Role of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons in the funding ecosystem
The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) is a charitable foundation created in 1987 following the success of the first Great Valentine Gala in Toronto. Its purpose is to assist individuals with physical disabilities to live fuller lives and to raise awareness of their skills, achievements and contributions to society. Since its inception, the Foundation has initiated dozens of projects and events and has raised tens of millions of dollars to support people with physical disabilities across Canada.
CFPDP operates primarily as a fundraising and grantmaking body. It organizes large-scale events such as the Great Valentine Gala, the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Canadian Helen Keller Centre Awards luncheon, sporting events and awareness campaigns. Revenues from these activities are used to support organizations, programs, services, special events and homes that benefit physically disabled Canadians, as well as to provide direct financial assistance through bursaries and scholarships.
Funding themes and types of support
The Foundation’s goals highlight several areas where it deploys funding and support:
- Awareness and advocacy: Developing awareness materials and events that highlight the abilities and achievements of persons with disabilities, and that influence government, business and the public.
- Support to organizations: Providing financial assistance to other organizations that promote inclusion, accessibility and opportunities for people with physical disabilities, including housing initiatives, community services and disability-related programs.
- Individuals and education: Using endowment funds to offer bursaries and scholarships that help students with disabilities pursue post-secondary education and prepare for leadership roles, including corporate board positions.
- Events, conferences and seminars: Supporting conferences, seminars and meetings on issues affecting people with disabilities in Canada.
Key initiatives and recognition programs
Among its flagship initiatives, CFPDP created the Great Valentine Gala, its primary annual fundraising event, which has raised over $35 million and supports a wide range of organizations and services. The Foundation also founded the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, a permanent public exhibit that honours Canadians who have significantly improved the quality of life for people with physical disabilities, selected annually through a national nomination process.
CFPDP further partners in the Canadian Helen Keller Centre Awards, recognizing individuals, corporations and institutions that have advanced the cause of people who are deafblind, while raising operating funds for the Centre. Additional projects, such as "A Seat at the Table" and other awareness and sports initiatives, extend its impact in areas like governance, employment, sport and community participation.
Publics served and overall impact
The Foundation serves people with physical disabilities throughout Canada, as well as the organizations that support them. Its funding helps create accessible housing, strengthen community services, expand educational and leadership opportunities, and celebrate role models who break down barriers. Through its events and publications, such as the WhyNot Magazine, CFPDP also works to change public attitudes, emphasizing character, compassion, community and inclusion.
Guided by its board of directors, patrons and volunteers, the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons continues to mobilize corporate partners, donors and the broader public to build a more inclusive society and to provide sustained financial support for disability-related initiatives nationwide.