Role of Valsef Dream Big Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Valsef Dream Big Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation created in 2022 by the Valsef Group and its main companies, including Valsoft Corporation and Valnet Inc. All group entities contribute 1% of their annual profits to the foundation and participate in fundraising activities, enabling the foundation to channel significant financial resources toward community needs in Greater Montreal. Nearly all dollars raised are directed to charitable organizations, with the foundation often matching funds to increase impact.
The foundation’s mission is to inspire and support youth by investing in initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being, access to sports and quality education. Its vision is that every young person can grow into a confident, empowered and healthy individual, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.
Main funding pillars and programs
Funding is structured around four pillars: Sports, Health, Education and Community. The general Granting Program invites registered charities, non-profit organizations, schools and community groups in the Greater Montreal area to submit online funding requests. Eligible projects must align with at least one of the pillars, serve local populations and respect specific conditions, such as being a registered charity, operating in the region and maintaining reasonable administrative cost ratios.
In addition, the Dream Big Playground Program offers up to $100,000 per project to build or renovate inclusive playgrounds for children aged 1 to 12 in Greater Montreal. The program sets out clear eligibility rules, co-funding requirements of at least 10% of project costs, and a structured selection process from application to agreement and construction.
The foundation also runs an Employee Matching Program for Valsef Group employees, matching funds they raise for eligible Canadian charities up to $5,000 per project. This internal program amplifies employee-driven philanthropy while maintaining strict eligibility and expenditure criteria.
Beneficiaries and impact
Each year, Valsef Dream Big Foundation funds more than 30 initiatives and projects that support youth, families and communities. Beneficiary organizations include hospitals, youth-serving charities, mental health organizations, food security programs, immigrant-support agencies and sports and arts groups. Examples highlighted on the site include Montreal Community Cares Foundation, Fondation Jeunes en tête, Make-A-Wish Québec, Fondation CHU Sainte-Justine, St. Raphael Palliative Care Home, La Tablée des Chefs, CARI Saint-Laurent, Fondation Papillon and others.
The foundation publishes detailed impact figures and an annual report. For the 2024–2025 fiscal year, it reports over one million dollars in donations, dozens of funded organizations and thousands of direct beneficiaries in Montreal and across Quebec. Donations are tracked by theme, such as portions invested in health and well-being, education and community projects, and sports and youth initiatives.
General evaluation and governance
Valsef Dream Big Foundation emphasizes a rigorous selection process and ongoing engagement with its partners. Projects are evaluated for demonstrated need, reach, community involvement and long-term sustainability. For targeted programs like the Playground Program, applicants must provide letters of intent, plans, budgets and timelines, and may be invited to validation meetings before final approval and funding commitments.
The foundation is overseen by a founding board composed of senior leaders from the Valsef Group and is managed by a small professional team, including a general manager and philanthropy coordinator. This governance structure supports transparent decision-making, financial oversight and close collaboration with funded organizations and volunteers.