Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Edward and Fern Cohen Foundation

The Edward and Fern Cohen Foundation is a family charitable fund established with Calgary Foundation to create a lasting source of community support. As a donor-advised or designated family fund, it contributes capital whose investment returns are used to provide grants to a range of charitable organizations, primarily in the Calgary area. The foundation’s giving is administered through Calgary Foundation’s structured granting processes, ensuring that supported projects are eligible, mission-aligned, and deliver measurable benefit to the community.

While the detailed focus areas are managed within Calgary Foundation’s broader granting framework, the Edward and Fern Cohen Foundation is designed to address evolving community needs. Grants may support charities working in fields such as social services, community development, education, culture, or health, reflecting the donors’ values. By pooling its endowment with Calgary Foundation’s investment platform, the fund generates ongoing revenue that can be directed each year to qualified donees, helping strengthen local organizations and services.

The Edward and Fern Cohen Foundation does not typically operate its own independent application portal; instead, it relies on Calgary Foundation’s established intake and review mechanisms. Calgary Foundation oversees investment management, due diligence, and grant administration, and works with the Cohen family or their successors to ensure that funding decisions remain consistent with the original philanthropic intent. This model combines the personal legacy of a family foundation with the professional governance and community knowledge of a large community foundation.

As part of Calgary Foundation’s family fund structure, the Edward and Fern Cohen Foundation benefits from transparent reporting, adherence to Canadian charitable regulations, and oversight by Calgary Foundation’s board and staff. Donors can be confident that their capital is stewarded responsibly and that grants are awarded to qualified, accountable organizations. Over time, the foundation aims to maintain and grow its impact by supporting a broad portfolio of charitable initiatives that contribute to the well-being and resilience of the Calgary community.