The John Tavares Foundation is a volunteer-led Canadian charitable foundation established in 2020 by John and Aryne Tavares. Its purpose is to help marginalized and underserved children and families across Canada access the nutrition, resources and community support they need to reach their full potential.
Role of the John Tavares Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The foundation operates as a philanthropic funder and program partner, channeling individual and corporate donations directly into community-based initiatives. Rather than focusing on internal overhead, the board and executive members support the organization on a pro bono basis so that proceeds go towards tools, resources and programming delivered with local partners.
- Collaborates with grassroots organizations and NGOs across Canada.
- Finances and helps deliver programs that give children opportunities to participate in community life and explore their passions.
- Combines financial contributions with in-kind support such as supplies and equipment.
Target communities and types of support
The John Tavares Foundation focuses on marginalized and underserved communities, including youth in subsidized housing and children in remote First Nations communities. Its giving pillars highlight several recurring funding themes:
- Nutrition: Access to proper, nutritious food and education on its importance.
- Tools and resources: Providing practical resources that encourage positive change, such as school supplies.
- Active lifestyles: Fun, inspiring ways for kids to be more active through sport and recreation.
- Community economic development: Opportunities that strengthen the economic and social fabric of neighbourhoods.
Partnerships and example initiatives
The foundation’s impact is realized through funded projects and partnerships with existing organizations:
- The Ballantyne Project: Support for food security initiatives in remote First Nations communities in Western Canada, including delivery of 14,000 lbs of food to one remote community.
- P.I.E. Education Program: Collaboration with Providing Instruments for Excellence to assemble and distribute more than 1,300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in government-subsidized housing.
- Alexandra Park Project: A $20,000 donation and ongoing fundraising to revitalize a heavily used basketball court and support a multi-use sport court in a subsidized Downtown Toronto neighbourhood.
Governance, transparency and partnerships
The John Tavares Foundation emphasizes transparency, ethical accounting and donor stewardship, and notes it is recognized by third-party organizations for its financial effectiveness. A board of directors and executive team oversee strategy and impact, while volunteers play a central role in operations and community engagement. The foundation also works with corporate sponsors that contribute through financial donations, gifts in kind, employee fundraising and event integration, further expanding its capacity to fund programs that create brighter futures for children and families.