Role of the Canfor Good Things Come From Trees Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Canfor Good Things Come From Trees Foundation is an independent registered charity that channels Canfor’s community investment into structured funding programs across Canada and the United States. It focuses on communities where Canfor operates, providing financial support and in‑kind lumber donations to organizations, non‑profits and educational institutions. The Foundation sets an annual target of around $2 million in North America for community giving, sponsorships, scholarships and product donations.
Funding priorities and typical beneficiaries
The Foundation concentrates its giving in four main areas: empowering future generations, promoting health and well‑being, committing to sustainability, and investing in communities. It funds scholarships for high school and post‑secondary students pursuing forestry, trades, business and sustainability‑related fields, and supports workforce development, safety education and environmental programs. Community health projects, equipment purchases, cultural initiatives, Indigenous community programs and local events can also be supported when they align with these priorities and are connected to Canfor’s operating communities.
Scholarships and educational support
A major part of the Foundation’s portfolio is scholarships. Its high school scholarship program offers up to four $1,000 awards per eligible school in numerous Canadian and U.S. communities, with clear rules based on graduating class size and field of study. The Foundation also backs post‑secondary scholarships delivered through partner institutions, and supports specialized awards such as the Bentley‑Prentice Scholarship for children of Canfor employees and bursaries for Indigenous students administered through the New Relationship Trust Foundation. These programs encourage careers in forestry, wood products manufacturing, engineering, trades, business and related disciplines.
Eligibility, application process and review
Eligible applicants for community funding include groups, organizations, events and activities that have a direct connection to Canfor’s operating communities and fit within the four priority areas. Priority is given to registered charities in Canada and the U.S. The website provides clear ineligible categories, such as individual travel, certain religious activities and ad hoc requests outside established scholarship streams. Applications for funding or lumber donations are submitted online through a dedicated form, with typical review times of at least six weeks and specific lead times for event support and product donations.
Governance, reach and impact
While operating independently as a registered charity, the Foundation is closely aligned with Canfor’s sustainability and community strategies. It has supported more than 400 organizations through its community giving program and maintains partnerships with numerous high schools and post‑secondary institutions. By combining cash grants, scholarships and in‑kind lumber donations, it aims to deliver long‑term social, economic and environmental benefits to the regions where Canfor employees live and work.