Role of Fondation Marthe Laverdière in the Funding Ecosystem
Founded in Quebec, this charitable foundation specializes in supporting families with disabled children. The organization provides direct financial assistance to help families cover the costs of respite care, various therapies, and technical aids that improve the quality of life for children with disabilities.
General Evaluation Criteria for Applications
To be eligible for funding, families must meet specific criteria: be residents of Quebec, be Canadian citizens living in Quebec, have a child aged 17 years or younger, and have a physician-confirmed disability. The child must also receive the disability supplement from Retraite Québec. The foundation does not provide financial support for vehicle purchases.
Transparency, Governance, and Accountability
The foundation is a registered charity in Quebec (NEQ: 1173959124, charity number: 718377112). Contact information is publicly available, including email and social media channels. The team consists of a President, Executive Director/Secretary-Treasurer, and several Administrators who review applications and oversee operations.
History and Evolution of the Organization
The foundation was created following the story of Jeanne Talbot, a young girl diagnosed with atypical Rett syndrome. Her grandmother, Marthe Laverdière, along with Marie-Christine Goupil (Jeanne's mother) and Sylvain Talbot, decided to establish a foundation to help other families with disabled children. The foundation is funded in part by royalties from gardening books authored by Marthe Laverdière.
Supported Audiences and Overall Impact
The foundation supports families throughout the province of Quebec who have children with disabilities. Each year, dozens of families benefit from financial assistance for respite services, therapeutic treatments, and adaptive equipment. The organization also works to raise awareness about disability and combat isolation among affected families.
Institutional Partnerships and Networks
The foundation collaborates with CLSCs (Local Community Service Centres) for respite care coordination and works with various healthcare professionals including occupational therapists and physiotherapists. The organization also partners with Products Adaptés Handy Inc., founded by one of the foundation's co-founders.