Role of Kindred Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Kindred Foundation is a Canadian public foundation created in 2019 and operating with a sizable endowment dedicated to sustainable philanthropy. The organization focuses its funding on three main pillars: childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer research and programs; youth mental and physical health; and community support, particularly hospice, palliative and end‑of‑life care and food insecurity. Through these pillars, Kindred both runs its own high‑impact programs and allocates grants and donations to a wide network of charity partners and institutions across Canada and internationally.
The Foundation reports an endowment of over $20M, more than $4.4M allocated to partners and programs since 2019, 110+ unique charity partners, and two annual grant competitions. It emphasizes that 100% of donations are directed to charitable programs and partners, with operating costs covered separately.
Grant and funding programs
Kindred Foundation administers several formal grant streams. In youth mental health, the Youth Mental Health Grant provides annual project funding to smaller Canadian grassroots organizations serving Black youth, 2SLGBTQ+ youth and, from 2025 onward, youth living with a physical disability. Each call specifies total funds available, focus communities, eligibility and timelines, with open application windows, information sessions and email-based submission.
Within community support, the Kindred Cares Grant funds programs, projects and research in pediatric and adult hospice, palliative and end‑of‑life care. This competitive grant offers annual envelopes (e.g. $150,000 in 2025) with defined maximum amounts per project or research grant, clear eligibility criteria for registered charities, geographic focus, ineligible expenses, application content requirements and peer‑review assessment. Awardees sign gift agreements and must report on use of funds and outcomes.
In childhood cancer, Kindred co‑funds major research grants and clinical trials with partners such as Cancer Research Society, pediatric hospitals and international foundations. Named grants (e.g. DECRYPT, Team Syren, ACTION Consortium awards and blood cancer innovation grants) support multi‑year research projects with substantial budgets, often selected through competitive calls. The Foundation also finances patient‑ and family‑centred supports such as housing subsidies, travel funds and family support packages.
Scholarships and youth support
As part of its youth mental and physical health strategy, Kindred offers and co‑funds multi‑year scholarships for Canadian students, particularly from Black communities and 2SLGBTQ+ youth studying mental health, health sciences or related fields. Programs include the Kindred Foundation x Adventure4Change Scholarship and several scholarships delivered in partnership with The Black Education Fund and other organizations. These awards have structured multi‑year funding, defined eligibility, application requirements, deadlines and selection committees.
Publics served and impact
Kindred Foundation primarily supports children, adolescents and young adults affected by cancer, mental illness and physical health challenges, as well as their families and broader communities. Its grants reach hospitals, research institutes, hospices, community organizations and student beneficiaries across Canada, with some international research collaborations. Annual “Making a Difference” reports and audited financial statements provide transparency on funds disbursed, numbers of grants and scholarships awarded, and thematic outcomes.
Governance and funding approach
The Foundation highlights strategic, evidence‑based philanthropy, strong governance and collaboration with partners and community representatives. It uses participatory decision‑making where it lacks direct expertise, and positions its endowment model as a way to ensure long‑term, sustainable grantmaking in health, youth wellbeing and community support.
