Role of ReLeaf Foundation of Canada in the funding ecosystem
ReLeaf Foundation of Canada is a national charitable foundation dedicated to improving access to healthcare services and health research for people across Canada. Rather than operating its own care programs, the foundation acts as a fiduciary conduit, raising money through campaigns and events and directing those funds to established healthcare organizations, hospital foundations and health charities. Its work began in response to the mental health impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic and has since expanded to a broader range of health sectors.
According to its About page, ReLeaf initially focused on supporting public mental health services at a time when demand was high and accessibility was low, providing critical funding to more than 15 organizations that offer counselling, tools and community-based support. Today, the foundation helps fund organizations delivering diverse forms of care, including mental health, cancer research, paediatric services and women’s health.
Beneficiaries and sectors supported
The Beneficiaries section of the site highlights the wide array of partner organizations that receive support. These include hospital and health foundations, children’s health organizations, mental health and e‑mental health services, agricultural mental health initiatives and disease-specific charities. By supporting these beneficiaries, ReLeaf contributes to clinical care, equipment needs, research projects and innovative health programs across multiple provinces.
Through branded initiatives such as Maple (RE)Leaf and partnerships with campaigns like Stand Up For Education, ReLeaf mobilizes donors and volunteers to generate funds that are then directed to its beneficiary organizations. This approach allows the foundation to scale impact across the healthcare system without duplicating existing services, focusing instead on filling funding gaps and enabling community-based and hospital-based providers to expand their work.
Mission, vision and guiding values
The foundation’s stated mission is to raise funds to support comprehensive healthcare research and care programs for organizations and hospitals in communities across Canada. Its vision emphasizes improved quality of life through equitable access to high-quality health services. Core values centre on the strength of communities and individuals, and on the principle that healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all.