Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The CRHA Foundation (CRHA)

The CRHA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association (CRHA) and Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum. Its core role is to provide long-term, stable financial support for the preservation and interpretation of Canada’s railway heritage. The Foundation solicits donations from individuals, corporations such as CN and CP, other charitable foundations and public programs, and invests these funds with a view to generating ongoing income. This investment income is then granted to the CRHA to help fund Exporail’s collections, exhibitions, archival activities and outreach.

Rather than operating open-call grant programs, the CRHA Foundation functions as an endowment-style funder dedicated primarily to a single beneficiary: the CRHA and its museum project, Exporail. Over a recent twelve-year period, it received more than $3.1 million in gifts and made $348,000 in grants to the CRHA. These contributions underpin projects related to research, conservation, museology, education, archives and publications, all aimed at safeguarding and showcasing Canada’s railway history.

The Foundation also leverages matching programs, notably the Québec government’s Mécénat Placements Culture, to increase the impact of private donations. This blended funding structure strengthens the financial resilience of the CRHA and enables larger-scale restoration, exhibition and educational initiatives.

The CRHA Foundation is a registered charity under Canadian tax law and is authorized to issue official tax receipts for eligible donations. It is governed by a board of directors composed of experienced business people and a professional financial manager, who collectively oversee prudent investment strategies aimed at producing steady income while limiting risk. The Foundation’s financial statements are reviewed by independent professional accountants and made publicly available, underscoring its commitment to transparency and sound governance.

All of the Foundation’s funding is directed to supporting the programs and operations of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association and Exporail. Through its grants, it contributes to the conservation of rolling stock and artefacts, the development of exhibitions, archival preservation, and educational programming for diverse audiences. By securing a strong and stable investment base, the CRHA Foundation positions Exporail and the CRHA to increase their impact over time and to continue protecting a unique part of Canada’s cultural and industrial heritage.