Role of the Bourassa Savaria Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Bourassa Savaria Foundation is a Canadian charitable foundation created in 2014 by Marcel Bourassa, Executive Chairman of Savaria Corporation. With contributions from Mr. Bourassa and Savaria Corporation, the Foundation focuses its philanthropy on improving quality of life for people living with significant physical mobility challenges. Rather than funding individuals directly, it channels support through registered Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations that work closely with mobility‑impaired children, adults and their families.
The Foundation provides both financial contributions and product donations, such as accessibility equipment, to help organizations remove barriers to mobility. Its support can help fund services, programs, adaptive sports, rehabilitation initiatives, accessible transportation and other projects that expand independence and participation for people who use wheelchairs or face similar constraints.
General funding focus and eligibility
The Foundation’s guidelines state that it donates exclusively to registered Canadian charities and registered not-for-profit organizations. Beneficiary organizations must demonstrate that they support families and individuals living with physical mobility disabilities. The Foundation does not accept or consider funding requests from individuals, and it excludes political parties and religious organizations or programs that are not open to all regardless of race or beliefs.
Applications are submitted online through a dedicated form. Requests are reviewed at regular intervals, and successful applicants are notified by email. The Foundation asks that applicants allow at least six weeks for review and notes that it cannot respond to telephone, email, mail or fax inquiries about applications.
Supported audiences and impact
The Foundation’s impact is illustrated by a range of past recipients, including regional and national organizations dedicated to rehabilitation, adaptive sports, support for neuromuscular and neurological conditions, and services for children with disabilities. Examples cited on the site include Ability New Brunswick, Défi Sportif Altergo, Easter Seals organizations, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, spinal cord injury associations, and various specialized Quebec foundations and homes for children and adults with significant disabilities.
Through this portfolio of partners, the Bourassa Savaria Foundation plays a targeted role in Canada’s accessibility and inclusion ecosystem. Its funding and in-kind support help strengthen front-line organizations that provide mobility equipment, therapy, community integration programs, and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities across multiple provinces.