Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Fondation Martin-Matte

Fondation Martin-Matte is a philanthropic organization based in Quebec that focuses exclusively on improving the quality of life of people living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a physical disability. Created in 2007 by comedian Martin Matte, following his brother Christian’s severe car accident, the foundation channels private donations and corporate contributions into concrete support across the province.

The foundation’s funds are dedicated primarily to two major areas: the development of adapted living environments, known as the “Réseau des Maisons Martin-Matte”, and the provision of respite and support services for families and caregivers through “Répits Martin-Matte”. It also invests in awareness and prevention activities to make the consequences of TBI better known and to combat prejudice and isolation.

At the heart of its action, the foundation finances the construction, adaptation or support of housing that is tailored to the complex needs of people with TBI or significant physical disabilities. These Maisons Martin-Matte are conceived as permanent living environments that offer safety, autonomy and, when necessary, 24/7 care and supervision. By mobilizing donations for these capital projects, the foundation helps create additional capacity for long‑term accommodation in communities across Quebec.

Beyond housing, Fondation Martin-Matte supports respite activities that break isolation and offer relief to families. Respite can take the form of short stays, specialized activities or adapted outings that give caregivers a pause while maintaining or improving the beneficiaries’ social participation and functional skills.

The foundation serves people of all ages living with a traumatic brain injury or a physical disability throughout Quebec. Its communications highlight the diversity of TBI consequences—physical, cognitive and psychological—and the resulting impacts on self‑esteem, autonomy, employment and social relationships. By working at the scale of the province, it aims to reduce regional disparities in available adapted housing and support services.

In addition to direct financial support for adapted housing and respite, Fondation Martin-Matte plays an advocacy and awareness role. It runs public campaigns explaining what TBI is, the frequency of cases in Quebec and simple prevention measures related to sports and road safety. The foundation also collaborates with a wide range of corporate and institutional partners that contribute financially or in kind, reinforcing its capacity to fund new houses, services and projects for this vulnerable population.