Grant and Funding Programs Offered by AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation (H5S4KS)

The AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization established in 2005 by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada). It acts as a vehicle for members of Canada’s automotive aftermarket industry to give back to communities by collecting and redistributing funds. The foundation supports registered Canadian charities whose programs directly benefit children and youth, and it operates several scholarship initiatives that help students pursue post-secondary education, particularly in the auto care and automotive aftermarket fields.

Through partnerships with AIA Canada’s local divisions, the foundation reaches communities across the country and channels support to smaller charities that might otherwise be overlooked. Projects funded typically provide training, equipment, experiences and practical assistance so that young people can develop skills and reach their full potential.

The foundation runs a structured grant-making program with two formal funding cycles each year. Grant requests must be led by members of AIA Canada and are limited to projects delivered by registered Canadian charities. Applications are submitted online and are reviewed in spring and fall, with clear deadlines and minimum review times.

Eligible organizations must work with children and youth in Canada, provide non-discriminatory services, and demonstrate sound governance, accountability and financial need. The board considers social and economic barriers faced by beneficiaries, prioritizes first-time applicants when resources are limited, and reviews an applicant’s fundraising efforts, track record and potential impact. Grants are awarded for specific projects and time-limited initiatives, not for ongoing operating deficits, endowments, multi-year commitments or political and primarily religious activities.

In addition to grants for charities, the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation funds a portfolio of recurring scholarship programs. These include the AIA Canada High Fives for Kids Scholarship, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UofAF) Scholarship Program and the Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually across Canada to deserving students based on academic achievement, skills, extracurricular involvement or commitment to careers in the auto care industry. Each scholarship has defined award amounts and application windows, and some are targeted to children of employees of AIA Canada member companies.

The foundation emphasizes accountability both for applicants and itself. Recipient organizations must report on project outcomes, provide examples of results, and describe how the funding improved the lives of children and youth in their communities. The board may review compliance with grant terms and request proof of performance. Public "Year in Review" content highlights total funds distributed, named recipient charities across Canada and scholarship winners, which reinforces transparency and showcases impact.

Overall, the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation plays a focused role in Canada’s philanthropic landscape by connecting the automotive aftermarket industry with child- and youth-serving charities and by investing in the next generation of industry professionals through scholarships.