Role of the College Bourget Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The College Bourget Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Collège Bourget, a long‑standing educational institution located in Rigaud, Québec. Created around 2000, the Foundation mobilizes donations from alumni, parents, corporations and friends of the College to finance projects that enhance students’ learning and living environment. It has invested close to six million dollars in a wide range of initiatives that benefit students from elementary through secondary levels.
The Foundation’s funding is directed primarily to three broad areas: modernization of educational and community spaces, development of sports and outdoor facilities, and support for arts and cultural life. Capital projects have included classroom renovations, creation of computer labs, expansion and greening of schoolyards, development of community gardens and greenhouses, and upgrades to the school library and common areas. A major current focus is a 2021‑2026 campaign to raise $3M for a large greening project, redevelopment of sports areas and transformation of the auditorium into a modern performance hall.
Supported audiences and global impact
Beyond infrastructure, the Foundation also directly supports students through financial aid and postsecondary scholarships, notably the “Bourses de l’Avenir”. The published achievements table highlights recurring lines for student financial assistance and scholarships, showing that part of the funds are allocated as ongoing support rather than only bricks‑and‑mortar investments. These contributions help maintain access to education and reward academic perseverance.
The Foundation’s investments are designed to provide an exceptional living environment that promotes health, well‑being, academic success and artistic and athletic development. Outdoor classrooms, landscaped courtyards, sports grounds and a future theatre space all aim to create an inspiring campus for more than 1,800 students and numerous sports teams and arts programs.
Fundraising mechanisms and donor engagement
The College Bourget Foundation operates largely through voluntary contributions and dedicated fundraising activities. It runs a multi‑year major fundraising campaign, a recurring sports challenge (Défi sportif – Nous sommes Bourget), trip draws, and holiday virtual auctions. Donor recognition programs describe several contribution levels, from “Jeunes donateurs” to “Fondateurs”, linked to visibility and recognition such as plaques, naming opportunities, and inclusion on donor walls and in annual reports.
The Foundation also promotes planned giving, including bequests and other legacy gifts, and offers guidance on ways to structure such donations. Bequest information pages outline options like specific gifts, life insurance, RRSP/RRIF designations, endowment funds and testamentary trusts, underlining the long‑term nature of its support for the College and its students.
Transparency, governance and accountability
The Foundation is overseen by a board of directors composed mainly of alumni and community members, alongside representatives of the College’s leadership. This governance structure helps align funding priorities with the institution’s educational mission and ensures that funds raised are allocated to projects with clear impact on students. Regular communication through campaign brochures, project sheets and results summaries provides stakeholders with visibility on how donations are invested and the concrete benefits delivered on campus.