Closed
The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program
Equity pledge support for Canadian founders
Last Update: May 20, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program helps high-growth Canadian tech companies and founders commit equity or personal proceeds to charity. The pledge is triggered by a future liquidity event, such as an acquisition or IPO, and can support causes chosen by the company.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Pledging equity or personal proceeds to charity through a legally binding process.
- Structuring a donation to be triggered by a future liquidity event.
- Joining a network of founders and investors committed to giving back.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Founders of private, incorporated Canadian companies.
- High-growth startups and tech companies.
- Companies from any industry, though most members are tech-focused.
Who is not eligible
- Unincorporated businesses.
- Public companies.
- Companies that are not Canadian.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- The online pledge form is completed first.
- Legally binding documents are signed afterward.
- The pledge becomes active only if a liquidity event occurs.
- If the company never exits or fails, no donation is made.
Additional information
- The pledge is legally binding through subsequent legal documents, not the online form alone.
- If the company never exits or fails, no donation will be made and there are no liabilities for the company.
- The foundation may help with charity selection and provides templates, tools, and guidance for charities.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program?
This program helps high-growth Canadian tech companies and founders commit equity or personal proceeds to charity. The pledge is triggered by a future liquidity event, such as an acquisition or IPO, and can support causes chosen by the company.
Who is eligible for the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program program?
To be eligible for the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program program, you must:
Incorporated private Canadian company
Growth-oriented with exit goal
Founder wants charitable impact
What expenses are eligible under The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program?
Pledging equity or personal proceeds to charity through a legally binding process.
Structuring a donation to be triggered by a future liquidity event.
Joining a network of founders and investors committed to giving back.
Who can I contact for more information about the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program?
You can contact The Upside Foundation of Canada by email at info@upsidefoundation.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program available?
The The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program?
The Upside Foundation of Canada — Equity Pledge Program is funded by The Upside Foundation of Canada