Ottawa Community Foundation

Created by and for the people of Ottawa, the Ottawa Community Foundation is a public, non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1987. Our role is to connect people who care with causes that matter, enabling generous citizens to enhance the quality of life for all in our community. As a respected community convenor, we provide local leadership by bringing people together from all sectors to identify and address issues in our community in a proactive manner.

Your centre for community philanthropy, the Ottawa Community Foundation works with donors, charitable organizations and community partners to make a vital difference in our community and our world.

Ottawa Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of Ottawa by stewarding charitable assets and supporting initiatives that advance long‑term community vitality. Through strategic leadership, donor partnerships, and responsible endowment management, the foundation works to build a more equitable, healthy, and connected city for all residents.

Its support spans areas such as social services, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, environment and sustainability, housing and community development, and initiatives that promote inclusion, reconciliation, and belonging. By funding both immediate-impact programs and long-term systemic solutions, the foundation helps organizations address pressing local needs while contributing to the city’s long-term social and environmental strength.

Its geographic scope is the city of Ottawa and its surrounding region, where all grants, partnerships, and community leadership initiatives are directed. The foundation’s work reflects the diversity of the city’s neighbourhoods and responds to the varied cultural, social, and economic needs of residents across the region.

The foundation supports registered charities, nonprofit organizations, Indigenous organizations, community groups, and collaborative networks delivering programs that benefit the people of Ottawa. It works with organizations of all sizes—from grassroots groups to established institutions—prioritizing those that demonstrate strong community involvement, inclusive practices, and measurable local impact.

Funding is structured through annual grant cycles, donor‑advised funds, endowment‑generated distributions, special initiatives, and multi‑year commitments. This model ensures stable, ongoing investment in community priorities while providing flexibility to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities across Ottawa.