CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is the dedicated fundraising and grantmaking partner of CancerCare Manitoba. As the only charitable organization that raises money exclusively for this provincial cancer agency, the Foundation channels community and institutional donations into a broad portfolio of initiatives designed to change the course of cancer for Manitobans.
Role of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation’s mandate is to prudently distribute donor funds to CancerCare Manitoba. Through its Projects, Grants & Awards Committee and Board of Directors, it reviews peer‑reviewed research and program proposals submitted by CancerCare Manitoba that align with the organization’s strategic plan. Each year it commits more than $10 million to strategic projects, with recent fiscal years exceeding $10.5–10.6 million in investments.
Funding is directed across five key areas: research and education, clinical trials, clinical innovation and training, patient care support and training, and prevention, risk reduction and awareness. These investments help sustain local bench‑to‑bedside research, expand access to cutting‑edge clinical trials, improve patient programs and psychosocial supports, and modernize equipment and facilities across the province.
Supported audiences and overall impact
All funds raised by the Foundation remain in Manitoba and benefit patients with all types of cancer and blood disorders, as well as their families. Support extends to CancerCare Manitoba’s main sites in Winnipeg and its regional and community sites, including initiatives such as the Centre for Hope in Brandon. Donor‑funded programs contribute to higher cancer survival rates and declining mortality for major cancers, as documented in the Foundation’s impact reports and newsletters.
The Foundation is one of the largest funders of cancer research in Manitoba, backing laboratory renewal, advanced technologies such as single‑cell analysis and genomic sequencing, and the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba. It also supports prevention and screening campaigns like “Protect Your Tomorrows,” as well as long‑running patient support services and capital enhancements.
Governance, transparency and reporting
CancerCare Manitoba Foundation emphasizes accountability to its donors. Grant requests must follow defined guidelines, principles and timelines, and are assessed through structured internal processes. The organization publishes annual audited financial statements and donor impact reports, and files detailed information with the Canada Revenue Agency. This transparency is complemented by a Donor Bill of Rights and regular communications that show how contributions translate into tangible improvements in care and research.
Partnerships and philanthropic networks
The Foundation works closely with CancerCare Manitoba and collaborates with major philanthropic partners, community groups and corporate supporters. Notable gifts, such as the transformational $27 million donation from the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation, are strategically allocated to major research and care priorities, including lab infrastructure, personalized medicine and supportive care spaces. Community campaigns and signature events like Challenge for Life, Lemonade Stands for Hope and Shine a Light mobilize thousands of Manitobans in support of the Foundation’s grantmaking mission.