Role of Trinity Jubilee Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Trinity Jubilee Foundation Inc. (TJF) is a local registered charitable foundation based in Ottawa, Canada. Created by Trinity United Church in response to the Jubilee challenge of 2000, it was registered as a charitable foundation in November 2000 to help redistribute accumulated wealth. TJF raises donations and channels them into grants for qualified Canadian registered charities that implement projects improving the well‑being of disadvantaged people in Canada and in developing countries.
The foundation focuses on practical, community‑based initiatives in areas such as education for girls and women, clean water and sanitation, community development, health, housing, and economic self‑reliance. Its grants are frequently leveraged through matching contributions from Canadian government and other international development programs, multiplying the impact of donor dollars.
Funding approach and typical beneficiaries
TJF primarily considers proposals from professional organizations and agencies with experience managing development projects and the capacity to access additional national or international funding. Over the years it has supported a wide range of partners, including organizations working on girls’ education in Tanzania, water access in Malawi and Uganda, maternal health clinics in the Philippines, poverty reduction and skills training in Canada, and support for women affected by violence or exploitation.
Since 2000, the foundation has granted more than $360,710 to numerous projects and estimates that its contributions have attracted roughly $895,300 in matching funds. Grants typically range from a few thousand to around ten thousand dollars per project, with each funded initiative clearly documented on the Past Projects and Current Projects pages.
General evaluation criteria for applications
The Board of Directors reviews project proposals and selects those that align closely with the foundation’s principles. Priority is given to projects that:
- Support community‑based, demand‑driven solutions rather than top‑down interventions;
- Involve local recipients in planning and implementation, building leadership, skills, and a sense of ownership;
- Deliver significant improvements in quality of life for the investment made;
- Are sustainable and generate long‑term benefits beyond the funding period;
- Link with other community, commercial, or development organizations to ensure local, national, or international support; and
- Are managed by organizations committed to these development principles.
Successful applicants are expected to submit an evaluation report on the effectiveness and outcomes of their project, reinforcing accountability and learning.
Application process and funding structure
TJF runs an annual intake for proposals, with submissions for 2026 accepted until August 31, 2026. Applicants must provide key information such as the organization’s name and incorporation year, Canadian registered charity number, project description and budget, expected community involvement, use of volunteers, sustainability strategy, partnerships, and methods for evaluating impact.
The foundation manages two main funds: the Capital Fund, which holds invested capital to generate income over the long term, and the Active Fund, which receives investment income and donations used to finance grants and cover administrative expenses. This structure allows TJF to support ongoing, sustainable community‑based projects while preserving capital.
Governance and accountability
The foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, including a president, secretary, treasurer, and additional directors. The board welcomes questions and suggestions and oversees project selection, monitoring requirements, and the publication of annual reports. Annual reports from 2008 onward are available and summarize financial activity and grants awarded, contributing to transparent stewardship of donated funds.