Role of City House Foundation in the funding ecosystem
City House Foundation is a dedicated school foundation that exists to strengthen the financial base of The Sacred Heart School of Montreal. Created in 1981 by the Parents’ Guild, Advisory Council and the Society of the Sacred Heart (Canada), it operates as a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide sustained financial support to the school. The trustees run an annual fundraising and investment program so that capital can be preserved and grown while the income is used to benefit students and the school community.
Through campaigns, events and appeals, the foundation mobilizes alumnae, parents, past parents, staff and friends to contribute. Its published annual reports show substantial gifts received each year from individuals, companies, other foundations and endowment funds. These resources are then allocated to priority projects agreed upon with the school, notably bursaries, infrastructure and program enhancement.
Main funding streams and beneficiaries
A central focus of City House Foundation is the bursary and financial aid program. The foundation funds need-based bursaries for domestic students from Secondary I to V, with eligibility assessed by a third-party service (FAST/AFS). In recent years, hundreds of thousands of dollars per year have been awarded, supporting roughly 20–25% of the student body. This financial aid reduces tuition and related fees so that mission-appropriate students from diverse socio‑economic backgrounds can access a Sacred Heart education.
In addition to bursaries, the foundation contributes to capital projects and enrichment initiatives. Annual reports document support for major building improvements such as the new auditorium and the Julia Cianci ’18 Wellness Centre, as well as technology upgrades, classroom furniture and other facility enhancements. The foundation’s funds also help underwrite enrichment programs that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Fundraising mechanisms and community engagement
The foundation’s revenues come from a mix of annual giving campaigns, special events and directed gifts. Signature activities include an annual gala, golf tournament, “Hoops for Hope” basketball fundraiser, comedy nights and student-led initiatives. Donor recognition levels such as the City House Circle and other giving circles highlight cumulative contributions over the fiscal year.
Supporters can give by cheque, online one-time or recurring donations through the City House Foundation portal, gifts of securities, planned gifts and, for U.S. residents, via FRISBE to obtain a U.S. tax receipt. Matching-gift programs and endowment funds like the Stanley & Josefina Clarke Family Endowment further amplify the foundation’s impact.
Governance, transparency and accountability
City House Foundation is overseen by a board of trustees that includes parents, alumnae, school leadership and representatives of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. Roles such as president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, finance and investment committee members are identified in annual reports, underlining structured governance. The foundation publishes detailed annual reports summarizing its mission, executive messages, lists of trustees, summaries of financials, bursary totals and exhaustive donor lists.
By combining disciplined investment management with active fundraising and transparent reporting, City House Foundation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Sacred Heart’s bursary programs, facilities and enrichment initiatives remain strong and sustainable over time.