Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Serge-Marcil Foundation

The Serge-Marcil Foundation is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization created to combat indifference and support children facing extreme hardship, primarily in Haiti and parts of Africa. Founded in 2009 under the name Fondation contre l’indifférence pour l’aide à l’enfance, it now operates as the Serge-Marcil Foundation and channels private donations and partner contributions into concrete aid projects for vulnerable children.

The foundation’s main focus is long-term support for the Serge-Marcil orphanage in Étang-Rey, in the Nippes region of Haiti. Through this partnership, it helps provide food, clothing, schooling, health-related needs and a safe living environment for dozens of orphans. The foundation also backs children and youth who have left the orphanage but still require financial support to continue their studies or vocational training.

Beyond Haiti, the foundation extends its mission to Africa, particularly Senegal, where its founders initially supported young talibé children living in precarious conditions. The organization seeks to facilitate social reintegration of former talibés and other working or street children, notably through schooling, literacy and access to trades that foster economic autonomy.

The Serge-Marcil Foundation does not operate as a large program administrator with complex calls for proposals; instead, it acts as a focused philanthropic funder working closely with local religious communities and partners on the ground. Funds raised in Canada are directed to specific projects such as reconstruction and operation of the orphanage, payment of school fees, educational materials, food programs and basic infrastructure.

Its mission emphasizes restoring dignity to children who are orphans, workers, beggars or domestic servants. Support is designed to keep or return children to a secure family or community environment when possible, and to integrate them into the formal education system. For older youth, the foundation promotes literacy and vocational learning to help them achieve long-term economic independence.

The foundation is overseen by a board of directors composed of professionals from law, accounting, business and engineering, ensuring responsible management of the funds it disburses. Its core values are respect for human dignity, solidarity with the most disadvantaged and a strong commitment to children’s rights and development.