Have you seen the video that shows dozens of young adults lined up to run a modified 100-meter dash? Instead of one starting line for all racers, each student’s starting position depends on their personal circumstances, like their access to services, and their level of wealth. If they have access to a tutor, for instance, the participant starts two paces ahead. If they have a cell phone, or if they are secure in their food supply, they get to start two paces ahead. There are about a dozen factors. By the time the whistle blows, some participants are so advantaged that it’s impossible for them not to finish ahead of the pack. Others are so far behind, it’s tough just to finish the race competitively.
Of course, the video symbolizes how fraught the world is with privilege: those advantages and disadvantages that influence everyone’s journey in life.
Our Meaningful Work Foundation Grants are our way to try to even out that starting line. They are a way to break down barriers to employment, so opportunities are more equitably available around the world.
Since 2019, the Foundation has provided more than $430,000 in grants to Canadian charities who are helping to dismantle obstacles to work. More than just providing financial support, these partnerships are based on mutual exchange. We learn from each other and help each other grow in our common mission to help more people find meaningful work.
Here is a look at the 13 charities we just named as our newest recipients of the Meaningful Work Foundation grants, providing them more than $205,000.
Our 2022 Meaningful Work Foundation Grant Recipients
Raising the Roof/Chez Toit
Our grant to Raising the Roof/Chez Toit will help vulnerable youth in the Sudbury area obtain hands-on training in the trades, and apprenticeships with construction sector employers.
Loving Arms Charitable Corporation
With our grant monies, Loving Arms will provide employment to Guatemalan women who are impoverished, by training them to make cheese and sell their products locally.
Youth Employment Services
Youth experiencing mental health issues can face substantial barriers to employment. With the support of Raise’s Meaningful Work Foundation grant, YES will launch their Career Jumpstart Program and provide youth with the opportunity to complete cyber security training, and access cognitive behavioural therapy.
Global Indigenous Development Trust
Inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders across Canada to become champions of change so their communities can thrive will be the work of our grant to the Global Indigenous Development Trust. Via their Champions of Change Nation Re-Building Program, the next generation of Indigenous leaders will develop confidence and the tools they need to lead their communities back to enjoying a self-sustaining, thriving, and enterprising economy.
Making Changes Association
This grant will allow immigrant and Indigenous women in the Calgary area complete technology training, and obtain gainful employment in IT.
African Community Technical Services
With a vision to see communities in rural Uganda thrive through the elimination of water poverty, ACTS will use our grant to assist subsistence farmers and support teams with training, seed-funding, and technical support.
The Bridge: From Prison to Community
Located in Hamilton, The Bridge aims to help individuals who have been recently released from prison obtain housing and employment. The Employment Program developed through the Meaningful Work Foundation grant provides work-readiness assessments, job searching skills, resume writing training, and interview preparation training for individuals reintegrating back into the community.
Michael House Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services
The funds from our grant will provide shelter and support to pregnant and parenting youth in the Guelph area via their Give Yourself Credit Program.
Munch Café & Catering
Munch Café & Catering’s mission is to provide food-service work experience and training to persons with cognitive disabilities. Located in Regina, Munch Café will use these funds to train participants to be catering assistants and learn new kitchen skills.
Home Suite Hope
Home Suite Hope is a network of vital support services single-parent families can turn to in times of need—a support system for families looking to change their circumstances. Our grant will support their Partners in Change Program that helps mothers move towards self-sufficiency.
Centennial College
Our grant will provide administrative training to Indigenous students as well as new-Canadian students via the Centennial College/Native Child and Family Services Office Administration Program.
Furniture Bank
With this funding, the Furniture Bank will provide a living wage for 20 trainees who identify as Indigenous as they learn how to refurbish and repair furniture in a safe and supportive environment.
The Citizens Foundation Canada
Ten underprivileged children in Pakistan will receive education with the grant monies we provide to the Citizens Foundation Canada.
Making the world of work better- together
We are super excited to partner with these charities. They are making great strides to bring more equity in the world. If you are a Canadian charity doing work to dismantle barriers to employment, stay tuned for our 2023 application process that will open in the new year!
To see recipients from previous years:
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Recipients
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2020 Grant Recipients
The Meaningful Work Foundation Announces 2019 Grant Recipients
