Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Equilibrium Foundation

Equilibrium Foundation is a philanthropic organization located in Longueuil, Quebec. Its stated sole mission is to collect donations and channel them to organizations that support people living with mental health problems, particularly schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Rather than delivering clinical services itself, the foundation acts as a financial backer for specialized community organizations.

The foundation’s main beneficiary is Initium, described as the only organization in Québec primarily dedicated to the social and professional integration of people affected by schizophrenia. The page “À quoi servent vos dons” explains that all donations received by the foundation are turned into concrete actions for Initium, helping fund its day-to-day operations and program delivery.

Through its funding, Equilibrium Foundation indirectly supports more than 300 people per year who live with schizophrenia or psychotic symptoms. The financed activities include meal services, psychosocial rehabilitation and a wide range of sociotherapeutic programs that build autonomy and life skills. Over 20,000 free meals per year and millions of meals since the organization’s inception are highlighted as key impacts.

Initium has developed numerous workshops and programs that the foundation helps sustain, from social, cognitive and manual skills development to technology and artistic activities. Recent initiatives include an innovative “healthy lifestyle” program that combines adapted physical activity with psychosocial support. The foundation also supports tailored accompaniment for members from visible minorities and activities that combat stigma and change public perceptions of schizophrenia.

Equilibrium Foundation operates as a discretionary funder rather than a program-based public agency. It raises money from individuals, corporate partners, sponsors and fundraising events, then directs these resources primarily to Initium. The website emphasizes that every donation, large or small, contributes to recovery, autonomy and social reintegration, and underlines the significant savings to the Québec health system when effective community support reduces psychiatric hospitalizations.

Governance is ensured by a volunteer board of directors and a general director, who oversee the responsible use of donated funds and the long-term sustainability of the foundation’s support for schizophrenia-related mental health services in the Montérégie region.