Role of the Marie-Louise Clarac Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Marie-Louise Clarac Foundation is a non-profit organization created in 1989 on the initiative of a group of parents and École Marie-Clarac’s leadership. Its primary mandate is to raise funds and reinvest them in the school community in order to enhance students’ overall development. The foundation supports pedagogical, professional, technical, cultural and sports initiatives that enrich the daily life and learning conditions of children from daycare through secondary school.
Over the years, through a variety of fundraising activities such as galas, themed evenings, campaigns and product sales, the foundation has become a key financial partner for the school. According to its achievements section, it has distributed more than $4,100,000 to support areas including special education, psychoeducation, information technology, the International Baccalaureate-style education program, arts and multimedia, sports, music, scholarships, financial aid and other needs identified by the school. It has also financed priority projects such as replacing daycare playground equipment, technopedagogical innovation at the primary level, and social-intervention prevention programs at both primary and secondary levels.
Supported audiences and overall impact
The foundation’s funding directly benefits the students of École Marie-Clarac in Montréal, with a focus on maintaining a high-quality learning environment while keeping tuition as accessible as possible. By covering part of the costs of equipment, programs and specialized services, as well as offering scholarships and financial assistance, the foundation helps ensure that more families can access the school’s educational offering and that each student can thrive academically, socially and personally.
The foundation’s board of directors is composed largely of parents and community members who volunteer their time and expertise. They oversee fundraising strategies and the allocation of resources to projects aligned with the school’s mission and 21st-century skill development. Investments target concrete improvements to school life and learning spaces, from technology and specialized support services to cultural and sports programming.
Fundraising activities and governance
The Marie-Louise Clarac Foundation organizes recurring and special fundraising events, including an annual gala evening, pasta nights, holiday campaigns and the sale of clothing in the school’s colours. These activities mobilize parents, alumni, partners and the broader community. Donors can also contribute directly to support current and future projects at the school.
Governance is provided by a structured board with defined roles (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and administrators), ensuring transparent management of the funds raised. The foundation works closely with the school’s general management to identify priority needs and maximize the impact of each dollar invested in the educational success and well-being of students.