Role of St. John’s Legacy Foundation in the funding ecosystem
St. John’s Legacy Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable foundation established in Edmonton, Alberta, out of the former St. John’s Housing Society. Incorporated on December 30, 2020 and granted registered charity status by the Canada Revenue Agency in January 2023, the foundation manages significant endowed funds with the objective of supporting the Ukrainian Orthodox community, particularly within the Western Eparchy and the Edmonton area.
The foundation advances religion and education and promotes public appreciation of the arts by providing financial support to projects that focus on the Ukrainian Orthodox faith, and on Ukrainian language and culture in Canada. Its grants support parishes, Ukrainian community organizations, camps, choirs, museums and educational institutions engaged in religious, cultural and educational initiatives.
General grant programs and target groups
SJLF offers structured grant opportunities primarily for Ukrainian Orthodox churches and affiliated organizations. Dedicated application forms exist for churches and for organizations, and applications can be submitted online, by email or by mail. Typical applicants include parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, Ukrainian women’s and cultural associations, youth camps, choirs, and educational or research institutes working on Ukrainian themes.
News and recipient announcements show that the foundation regularly disburses substantial funding: for example, more than $104,000 was allocated in 2023, approximately $208,500 in 2024, and over $226,000 in 2025. Past grants have supported cultural projects such as the “Ukrainian Press Printing Block Mosaic Project,” the “Ukrainian Writers Mosaic Portraits” initiative, church facility and heritage projects, and youth camps.
General evaluation criteria for applications
The Grant Guidelines set out several assessment criteria used by the board. Projects are evaluated on overall relevance to the foundation’s mandate, including whether they educate, commemorate or assist the Ukrainian Orthodox community (with reference to the UOCC Western Eparchy). Reviewers look for clear and well-structured project plans, demonstrated financial responsibility, realistic budgets, and evidence of additional funding sources.
Community support is also important: letters of support from individuals or other organizations can strengthen an application. Since the foundation’s resources are finite, many projects are only partially funded, and the amount of support depends on available funds and the merits of each proposal.
Application process and reporting
Application procedures are clearly described. Applicants must use official SJLF application forms, provide detailed organizational information, project descriptions, objectives, timelines, categories (education, religion, culture), budgets, and references. The annual deadline is June 1, and applicants are normally notified of decisions within six months.
Funded recipients are required to submit a final narrative and financial report at the end of their project. Failure to report may disqualify them from future funding. The foundation also asks that recipients acknowledge its support using a specified statement and encourages the use of the SJLF logo in project communications.
Governance, history and resources
The History section explains that the foundation emerged from St. John’s Housing Society’s decision to transform real estate assets and surplus funds into a lasting legacy for the Ukrainian community. Since 2021, SJHS has donated several million dollars in GICs and managed funds to the foundation, giving SJLF a substantial investment base whose earnings are used to finance grants.
St. John’s Legacy Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by its membership and operates under bylaws and a funding policy approved by the Government of Alberta and CRA. Public news posts describe board elections, incorporation milestones and CRA accreditation, reinforcing its status as a transparent, community-based grantmaker serving Ukrainian religious, cultural and educational life in Alberta and beyond.