Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Samuel Family Foundation is a Canadian family foundation established in 1993 by Ernest and Elizabeth Samuel. It funds initiatives in arts, education, healthcare, poverty eradication, human rights, climate change, and youth empowerment. The foundation runs a Social Connectedness Program and partners with multiple organizations across Canada and internationally. It does not accept unsolicited funding proposals. View The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)'s website for more information.
Content last updated: March 8, 2026
About The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)
What is the mission of The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)?
The Samuel Family Foundation is dedicated to helping people improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to family, community and society. It focuses on building successful communities by increasing access to education, health and employment opportunities.
What type of organization is The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)?
The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF) is a Foundation.
When was The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF) founded?
The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF) was founded in 1993.
What is The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)'s official website?
The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)'s official website is https://www.samuel.com/en/about-samuel/samuel-family-foundation.
What else should I know about The Samuel Family Foundation (SFF)?
Role of the Samuel Family Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Samuel Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1993 by fourth-generation owners Ernest and Elizabeth Samuel. Building on the family legacy of third-generation owner Sigmund Samuel, who developed the Canadiana Collection at the Royal Ontario Museum and the undergraduate library at the University of Toronto, the Foundation focuses on creating meaningful social impact through strategic partnerships.
Funding Areas
The Foundation funds multiple sectors including: arts and culture, education, healthcare, poverty eradication, human rights, climate change, youth and older people's empowerment, and universal design. Its core initiative is the Social Connectedness Program, designed to overcome social isolation and build caring communities.
Partnership Model
Unlike traditional grant-makers, the Foundation works closely with key partners and collaborators rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. Major partner organizations include McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences, Human Rights Watch Canada, Partners In Health Canada, Misipawistik Cree Nation, Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, Special Olympics Canada, TakingITGlobal, Data-Driven EnviroLab, and The Stop Community Food Centre.
Global Impact
The Foundation, together with the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, has convened four Global Symposia on Overcoming Social Isolation. The 2022 Symposium in Toronto brought together 160 participants from 75 organizations across 10 countries.