Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Wesley and Patricia Armour Foundation Inc.

The Wesley & Patricia Armour Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to improving the lives of people in Atlantic Canada through charitable giving. Created to support Atlantic Canadians, it provides grants to registered charities and other qualified donees, with a focus on three core sectors: health, education, and children & youth. The Foundation works both responsively, by considering requests for funding, and proactively, by initiating community discussions and projects that address key regional issues.

In the area of health, the Foundation supports local hospitals, mental health and addictions services, and physical health initiatives. Particular priority is given to causes that focus on children, families and caregiver support, reflecting its commitment to overall wellbeing.

Through its education portfolio, the Foundation recognizes the transformative power of learning for individuals and communities. It partners with charities that improve access to higher education and supports colleges and universities across Atlantic Canada, helping reduce barriers and strengthen educational pathways.

For children and youth (ages 0–16), the Foundation funds social programs that promote maternal and child health, caregiver support, early learning and stimulation, and nutrition. The goal is to help every child reach their full potential by supporting evidence-informed community initiatives.

The Wesley & Patricia Armour Foundation is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and, under the Income Tax Act, may only make grants to registered charities or other qualified donees. Its funding is focused on organizations and activities within Atlantic Canada. Requests for support must align with at least one of its three focus areas: health, education, and children & youth.

When application cycles are open, eligible online submissions are reviewed by staff, typically within a few weeks. Proponents whose projects meet the Foundation’s criteria may be asked for additional information, financial details, or a follow-up conversation or site visit. This due‑diligence process helps the Foundation understand the impact, feasibility and distinctiveness of each proposal.

After staff assessment, information is compiled for the Board of Directors, which meets twice annually, in May and November, to review grant requests. Funding decisions are based on the Foundation’s priorities, the quality of applications and available resources. The Foundation also states types of activities it does not fund, such as pure research, special events, sponsorships and conferences, or national and provincial organizations without strong local roots.

Since 2017, the Wesley & Patricia Armour Foundation has committed over $5.8 million to charitable organizations across Atlantic Canada. Past grants have supported children’s hospitals, wellness centres, hospice care, youth orchestras, higher‑education foundations, learning centres and youth programming organizations. Through this diversified portfolio, the Foundation seeks to build healthy, vibrant and supported individuals, families and communities throughout the region.