Role of FCR Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation in the funding ecosystem
FCR Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation is an employee‑led, registered Canadian charity established as part of First Capital REIT’s Environmental, Social and Governance roadmap. Its purpose is to help neighbourhoods across Canada thrive by supporting registered charities that work on priority social issues. Since launching around 2020 and registering officially in 2021, the foundation reports having generated over $1 million in economic value for its charitable partners.
The foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of First Capital REIT, mobilizing staff, tenants and partners to raise funds, donate food and provide other in‑kind support to community organizations. Its giving is organized around four core pillars: food insecurity and poverty reduction, youth initiatives, mental health, and social justice. For 2024–2025, the primary pillar of focus is food insecurity and poverty reduction, with a national partnership with Right to Food (previously Community Food Centres Canada).
Funding themes and types of support
The foundation primarily supports registered charities through:
- Monetary donations raised via signature fundraising events such as the CRE Softball Classic, regional bowling tournaments and holiday raffles.
- Food and in‑kind donations, including large‑scale food drives and meal programs in partnership with food banks, food rescue organizations and community meal programs.
- Other donations and support aligned with FCR Initiatives, which back charity events and causes in equity, diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, innovation and sustainability.
Beneficiary organizations have included national and regional partners such as Second Harvest, Food Banks Canada, Kids Help Phone and Right to Food, as well as numerous local charities in communities where First Capital operates.
Supported audiences and impact
Across its pillars, the foundation focuses on people and communities facing heightened vulnerability:
- Food insecurity & poverty: support to food banks, food rescue organizations, homeless shelters, community housing initiatives and meal programs that serve low‑income individuals and families.
- Youth initiatives: programs offering literacy and education support, mental and physical wellness activities and mentorship for children and young people.
- Mental health: services and awareness initiatives that promote emotional well‑being and reduce stigma, including school‑based counselling programs.
- Social justice: activities that combat discrimination, bigotry and prejudice and build fair, inclusive and equitable neighbourhoods.
Public impact reports and financial statements detail funds raised each year, numbers of organizations supported, meals donated and volunteer hours contributed, reinforcing the foundation’s role as an ongoing, structured funder of community charities across Canada.
Transparency, governance and operations
The foundation is governed by a staff council and subcommittees of First Capital REIT employees who volunteer their time. First Capital provides professional services and operational support, enabling the foundation to channel more resources to front‑line charities. Annual impact reports and financial statements in English and French are published on the website, offering visibility into fundraising results, disbursements and program outcomes.