Role of the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) is a private charitable foundation that serves as the principal fundraising and grantmaking partner of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS). Operating in the Greater Toronto Area, it mobilizes donations to cover essential needs that fall outside provincial child welfare funding, ensuring that children, youth and families involved with CCAS receive practical, educational, spiritual and emergency support.
Each year, the Foundation responds to more than 1,500 requests for assistance through a portfolio of programs. These include scholarships for current and former youth in extended society care, camp and recreation initiatives such as Camps 4 Kids and Ignite The Spark, and funds that address housing, food security and basic needs, like the Home Base Fund, Gift Card Program and Emergency Grants Fund. Typical grants can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, helping with items such as cribs, school supplies, transportation, rent, and mental health supports.
Funding themes and types of support
- Education and learning: Scholarships, tutoring and post-secondary support enable youth leaving care to pursue university, college or trades. Camps and recreation programs promote social development and confidence.
- Basic needs and family stability: Targeted funds provide beds, clothing, groceries, transportation, baby supplies and other essentials to stabilize families and prevent crises that can lead to children entering care.
- Faith and community life: Dedicated programs such as the Trinity Fund and Christmas initiatives support sacramental needs, religious activities and seasonal assistance for Catholic families.
- System innovation and pilot projects: CCAF finances transformative child welfare initiatives, such as the Access & Family Support pilot and the HARP and Youth Readiness programs, which are designed, researched and evaluated to improve long-term outcomes.
Supported audiences and overall impact
The Foundation primarily supports children and youth in or from care, as well as at-risk families connected to CCAS. Its grants and programs help young people transition from foster care to independent living, reduce the risk of homelessness, and strengthen parenting capacity. By funding both direct financial assistance and program development, CCAF fills critical gaps where government subsidies end or are insufficient, emphasizing compassion, humility and generosity rooted in Catholic values.
Transparency, governance and accountability
CCAF publishes annual impact reports that outline its finances, funded programs and outcomes for the Toronto Catholic community. Led by a board of directors and professional staff, the Foundation highlights responsible stewardship of donor funds and a commitment to measurable impact on the wellbeing of local children, youth and families.