Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Fondation les Amis d’Elliot

The Les Amis d’Elliot Foundation is a registered non-profit charity based in the Bois-Francs and L’Érable region of Quebec. Created in 2004 in memory of Elliot and later joined by the story of his brother Samy, the foundation mobilizes community generosity to improve the quality of life of children aged 0 to 21 living with physical, mental health or social challenges.

The foundation acts as a local grantmaker by distributing all funds it raises to organizations and families in its territory. On the organizational side, it supports hospitals, rehabilitation centres, respite houses, schools and community groups that work directly with children who have complex health or developmental needs. Its contributions are financial, direct or indirect, and target concrete projects such as outdoor play areas, neonatal and pediatric unit renovations, and specialized pediatric clinics.

For families, the foundation has created several direct assistance programs that complement or fill gaps left by government schemes. These include a respite program, a home-help program focusing on home adaptations and specialized equipment, and a dedicated financial assistance program to help purchase and adapt vehicles so that children with mobility issues can travel safely.

Most aid is reserved for children and families who live on the Bois-Francs and L’Érable territory. The foundation works closely with the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec and other health and social service partners. Many programs require that requests be channelled through social workers, occupational therapists or physiotherapists, who assess needs and make formal referrals. For support to organizations, representatives must complete an application form detailing needs, target clientele and requested amounts, and show that no other government program or subsidy can adequately cover the need.

Since its first fundraising dinner and formal creation in 2004, the foundation has financed numerous major projects: expansion and equipment for the Centre de stimulation l’Envol, construction and enhancement of pediatric services at Hôtel-Dieu d’Arthabaska, and investment in the Maison de répit l’Amis-Temps des Bois-Francs. Over the years it has launched direct-assistance programs for respite, home adaptation and vehicle adaptation, and has committed significant sums, including a historic million-dollar pledge in 2020 for neonatal and pediatric redevelopment.

The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors supported by committees dedicated to respite requests, home adaptations, adapted vehicles, communications-marketing and the organization of its annual golf classic. It has no permanent staff; operations and events are largely carried out by volunteers, which helps ensure that the maximum share of donations is returned to the community. The organization also maintains partnerships with corporate sponsors and organizes recurring fundraising events such as its golf tournament and gastronomic dinners.

Through its mix of institutional grants and individual support, the Les Amis d’Elliot Foundation plays a central role in improving living conditions for sick and disabled children in its region. It addresses unmet needs in respite care, accessibility, mobility and specialized care, while also providing families with guidance via professional intermediaries. Its long-standing presence and recognized charitable status make it a key actor in the local pediatric health and social support ecosystem.