Role of the Thakore Charitable Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Thakore Charitable Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that distributes funds to support educational, humanitarian, and community initiatives aligned with Gandhian principles. Based in British Columbia, the foundation has established endowments with Simon Fraser University to fund annual awards and scholar programs.
Funding Programs
The foundation administers several key funding programs:
- Thakore Visiting Scholar Award - Annual award since 1991 at SFU, honoring individuals who exemplify Gandhi's principles of truth, non-violence, and social justice. Past recipients include David Suzuki, Raffi, Jean Augustine, and John Volken.
- Mahatma Gandhi Annual Student Award - $1,500 annual award for SFU students demonstrating community service in peace, justice, and human rights areas.
- SFU Library Endowment - Established in 2016 for the Thakore Learning and Events Room and annual lectures.
International Development Funding
The foundation has also funded infrastructure projects at Kathana High School in Gujarat, India, including a gymnasium, theater (2016), and toilet facilities (2020).