Role of the Berthiaume-Du Tremblay Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Berthiaume-Du Tremblay Foundation is a private charitable foundation created in 1961 whose activities began in 1967. It is dedicated to promoting healthy, active and inclusive aging in Quebec. From its base in Montréal, the foundation combines direct project development with financial and strategic support to initiatives that improve the quality of life of older adults.
Its mission states that it contributes to aging well by exploring new solutions and favouring their experimentation, by supporting initiatives at different stages of seniors’ life courses, and by sharing the expertise gained through partnerships and collective action. This translates into support for intergenerational projects, research collaborations with universities and colleges, and innovative housing and service models for seniors.
Main themes and types of initiatives supported
The foundation’s work is structured around several cross-cutting axes: social and civic participation, intergenerational links, promotion of healthy lifestyles, maintenance of autonomy, and the use of new technologies. Within these themes it backs:
- Research projects on aging conducted with partners such as Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, UQTR and specialized gerontology centres.
- Intergenerational projects like digital literacy workshops, humour and improvisation activities, memory-sharing workshops and intergenerational cohabitation.
- Innovative housing initiatives grouped within the “Quartier des générations”, bringing together different types of senior housing and community spaces to foster participation and inclusion.
Supported audiences and overall impact
The foundation primarily serves older adults in Quebec, but its initiatives often involve younger generations, caregivers, practitioners and researchers. Its impact includes annual activities at the Quartier des générations, multiple research projects on aging and several housing initiatives hosting hundreds of seniors. Beyond financial contributions, the foundation plays a convening role, co-creating projects with partners and ensuring the transfer of knowledge between research and practice.
History and evolution of the organization
Founded by Angélina Berthiaume-Du Tremblay, a pioneering businesswoman and philanthropist, the foundation has progressively expanded from its first residences and community centre to a broader social innovation portfolio. The creation of the Présâges social innovation hub and the Quartier des générations illustrates this evolution toward experimentation, partnership and systemic change in how Quebec society supports aging with dignity.