Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation (HPELF)

The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation (HPELF) is a registered charitable foundation that exists to enhance student learning, well-being and achievement. Working primarily across Hastings and Prince Edward counties and as lead agency for Student Nutrition Ontario – South East, it raises and distributes funds to address urgent needs that prevent children and youth from fully participating in school. The foundation coordinates closely with teachers, principals, school staff, volunteers and community partners to identify needs and channel philanthropic support where it has the greatest impact.

HPELF manages a portfolio of programs and funds, including the Student Emergency Fund, student nutrition programs, Sharing Cupboards in secondary schools, the Food for Learning initiative and the Len & Olive Black Memorial Fund. Through these mechanisms, it provides direct financial assistance and in‑kind support for essentials such as food, eyeglasses, medical supplies, transportation, clothing, course materials and school activities. The foundation emphasizes universal, non‑stigmatizing access so that all students can benefit from breakfast, lunch, snacks and crisis support.

The Student Emergency Fund provides immediate relief for students and their families in crisis situations. Requests are made through school staff using standardized request and expense forms and program guidelines, and funding can cover items like EpiPens, eyeglasses, groceries, winter clothing or costs related to family emergencies such as fire, flood or illness. The Len & Olive Black Memorial Fund is administered through this fund to help students with course-related costs and postsecondary application fees when finances are a barrier.

As lead agency for student nutrition programs in South East Ontario, the foundation oversees regional initiatives such as Food for Learning, Food for Thought and the Food Sharing Project. These community partnership committees support schools across several school boards, ensuring that students have access to daily healthy meals and snacks that follow provincial nutrition guidelines. HPELF also supports Sharing Cupboards, providing food for vulnerable and food insecure youth in Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board secondary schools.

The foundation’s programs are financed through a mix of community donations, support from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and contributions from student nutrition partners. For certain initiatives, such as the Good Backpack Program, Student Emergency Fund and Len & Olive Black Memorial Fund, 100% of revenue comes from community donations. For student nutrition programs, government funding is complemented by donations and partner support. HPELF reports that approximately 80% of its resources are invested directly in programs, with the remainder covering administration and fundraising, and publishes audited financial statements for transparency.

Incorporated in 2002, The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation has expanded its programs in response to high levels of food insecurity and financial stress among families in its region. Strategic priorities adopted by the board include evaluating and celebrating initiatives, forming strategic partnerships, increasing awareness of the foundation and growing donor revenue to sustain and expand its programs. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors and operated by a small professional team that manages fundraising, program delivery, procurement and communications.

HPELF’s funding primarily benefits students in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and partner boards throughout South East Ontario, along with their families. By providing crisis funding, grocery cards, school supplies, access to nutrition programs and support for participation in school trips and activities, the foundation aims to remove practical and financial barriers to learning. Impact indicators highlighted on the site include the number of student crisis requests granted, the volume of meals served through nutrition programs and the number of families supported with grocery gift cards and pantry initiatives.