Mentorship Program for children, youth, and young adults with autism and other neuro-diversities.
ONE City Scholarship Fund
The ONE City Scholarship Fund, initiated by Toronto educators and their allies, supports students in their post-secondary education despite significant financial or social challenges. This fund celebrates the achievements of these resilient students and provides them with financial aid and mentoring opportunities. By fostering a network of scholars with shared experiences, the ONE City Scholarship Fund aims to nurture the talents of students from every neighbourhood, contributing to a more inclusive Toronto.
Our grant will provide five scholarships for students who are entering college and are from low-income and underserved neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Canadian Connections: Welcoming Refugees Home
Canadian Connections offers unique settlement services led by a team with lived refugee experience. By providing essential goods and services within the first few weeks of arrival, they enable newcomers to explore education and employment opportunities without immediate pressure. Their mission is to deliver meaningful, low-barrier support, emphasizing dignity, comfort, and security. Canadian Connections values a people-first approach, fostering trust and resilience to help refugees integrate into Canadian society and contribute to its social and economic fabric.
Our grant is supporting their Refugee Women In Action: Ready, Set, Go program that helps refugee women gain Canadian work experience.
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape
Based in Winnipeg, Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape Furniture Bank transforms housing into loving homes for families facing poverty. By providing donated furniture and household goods, they help restore hope and build confidence during uncertain times. In Canada, nearly 5 million people live in poverty, often moving into empty homes without necessities. They bridge this gap by providing families in need with items they need in turn restoring hope, improving self-esteem, and creating family stability. To date, they have helped over 500 families, delivered nearly 6,000 items, and diverted 366 tonnes of furniture from landfills.
Our grant supports their Summer Student Skills Program that employs Indigenous Youth in Winnipeg between the ages of 17-25 for 10 weeks.
We are deeply inspired by the resilience, innovation, and commitment shown by these charities, as well as all our applicants – a record breaking 250+ this year!
Our support with these six charities represents more than just financial giving, we are building partnerships. Together, we are not only addressing immediate needs, but also paving the way for long-term impacts. We are excited to witness the incredible outcomes these partnerships will yield.
Check out our previous years recipients:
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2023 Grant Recipients
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2022 Grant Recipients
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Recipients
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2020 Grant Recipients
