Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Bethany Care Foundation (BCF)

Role of Bethany Care Foundation in the funding ecosystem

Bethany Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm supporting Bethany Care Society, one of Western Canada’s largest not‑for‑profit providers of continuing care, housing and services for seniors and adults with disabilities. As a registered charity, the Foundation connects individual and institutional donors with targeted opportunities to improve quality of life in Bethany communities, then carefully stewards those funds into priority care initiatives.

Rather than operating public, open-call grant programs, the Foundation focuses on directing donations to a portfolio of internal projects and enhancements. These include life‑enriching daily programs such as music, art and pet therapy, spiritual care, and other activities that nurture residents’ emotional, social and spiritual well‑being. Donor support also underwrites innovative models of care, new technologies and professional development for care teams, helping Bethany remain a leader in person‑centred continuing care.

Key funding priorities and types of support

• Innovation in care: Investments in new technology, updated care models and staff learning to ensure residents receive safe, high‑quality, person‑centred care.
• Meaningful daily programming: Ongoing support for therapeutic and recreational programming that brings joy, connection and purpose to residents and program participants.
• Creating home-like environments: Capital and equipment funding for warm, welcoming spaces, accessible courtyards, furnishings, and specialized care equipment such as lifts, bathtubs and linen warmers.
• Capital projects: Major campaigns such as the "Next Chapter" initiative, which aims to raise $20 million to build a modernized Bethany Calgary care home using a small-home model focused on dignity, privacy and community.

Through these funding streams, the Foundation allocates millions of dollars over time to projects that directly benefit residents, families, employees and volunteers across Bethany sites in Calgary and southern Alberta.

Supported audiences and overall impact

Funding from Bethany Care Foundation serves a broad population of seniors and adults with complex medical needs or disabilities who live in Bethany care homes, affordable housing, and specialized programs such as the Young Adult program. By improving spaces, services and programming, the Foundation’s investments help residents feel seen, valued and at home, while also supporting the staff and volunteers who provide daily care.

While the primary beneficiaries are within the Bethany Care Society network, the Foundation welcomes philanthropic partnerships, legacy gifts, special events and community fundraising led by individuals, families and corporations who want to contribute financially to aging well in the community.