TENAQUIP Foundation: Making a Difference Since 2006
The TENAQUIP Foundation has proudly been giving back to society since 2006, helping communities in need both across Canada and internationally. Through dedicated philanthropy and passionate hard work, the foundation strives to make lives better and support those facing challenging circumstances.
Our Mission
Established in 2006, the TENAQUIP Foundation was created to provide meaningful relief, primarily in the fields of medical research, hospitals, children's well-being, and humanitarian causes. Since its inception, the foundation has donated over $40 million to Canadians in need and has participated in several significant international projects.
A major ongoing initiative is "Tenaquip Place," an 18-unit apartment building in Lachine, QC. Once completed, this building will provide transitional housing for individuals moving from homelessness to reintegration into society. Social workers from the Old Brewery Mission will help support successful resettlement. This kind of project is essential to reducing — and one day eradicating — homelessness.
Our Founder: Kenneth George Reed
Kenneth George Reed's journey began in Verdun, Quebec, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. With a background as the son of a machinist and a homemaker, Ken left school in ninth grade and started working at 14. After years of gaining experience in various jobs, he founded Tenaquip Limited in 1968 from his basement. Through perseverance and determination, he turned the company into an industry leader, and inspired a family legacy based on compassion and social impact.
A cause especially close to the foundation’s heart is supporting ALS research. In 2014, the foundation supported the opening of the Ken Reed Motor Neuron Disease Research Unit, a laboratory dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of neurological diseases.
Supported Causes and Beneficiaries
Each year, the TENAQUIP Foundation supports a wide network of organizations and projects. Some of the current beneficiaries include:
- Food banks and meal programs (Calgary Food Bank, Edmonton Food Bank, Moisson Montreal, Repas sur roues de Calgary)
- Children’s charities and mentoring organizations (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children's Aid Foundation of Canada)
- Hospitals and medical research (Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, Dystrophie musculaire Canada, Ken Reed Motor Neuron Disease Research Unit)
- Support services and shelters (Chez Doris, La Mission Old Brewery, Shelter Movers)
- Educational and wellness initiatives (Allumer un Rêve, Centre d’alphabétisation, West Island Cancer Wellness Center)
- International humanitarian efforts (Plan International Canada, Orbis Canada, Projet scolaire Madagascar)
How to Help: Volunteering and Donations
The TENAQUIP Foundation recognizes that many partner organizations operate on limited budgets and with minimal staff. Volunteers are crucial for running a variety of programs, from food depots to support for families in crisis. If you would like to contribute your time, there are numerous opportunities to become involved and make a positive impact on your community.
Funding Applications
Nonprofits seeking support can apply by submitting a brief overview of their organization along with last year’s financial statements, the amount requested, and how the funding will be used. Applications are reviewed annually, with final decisions made in November. Email submission is required, and applicants should ensure all documents remain under 3MB in size.
Contact and Governance
The foundation is led by a dedicated board of directors and a donations committee comprised of family members and external advisors. For more information, or to submit funding requests, contact Michael FitzGerald, Executive Director, at michael@thetenaquipfoundation.ca.
The TENAQUIP Foundation continues to uphold the vision of making lives better for vulnerable individuals both in Canada and around the world. Through collective effort, passion, and generosity, the foundation believes in creating lasting, positive change.