Role of Peaks for Change Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Peaks for Change Foundation is a Canadian registered charity created in 2016 to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and to improve access to mental health support. Based in Georgetown, Ontario, the foundation mobilizes donations through fundraising events and campaigns, then channels these resources into direct counseling support for individuals and into partner programs such as hospital-based clinics and seniors’ mental health initiatives.
A flagship program, the Let’s Talk Initiative, is designed for people experiencing mental health challenges who cannot afford therapy. The initiative outlines clear eligibility criteria and an application process. Applicants email the foundation with their situation, the team reviews the request, and, if approved, the person is matched with a qualified counselor, including the option of biblical counseling. Up to twelve counseling sessions, generally one per month over a year, are fully funded so that finances are not a barrier to care.
Funding themes and target beneficiaries
- Individual counseling support: Direct financial coverage of counseling sessions for adults and youth facing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues but lacking the means to pay.
- Institutional mental health services: Past initiatives have raised and donated funds to CAMH’s Bridging Clinic and Urgent Drop‑in Clinic in Toronto, supporting crisis and critical care infrastructure.
- Seniors’ mental health: The foundation has supported a seniors’ program at The Elliott Community serving Guelph and Wellington County, addressing isolation and anxiety among older adults.
Through these streams, Peaks for Change acts both as a direct service enabler for individuals and as a funder of specialized organizations and projects advancing mental health care.
General approach to funding and impact
The foundation emphasizes that 100% of donations are directed to recipient causes and current initiatives, with board members serving on a volunteer basis. Major fundraising activities include sponsored climbs of the Seven Summits and public events, which both raise awareness and generate the financial resources used for grants and sponsored services.
In evaluating requests for the Let’s Talk Initiative, the organization looks for clear mental health needs, financial constraints, and a commitment to attend scheduled sessions. Approved beneficiaries are then supported for a defined period, and counseling is delivered either in person or virtually, depending on location and availability.
By combining awareness campaigns, adventure-based fundraising, and structured financial assistance for counseling and partner programs, Peaks for Change Foundation contributes to a broader Canadian mental health ecosystem that aims to make timely, compassionate care more accessible.