Role of Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation (OLOP) is a long‑standing charitable foundation created by an Act of the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1957. Rooted in the founder’s personal story of faith, community and respect for nature, the foundation’s purpose is to nurture love and compassion for all creation by providing financial support to organizations serving diverse social and spiritual needs. From its base in Saskatoon, it supports registered charities and community initiatives primarily in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including both urban and rural communities.
The foundation focuses its grantmaking on five broad areas of interest: spiritual, educational, social, healing and environmental projects. Over more than six decades it has funded more than 100 established charities and has played a catalytic role in the start‑up phases of key community organizations, such as Saskatoon Friendship Inn, Saskatoon Interval House and Adelle House, Qu’Appelle House of Prayer, Coast Mental Health Resources Centre in Vancouver, and others. It also has a strong history of educational support through scholarships and grants to schools and school foundations.
General features of the grant programs
OLOP runs a structured but flexible grant program, generally offering grants of up to $10,000, with openness to consider larger requests when warranted. Grants are available only to organizations with registered charity numbers, and funding is directed within Saskatchewan and Alberta or to organizations whose programs are Saskatchewan‑focused. The foundation prefers not to commit to long‑term, ongoing funding, instead prioritizing projects that can demonstrate clear objectives and potential for sustained impact.
Preference is given to initiatives that empower people, strive to be inclusive, avoid unnecessary duplication of existing services, establish measurable objectives and consider future funding needs. The foundation does not fund individuals, political organizations, deficits, projects already completed, or organizations that are wholly government‑funded, which helps focus resources on independent, community‑driven efforts.
Application cycles and assessment approach
Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation operates two regular application deadlines each year, on May 1 and October 1, with grants typically disbursed in June and November. Applicants submit an online application form and attach required financial information. All applications must be authorized by a signing officer, and successful recipients sign a grant agreement before funds are released.
Evaluation emphasizes alignment with the foundation’s mission of nurturing love and compassion, as well as the clarity and feasibility of the project plan. Funded organizations are expected to evaluate their project objectives and submit a final report within six months of project completion, reinforcing accountability and learning. The foundation communicates decisions to all applicants, ensuring a transparent process.
Publics served and overall impact
Across its history, OLOP has supported a wide spectrum of beneficiaries: shelters for women and children fleeing violence, community meal programs, houses of prayer and spiritual retreat centres, mental health services, heritage and environmental conservation projects, and Catholic school programs and scholarships. Its grants have helped acquire crucial infrastructure, launch new services, and expand existing programs that address poverty, violence, mental illness, education and cultural preservation.
By pairing a clear value‑based mission with pragmatic financial assistance, Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation occupies a distinctive place in the Prairie provinces’ philanthropic landscape, acting as both an early‑stage supporter of emerging initiatives and a reliable partner for established charities.