Grant and Funding Programs Offered by CLAC Foundation (CLAC)

The CLAC Foundation is a registered Canadian charity created to extend the social impact of CLAC, a national union. Building on CLAC’s values of respect, dignity and fairness, the foundation channels donations from individuals, members, employers and other supporters into concrete training and employment initiatives. It focuses on workers in vulnerable situations, including newcomers to Canada, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, low-income individuals and workers facing unsafe or unjust working conditions in Canada and abroad.

Through voluntary partnerships, the foundation funds and co-develops programs with community-based charities and non-profit organizations. Examples highlighted on the site include job-readiness training for newcomers in partnership with Action for Healthy Communities, a welding assessment program for internationally experienced welders, and skills-training projects with organizations combating poverty and unemployment. Internationally, the foundation supports collective worker action that advances labour rights and workplace justice.

The CLAC Foundation invests in partnerships that align with its objectives in employment, essential skills, training and collective worker rights. It supports partners by funding skills training and education, developing innovative employment programs, and connecting marginalized individuals and new immigrants to job opportunities. The foundation also operates specific funds such as the Derek Schreiber Mental Health First Aid Fund, which provides bursaries covering course fees for people facing financial hardship who wish to take mental health first aid training.

Partnerships are initiated through an application process described on the "Apply for Partnership" page, where non-profit organizations can submit project ideas. In addition to larger partnership projects, the foundation can provide targeted bursaries and financial support for individual participants in training, provided they do not already have access to other training funds or employer-paid courses.

In Canada, the foundation concentrates on breaking down barriers to meaningful employment for marginalized workers, particularly newcomers and people dealing with poverty or homelessness. Programs typically combine safety and job skills training (e.g., WHMIS, CSTS, first aid), employment coaching, and placement support. Internationally, funding helps organizations that educate and equip workers to organize collectively, seek better working conditions, and defend their rights.

By collaborating closely with local charities and community agencies, the CLAC Foundation aims to create sustainable pathways to work, enhance community capacity and resilience, and promote fair and safe workplaces. Its annual reports and public communications highlight ongoing projects, partner organizations and the impact of donor-funded initiatives across Canada and in other countries.

The CLAC Foundation is overseen by an independent volunteer board, ensuring that donor funds are directed to charitable purposes consistent with its mission. The organization publishes an annual report and offers slide decks summarizing its activities, partnerships and outcomes. Donors are publicly acknowledged, particularly those contributing significant amounts, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to accountability and stewardship of financial resources dedicated to training and worker support.