Role of the Henry and Berenice Kaufmann Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Henry and Berenice Kaufmann Foundation is a federally chartered family foundation created in 1967 and formally incorporated in 1973. Operating from Montréal and now working through the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal, it distributes philanthropic funding to support a wide range of charitable initiatives in Canada and internationally. Over its history, it has granted more than $8 million to projects that improve quality of life and strengthen communities.
Main funding areas and typical beneficiaries
The foundation provides grants exclusively to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) approved charitable organizations. Its main domains of support are:
- Arts and culture – including festivals and cultural events such as the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur.
- Education – scholarships and academic initiatives, for example at McGill University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
- Environment – projects such as environmental gardens and playgrounds at Toronto’s Evergreen Brick Works.
- Health – funding for geriatric medicine, neuroscience research, hospital facilities and other health-related services.
- Human services – programs that directly support vulnerable individuals and families, such as Nanny Angel Network, Kids Help Phone and Santropol Roulant.
These grants often take the form of project-based funding, capital support or endowed chairs, reflecting the foundation’s long-term commitment to impact in its focus areas.
Application and governance
The foundation invites CRA-registered charities that align with its priorities to submit grant applications. Interested organizations are directed to contact the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal and the JCF-HBK Advisory Committee chair for application inquiries and submissions. While detailed guidelines are not published on the homepage, the emphasis on CRA-registered status and the listed sectors provides a clear indication of general eligibility.
Supported audiences and overall impact
Through its grants, the Henry and Berenice Kaufmann Foundation supports seniors, youth, patients and their families, Indigenous students, and communities benefiting from arts, culture and environmental initiatives. By partnering with established institutions and community organizations across Canada and abroad, the foundation extends the philanthropic legacy of Henry and Berenice Kaufmann across four generations of family involvement.