Role of the Allard Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Allard Foundation is a private family foundation that has been serving the Edmonton and Alberta community since 1978. Founded by Dr. Charles Allard, a prominent Edmonton physician and businessman, the foundation exists in perpetuity with an endowment that has grown through investment income and family donations.
Funding Areas and Priorities
The foundation focuses its charitable giving on four key sectors: health, education, family, and arts programs. It supports registered charities that meet specific eligibility requirements, including organizations registered under the Societies Act of Alberta, special acts of the Alberta Legislature, or registered charities under the Parliament of Canada.
Grant Review Process
A four-person board of directors, consisting of family members and a community representative, reviews each application on an individual basis. The board meets every 10-12 weeks to evaluate proposals, with no set minimum or maximum grants. Successful applicants may receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 on average. Organizations can only receive one grant per fiscal year.
Transparency and Accountability
Grant recipients are required to provide tax receipts and may be asked for public recognition and on-site project reviews. For larger disbursements, yearly reports including financial statements reflecting grant expenditures are required.
Impact and Legacy
The foundation has a documented history of supporting major capital projects, endowments, scholarships, and ongoing operational support for various charitable organizations across Alberta.