Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Canadian Bridge Federation Charitable Fund (CBFCF)

Role of the Canadian Bridge Federation Charitable Fund in the funding ecosystem

The Canadian Bridge Federation Charitable Fund (CBFCF) is a national charitable fund operated by the Canadian Bridge Federation. It channels money raised through charity games in bridge clubs across Canada into grants for qualified charities. Since its creation in the 1960s, the fund has awarded more than $1.3 million to national, regional and local organizations that improve the health and welfare of communities across the country.

The fund focuses on supporting CRA-registered charities that deliver concrete benefits to Canadians, such as senior centres, hospices, food banks, health-support organizations, community programs and other social service providers. Trustees select an annual theme—such as improving seniors’ lives or helping children—and allocate equal amounts to each trustee to recommend grants in their geographic zone, with the option to direct part of the funding to a national charity.

General grantmaking approach and eligibility

The CBFCF funds only non-profit organizations with a valid Canada Revenue Agency registered charity number. It seeks applications for clearly defined projects with specific budgets and timelines, rather than open-ended operating support. Both targeted and more general-purpose grants are possible, including support for time-limited or multi‑year projects, subject to periodic review by the trustees.

Preference is given to initiatives that:

• enhance quality of life for individuals and communities;
• use human and community resources efficiently;
• address widespread or systemic needs rather than isolated cases;
• demonstrate innovative approaches or techniques; and
• treat beneficiaries equitably, without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, creed or sexual orientation.

Capital projects can be considered when there is a demonstrated need, and pilot or demonstration projects must include a realistic plan for ongoing viability beyond the pilot phase.

Exclusions and funding limits

The fund generally does not provide grants to religious organizations for religious activities, to political organizations for political activities, to build or grow endowment funds, to cover routine operating expenses of established organizations, or to duplicate funding already available from government sources. This keeps the focus on high-impact, project-based support that complements other funding streams.

Application process

Charities apply by submitting a brief proposal that includes their legal name and registered charity number, contact information, a description of the specific project or projects seeking support, the amount requested and how the organization will publicly acknowledge the donation. Applications may be mailed or emailed to the Canadian Bridge Federation office or directly to the Charitable Fund Chairperson. Trustees review applications annually in line with the year’s funding theme.

Governance, transparency and history

The CBFCF is overseen by a group of trustees, each responsible for a Canadian zone and provided with an annual allocation for grants in their region. Historical lists of grants from 1972 onward, along with annual financial statements and trustees’ meeting minutes, are published on the CBF website. These documents show a long-standing pattern of support for community-based charities across multiple provinces and sectors, underscoring the fund’s stable role in Canada’s philanthropic landscape.