The Gayla & John DeHart Family Foundation is a private Canadian charitable foundation that channels family philanthropy toward high-impact community initiatives. Based in British Columbia, the foundation focuses on supporting organizations that create practical, solution-focused change in areas such as mentorship and education, women in sports, health care, women’s and children’s issues, and the environment.
Role in the funding ecosystem
The foundation provides financial support and annual contributions to selected charities and educational initiatives rather than running large public calls for proposals. Examples highlighted on its website include support for Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. These partnerships illustrate its interest in mentoring at-risk girls, strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, and helping children and families reach their full potential through community programs.
In the field of education, the foundation contributes to the Bruce DeHart Bursary, an annual scholarship for a business student at Okanagan College delivered through Community Futures Okanagan. The DeHart Education and Poverty Relief Foundation supplements this bursary each year, contributing to improved access to postsecondary education for promising students.
Publics supported and thematic priorities
- Mentorship and education: Initiatives that match young people with mentors or provide educational opportunities and scholarships.
- Women and girls: Programs advancing women in sports, leadership and entrepreneurship, and supporting at-risk girls.
- Health and families: Community-based health and wellness services that help children and families reach their potential.
- Environment: Efforts aligned with environmental awareness and sustainability, as part of a holistic view of community well-being.
Governance and charitable status
The foundation is overseen by a board of directors drawn from the DeHart family and trusted advisors with backgrounds in psychology, entrepreneurship, communications and financial planning. It publishes its Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registration number on the site, underscoring its status as a registered charity and its commitment to regulatory compliance and accountability.
While the foundation does not describe structured open grant competitions on its website, it clearly operates as a discretionary funder, directing donations, bursary supplements and other financial support to aligned organizations and educational initiatives within British Columbia and beyond.