Role of MB Capital Foundation in the funding ecosystem
MB Capital Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation created by the Beaudoin family and MB Capital to give back to the community of Sherbrooke and its surrounding regions. It focuses primarily on supporting other local foundations and initiatives, while also directly funding students through a structured scholarship program. The foundation positions itself as a lever to improve quality of life in Estrie by channelling funds raised through signature events and partnerships.
Funding priorities and main programs
The foundation concentrates its efforts in two main areas. First, it provides financial support to several regional foundations, including the CHUS Foundation and the Justin Lefebvre Foundation, among others, contributing to health- and youth-related causes. Second, it operates the MB Capital School Perseverance Scholarship Program, designed to help young people from low-income families pursue post-secondary education.
The scholarship program, developed in collaboration with the CSRS Foundation, targets students in public high schools in the Sherbrooke and Val-des-Sources regions. Selected students can receive up to CAD 6,000 spread over three years of secondary studies, with funds dedicated to eligible post-secondary expenses such as tuition, books, tools, transportation, rent and other education-related costs.
General eligibility and assessment approach
The School Perseverance Scholarship is aimed at motivated students from low-income families who demonstrate both academic achievement and determination to succeed. Eligibility criteria include proof of modest family income through recent tax assessments, a minimum grade average threshold, a motivation letter endorsed by school staff, and later proof of enrolment in a post-secondary program. Recipients must continue to meet criteria over time to remain eligible for subsequent instalments of the scholarship.
Events, fundraising and community impact
To finance its activities, the MB Capital Foundation relies on three major annual fundraising events. The MB Capital Golf Tournament combines sport and solidarity, with profits from the event doubled by MB Capital. The Destination Soleil trip offers participants a travel experience while generating donations shared with partner foundations. The Vins de Sophie evening brings together wine enthusiasts to raise funds that support children in cancer remission and, in recent editions, the foundation itself.
Through these events, the foundation reports having raised over two million dollars, supporting seven foundations and multiple projects. This sustained fundraising, combined with targeted scholarships, underlines its role as a long-term partner for education, health and youth-focused causes in the Estrie region.